Do you think that you can use your new phone in water as much as you want without damage because of the water-resistant tag? You may be wrong. No phone is truly waterproof; they are only water-resistant and only under the pristine, specific conditions defined by the manufacturer and a secret two-digit code called the IP Rating (Ingress Protection).
I did some research, and now I am going to uncover that two-digit code. If you want to stop damaging your phone in the future, you need to know what the actual resistance rating means and how it defines the phone’s resistance capacity.
The Two Numbers of the IP Code.
Let’s move toward the core of the topic without wasting time. The IP rating is a code that informs us about the effectiveness of phone seals against water and dust.
The First Number (The Dust Assassin)
The IP rating is made up of two digits; the first digit is assigned to the effectiveness of phone seals against dust. Let’s say the first digit is 0 (IP0X), the phone seals have zero resistance against dust. The higher the number, the tougher the competition between dirt and the protection seals.
Most modern phones have achieved an IP68 rating, which means their defense capacity against dust resistance capacity is much higher compared to earlier models.
The Second Number (The Liquid Lifeline):
The prohibition of water entering phones through proper protective seals is calculated with the second number in the IP rating. Water can easily enter phones with an IPX0 rating (IP60), while high protection seals prevent water from reaching the interior in IP68, ensuring this rating is given to the most damage-resistant phones to date.
The Death of the Seal: Why Your Old Phone is not damage resistant
Over time, protective seals get weak and are easily compromised by dust and moisture, which ultimately leads to the accumulation of unwanted particles in the speaker. You may suffer from muffled or unclear sounds. The following are some factors that make the seals less effective with passage of time.
The Invisible Cracks
Mistakenly sitting on the phone or accidentally dropping it on the floor can create stress on the frame, leading to invisible cracks and the weakening of airtight factory seals.
Heat and Age
Heat generated while the phone is charging causes the seals to shrink and weaken over time.
The Saltwater/Soap Sabotage
IP ratings are tested using fresh water only; liquids containing salts, chlorine, soap, or other chemicals can penetrate the seals over time and cause corrosion in delicate parts.
What to Do When Water Compromises the Protective Seals
When moisture and dust reach the phone by weakening the protective layer, it will damage the speaker and start to create muffled or broken sound. In this condition, do not rely on the IP rating; immediate action is necessary to prevent damage. Here is a list of actions to address the issue:
Use vibrations
It is completely safe to fix a water-damaged phone speaker using sound waves of different frequencies. They are safe because they don’t interact with the software. When the frequency shifts from one to another, it causes the speaker’s diaphragm to vibrate, resulting in the expulsion of moisture and debris.
Traditional Cleaning
- Brush the speaker grill gently with a soft-bristled brush to remove stubborn dust and any lingering liquid in small openings. Avoid putting excessive pressure while performing this task.
- Use a burst of compressed air to dry the speaker and charging port, but only with controlled pressure, to prevent the moisture from moving deeper inside the openings.
- Place the phone in an airtight container with silica gel (a moisture absorbent) for 24–48 hours.
- If the issue persists, moisture may have damaged the phone hardware. In this case, it is best to take your phone to a repair shop.
Conclusion:
Moisture and dust can easily enter your phone speakers. If they are light in quantity, don’t use risky tricks on your phone; instead, use safe sound vibrations to restore clear audio. Although sound waves may not resolve the issue completely, they are completely risk-free.
If the issue persists, moisture may have damaged the phone hardware. In this case, it is best to take your phone to a repair shop.
Fix My Speaker 