After YouTube videos that are supposed to keep mosquitoes away or put babies to sleep, here are videos that play a low sound to vibrate water out of the iPhone speakers. And, against all odds, it’s a process that turns out to be effective after dropping your phone in water, according to an in-depth study by David Pierce of The Verge in partnership with iFixit.
A useful video in some cases
For four years, a YouTube video titled “ Sound To Remove Water From Phone Speaker (GUARANTEED) » (Sound to Remove Water from Phone Speaker (Guaranteed)) is attracting attention, especially from those who accidentally submerge their phone. The video, which features a two-minute buzzing sound accompanied by a trivial animation, claims to help expel water from phone speakers. The comments section has become a community of users sharing their experiences and gratitude after using the video to save their devices.
But does any of this actually work? Tests by iFixit, relayed by The Verge, on various phones, including the iPhone 13 and Pixel 7 Pro, yielded mixed results. iFixit submerged an iPhone 13 in water with UV dye, played the video, then let it dry overnight. It did the same with phones from Google and Nokia.
While the video helped expel some water from the speakers, it was not a complete solution.
Colored water trapped in other areas, such as the SIM card slot or USB port, often remained. Experts say that while these videos can help expel some water, they should not be considered a foolproof method.
This type of video allows you to find decent sound, but not always the rest of the iPhone’s features.
A solution comparable to that of the Apple Watch
On the Apple Watch, the American company has integrated a function that uses sound to expel water from the watch, but this function is more effective because it is a smaller object with fewer ports than an iPhone.
Still, Apple’s modern iPhones are IP68 water and dust resistant, with the number 8 standing for water resistance. That means the iPhone 15 can withstand splashes, rain, and accidental dives up to six meters deep for up to 30 minutes. However, the iPhone’s waterproofing deteriorates over time, and Apple does not cover water damage.
Ultimately, the best advice is to avoid exposing your phone to water. Don’t shower with it on a daily basis, use it as a digital break.