Your Bluetooth speaker got wet? Not a waterproof speaker? Yeah, that’s bad. But don’t panic. If yours takes an unexpected dive, time is everything. Do the right thing, and you might save it. Do the wrong thing, and well… it’s dead. Let’s see if we can make sure that doesn’t happen.
Get It Out of the Water. Now.
This isn’t a “finish your drink first” situation. The longer it stays submerged or exposed to water, the worse the damage. Get it out of the water immediately. Even a few extra seconds can let moisture seep deeper into the electronics, making it harder to dry out.
If it fell into a pool with chlorine (or worse, saltwater), you need to be even faster. Those chemicals can corrode the internal parts quickly.
But before you do anything else, fight the urge to turn it on. Testing it right now is the worst thing you could do.
Power It Down ASAP
I get it—you want to see if it still works. Don’t. Water and electricity are a terrible combo, and turning it on could fry the circuits for good.
If it’s still on, shut it off immediately. Hold that power button down until it goes dark. If the battery is removable, pop it out. If not, just focus on drying it as fast as possible.
Dry the Outside First
Grab a clean towel and wipe off as much water as you can. Pay extra attention to speaker grills, charging ports, and buttons. Water loves sneaking into those spots.
Turn the speaker upside down and shake it gently. A few trapped droplets might still be hiding inside, and you want them out.
If your speaker has a fabric cover, be thorough. That material absorbs water like a sponge, and if you don’t dry it properly, you might end up with a moldy, musty mess.
Remove Any Accessories
Straps, covers, charging cables—take them all off. These things hold moisture and slow down the drying process. If your speaker has protective rubber seals over ports, open them up and check for water. If they’re damp, dry them out with a cloth.
Get the Water Out
Now, let’s get rid of any water that made it inside:
- Tilt the speaker and shake it lightly.
- If it has a bass port, let gravity do its thing and help the water drain.
- If it’s covered in fabric, press gently to squeeze out any absorbed moisture.
One thing you don’t want to do? Blow into the ports. That just pushes the water deeper into places it shouldn’t be. If you have a can of compressed air, use it sparingly and from a distance.
Absorb the Moisture
You need something that pulls moisture out. Silica gel packets work best, but if you don’t have those, uncooked rice is a decent backup option.
- Put the speaker in a sealed bag with silica gel or rice.
- Leave it alone for at least 24 hours.
- Check if there’s still moisture inside. If there is, give it more time.
No silica gel or rice? Wrap it in a dry towel and place it in front of a fan on low. That’ll help with airflow without risking heat damage.
Avoid Heat at All Costs
I know, a hairdryer seems like a good idea. It’s not. High heat can warp plastic, damage adhesives, and destroy internal components. That goes for ovens, radiators, and direct sunlight too.
The safest way to dry it? Room-temperature air and patience. A fan or dehumidifier can help speed things up, but don’t rush it with heat.
Wait Before Testing
I know, waiting is the worst. But turning it on too soon could undo all your hard work. Let it sit for at least 48 hours before you even think about pressing that power button.
While you wait, check for signs of lingering moisture. If the ports still look damp or there’s condensation inside, give it more time. Better safe than sorry.
Power It Up (Carefully)
Okay, you made it this far. Time for the moment of truth.
Turn it on and start at a low volume. If it powers up but sounds weird or distorted, there might still be moisture inside. Let it play quietly for a bit—sometimes the vibrations help shake out the last bits of water.
If it crackles or sounds muffled, shut it down and dry it longer. If it works fine, congratulations! You just saved your speaker.
What If It’s Dead?
If it won’t turn on, try these:
- Charge it using a different cable and power source.
- Check if the charging port is completely dry.
- If your speaker has a reset function, give that a shot.
Still nothing? It might be fried. Some manufacturers offer repairs, but depending on the cost, replacing it might be the better option. In the event of a fatality, consider investing in a waterproof Bluetooth speaker as a replacement. They are affordable, readily available and saves you from this heartbreak in the future
Preventing Future Water Damage
If your speaker survived this time, don’t push your luck again. Here’s how to avoid another water disaster:
- Keep it away from pool edges and wet surfaces.
- Get a waterproof case or pouch.
- Upgrade to a waterproof speaker (look for an IPX7 or higher rating).
A water-damaged speaker isn’t always a lost cause. Act fast, dry it properly, and be patient. If you do it right, you might just save your speaker from an early death. And next time? Maybe keep it a little further from the water.
