Over time, dust and debris can build up in a phone’s speaker, dulling its sound, making it quieter, or causing crackling. According to Tạp Chí Đời Sống, you don’t need special tools — with a few simple items and gentle technique, you can restore better audio from your device. (Tap Chí Đời Sống) tapchinuocmy.com

Here’s a refined and elaborated version of their advice — plus extra tips from phone care and electronics sources.

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What the Original Article Recommends

1. Turn off the phone first
   Always power off your device before cleaning the speaker to prevent damage and avoid accidental key presses. tapchinuocmy.com

2. Soft tools only — cotton swabs, soft brush
   Identify the speaker grille area (for many phones, beside the charging port or on the top). Use a cotton swab or a soft-bristled brush, gently pushing it into the speaker slots to dislodge dust. Brush vertically and horizontally to reach trapped particles. tapchinuocmy.com

3. Use 70% isopropyl alcohol (IPA) sparingly
   Lightly dampen a cotton swab with 70% alcohol and wipe over the speaker — not inside deeply — to dissolve grime. Let it air dry afterward; the alcohol evaporates quickly. tapchinuocmy.com

4. Use sticky tape to pull out dust
   Roll a piece of tape so the adhesive side is facing outward. Gently press into the speaker slot so dust sticks to the tape. Pull it out, and repeat with fresh tape until fewer particles are removed. You can also press tape gently on the grille surface and peel off. tapchinuocmy.com

5. Compressed air duster
   If you have a can of compressed air, point its nozzle at the speaker from a safe distance (some advice suggests ~1–2 cm). Blow short bursts (3–4) to push dust out. Be careful not to aim the nozzle too close or too powerfully, as strong air pressure might damage internal components. tapchinuocmy.com

6. Use sound frequencies / “speaker cleaner” apps
   There are apps (like “Speaker Cleaner,” “Sonic,” or frequency generators) that play sound frequencies meant to shake loose dust inside the speaker. The article suggests using them after manual cleaning to dislodge finer particles. tapchinuocmy.com

7. Clean the phone’s ports too
   Dust in headphone jacks or charging ports can also affect sound and function. Use a soft brush, tape, or blow with compressed air (gently) to clear them. tapchinuocmy.com

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Extra Tips, Safety Precautions & Expert Insights

While the article provides solid basic steps, here are additional recommendations and warnings from tech-cleaning and electronics experts:

• Use minimal liquid: Never flood the speaker grille with liquid. Even with IPA, excessive moisture can seep inside and damage delicate components.

• Avoid sharp or metallic instruments: Tools like needles or metal pins can scratch the grille or pierce internal membranes.

• Angle matters: When brushing or taping, approach at a shallow angle rather than head-on to reduce the chance of pushing dust deeper inside.

• Distance your compressed air: At least a few centimeters away, and use short bursts. Holding the can too close can cool the area or introduce condensation.

• Quiet environment and test afterward: After cleaning, play a test tone or song and move your ear near the speaker to check clarity and volume improvements.

• Routine maintenance is best: Rather than waiting until sound is bad, perform a gentle cleaning regularly (e.g. weekly or biweekly) to prevent buildup.

• For sealed or water-resistant phones: Be extra cautious — some speaker ports are covered by thin membranes that protect from water; aggressive cleaning may compromise those seals.

• Consider professional cleaning: If your speaker is still muffled after all the above steps, dust may be deep inside, or the speaker unit may be physically damaged. A technician may need to open and service it.