Separate the speaker from the connector
A muffled speaker and a liquid-detection charging alert are different problems. Sound may help around the speaker grille; it does not dry the USB-C or Lightning connector.
Prepare your iPhone
Remove the case, disconnect Bluetooth, start at a moderate volume and point the lower speaker grille down toward a dry cloth.
Play once, then wait
Run the full water-eject sequence. Give the phone time to dry naturally before testing a voice recording or spoken video at moderate volume.
Escalate persistent symptoms
If audio crackles after adequate drying time, calls are inaudible, the phone heats up or the liquid alert remains, stop testing and follow Apple support guidance.
If audio crackles after adequate drying time, calls are inaudible, the phone heats up or the liquid alert remains, stop testing and follow Apple support guidance.