Set the volume to about half
You don't need full volume to test. Mid volume makes buzzing easier to hear.
Tap Left, then Right
Hold the phone in landscape. Notes should come from one side at a time. On phones with one speaker, both sides play from the same place.
Run the frequency sweep
The tone rises from 20 Hz to 20 kHz in 14 seconds. Small speakers stay quiet at the very low end. That is normal.
Listen for crackle or gaps
Crackling, rattling or a sudden drop in the middle of the sweep can mean water is still inside.
Free · Stereo · Full range
Speaker test: check left, right and full range
After you clear water from your phone, use this test to hear if both speakers are back to normal. Tap a side, listen, then run the sweep.
Short answer
Tap Left and Right. Each side should sound clear and about as loud as the other. Then run the sweep: a clean rising tone with no buzzing means the speaker is fine.
How to test your phone speaker
What your results mean
| What you hear | What it likely means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Clear notes on both sides | The speaker is fine. | Nothing. You're done. |
| One side quiet or muffled | Water still sits in that grille. | Run water eject with that side facing down. |
| Buzz or crackle at low tones | Drops on the speaker cone. | Use Deep mode, then let it air-dry for an hour. |
| No sound at all from one side | Water inside or a damaged speaker. | Dry for 24 hours. If it doesn't return, get it checked. |
Speaker test FAQ
Why do I hear Left and Right from the same place?
Many phones have only one real speaker, or they mix both channels together. This is normal and not a fault.
Why can't I hear the start of the sweep?
Phone speakers can't play very low notes like 20–100 Hz. You'll hear the tone appear around 150–300 Hz.
Why can't I hear the end of the sweep?
Most adults stop hearing somewhere between 14 and 17 kHz. It doesn't mean your speaker is broken.
Can I test headphones with this?
Yes. Plug them in or connect them and use Left and Right to check both earcups.