If the iPhone shows a liquid alert
Disconnect the Lightning or USB-C cable and accessory. Apple advises tapping the iPhone gently against your hand with the connector facing down, then leaving it in a dry area with airflow before trying the cable again.
Do not use external heat, compressed air, cotton swabs, paper or rice. A speaker sound does not change the condition of the connector.
If only the speaker sounds muffled
Remove the case and place the iPhone with the affected speaker side down on a lint-free cloth. Apple notes that speaker or microphone performance can degrade until water evaporates.
Disconnect Bluetooth, select the closest model option on nBeats and run one 1:36 sound. Let the phone rest before testing speech at moderate volume.
If both symptoms appear
Keep the cable disconnected while you test the loudspeaker. Improvement in the speaker does not cancel the liquid alert. Continue to give the connector time and airflow, following the on-screen warning and Apple support guidance.
Avoid repeated high-volume cycles while waiting. More playback is not a substitute for drying time.
Clues that point beyond a droplet
Persistent distortion across calls, media and voice recordings can indicate blockage or damage. Heat, intermittent power, display problems or a liquid alert that will not clear requires Apple Support or qualified service.
Water resistance can decrease with normal wear and impact. It should not be treated as permission to keep charging or using a wet device.
Device-specific safety statements are linked to current manufacturer guidance and independent reporting.
Apple: if you see a liquid-detection alertApple: iPhone water-resistance and drying guidance