How to Clean iPhone Speaker: 4 Simple Methods

A soft toothbrush is one of the safest ways to clean your iPhone speaker. This method works well for removing dust and light dirt from the speaker holes. Apple recommends using a soft brush for cleaning iPhone speakers.

1. Find a clean, soft-bristled toothbrush. Make sure the brush is completely dry. Do not use water or any liquid on the brush.

2. Remove your iPhone case and screen protector. This gives you better access to the speaker holes.

3. Use a flashlight or phone light to see inside the speaker holes. This helps you see how much dirt is there.

4. Hold your iPhone firmly. Place the soft brush against the speaker holes.

5. Brush gently from side to side. Always brush away from the speaker, not into it. This pushes dirt out instead of deeper inside.

6. Clean the brush by tapping it after each stroke. This removes dirt from the brush bristles.

7. Repeat the brushing several times until the speaker holes look clean.

8. Use the same method for the bottom speakers near the charging port. Insert the brush gently and rotate softly to pull out dirt.

Using a toothpick to clean iPhone speaker holes requires extra care. This method works best when you can see large pieces of dirt or lint stuck in the speaker. Only use this method if other ways do not work.

1. Get a wooden or plastic toothpick. Wooden toothpicks are safer than metal ones.

2. Remove your phone case if you have one. Make sure you have good lighting to see what you are doing.

3. Look at the speaker holes with a flashlight. Only use a toothpick if you can clearly see dirt or debris.

4. Hold the toothpick gently. Do not press hard or push deep into the speaker holes.

5. Insert the sharp end of the toothpick into the speaker hole very carefully. Stop when you feel any resistance.

6. Tilt the toothpick slightly sideways and up as you pull it out. This motion flicks the debris out of the hole.

7. Never tilt the toothpick down. This can push dirt deeper into the speaker and cause damage.

8. Repeat this process for other holes if needed. Work slowly and carefully with each hole.

Painter's tape is a gentle way to clean iPhone speaker holes. This blue tape has weak adhesive that picks up dirt without leaving sticky residue on your phone. Many people find this method very effective and safe.

1. Get a roll of painter's tape or masking tape. These types of tape are not too sticky.

2. Take your iPhone out of its case. Clean your hands so they are not dirty or oily.

3. Cut a small piece of tape, about one inch long. You do not need a big piece.

4. Roll the tape around your index finger tip. Make sure the sticky side faces out.

5. Press your finger gently against the speaker holes. The tape should touch the holes but not press too hard.

6. Roll your finger from side to side over the speaker area. The tape will collect dust and dirt.

7. Check the tape after each use. If you see dirt on the tape, it is working.

8. Use a fresh piece of tape when the first piece gets too dirty. Throw away the used tape.

9. For bottom speakers, roll the tape into a smaller point. This helps it fit into the smaller holes better.

An air blower is a safe tool that uses gentle air pressure to remove dust from iPhone speakers. This method works well after using other cleaning methods. Never use compressed air cans because they are too powerful and can damage your phone.

1. Buy a small silicone air blower. These are sold in camera stores and online. They look like small rubber balls with a nozzle.

2. Remove your iPhone from its case. Make sure the air blower is clean and dry.

3. Hold the air blower about one inch away from the speaker holes. Do not place it directly against the phone.

4. Squeeze the air blower gently to create a short burst of air. Do not squeeze too hard.

5. Aim the air across the speaker holes, not directly into them. This sweeps dirt out instead of pushing it in.

6. Use several short bursts of air. Check your progress with a flashlight between bursts.

7. If needed, move the air blower slightly closer for more cleaning power. But always keep some distance.

8. Repeat this process for all speaker areas on your iPhone. Work slowly and carefully.

Did you know that these same cleaning methods work for other parts of your iPhone too? Your charging port and headphone jack (if your phone has one) also collect dirt and dust over time. When these ports get dirty, you might have trouble connecting cables or charging your phone.

You can use the soft brush method and painter's tape method on charging ports safely. The air blower also works well for these areas. However, be extra careful with toothpicks around charging ports because these areas have delicate parts inside. Cotton swabs work better for charging ports because they are softer and safer than toothpicks.