Discover how to fix your waterproof sound box that refuses to charge after getting wet. This guide offers practical steps, from drying techniques to checking the charging port and battery. Don’t let a little water stop your music; follow these tips to revive your speaker.
So, your trusty waterproof sound box took a dip, and now it’s refusing to charge. It’s a frustrating situation, especially when you’re ready to blast some tunes by the pool or at the beach. The good news is that a waterproof speaker not charging after water exposure isn’t always a death sentence for your device. Many common issues can be resolved with a bit of patience and some simple troubleshooting steps.
It’s important to remember that “waterproof” doesn’t always mean “submersible indefinitely” or “impervious to all types of water.” Even the most robust speakers can suffer damage if exposed beyond their limits or if their seals are compromised. When water gets into the charging port or other internal components, it can cause short circuits or corrosion, leading to charging problems.
This article will guide you through the process of diagnosing and fixing your waterproof sound box that won’t charge after water. We’ll cover everything from proper drying techniques to identifying potential hardware issues. Let’s get your sound box back to its musical glory!
Key Takeaways
- Thorough Drying is Crucial: Allow ample time for the sound box to dry completely, both externally and internally, before attempting to charge.
- Inspect the Charging Port: Carefully examine the charging port for any signs of corrosion, debris, or water damage that could impede charging.
- Use the Correct Charger: Ensure you are using the original or a compatible charger and cable that meets the speaker’s specifications.
- Check the Battery Health: While challenging without professional tools, understand that a water-damaged battery might be the culprit, potentially requiring replacement.
- Reset the Device: Many speakers have a reset function that can resolve software glitches, which might be preventing charging after water exposure.
- Professional Help is an Option: If DIY methods fail, seeking professional repair services is advisable to avoid further damage.
📑 Table of Contents
Step 1: The Crucial Drying Process
This is, by far, the most important step. Rushing this can lead to permanent damage. When water enters your sound box, it needs to be completely removed before you even think about plugging it in.
External Drying
First, gently wipe down the entire exterior of the sound box with a soft, dry cloth. Pay close attention to any crevices or seams where water might be trapped. If you’ve been to the beach, you might also want to check out this guide on how to clean sand from waterproof Bluetooth speakers, as sand can exacerbate water issues.
Internal Drying: Patience is Key
Allowing the speaker to air dry is essential.
- Positioning: Place the sound box in a well-ventilated area. You can position it so that any openings, like speaker grilles or the charging port area, are facing downwards. This encourages water to drain out rather than pool inside.
- Time: This isn’t a quick fix. Depending on how much water got in and the humidity, it can take anywhere from 24 to 72 hours for the inside to dry completely. Resist the urge to speed this up with heat.
- Avoid Direct Heat: Never use hairdryers, ovens, or direct sunlight to dry your speaker. Excessive heat can damage the plastic, rubber seals, and internal electronic components.
Using Desiccants (Optional but Recommended)
If you’re really concerned about moisture, you can use desiccants.
- Silica Gel Packets: Those little packets you find in shoe boxes or electronics packaging are perfect for absorbing moisture. Place your sound box in an airtight container or a sealed plastic bag along with several of these packets.
- Rice (Use with Caution): While commonly suggested, putting electronics directly into a container of rice can be messy and might not be as effective as silica gel. If you do use rice, ensure the speaker is well-covered but not packed so tightly that air can’t circulate.
The goal here is to create an environment where moisture is actively wicked away from the speaker’s internal components.
Step 2: Inspecting the Charging Port and Cables
Visual guide about How to Fix Waterproof Sound Box Not Charging After Water
Image source: images.tuneskit.com
Once you’re confident the speaker is thoroughly dry, it’s time to look at the charging mechanism. Water can cause corrosion or leave behind debris that prevents a proper connection.
Examining the Charging Port
- Visual Inspection: Use a bright light and a magnifying glass (if available) to carefully inspect the charging port. Look for any signs of white or greenish corrosion, rust, or any foreign objects lodged inside.
- Cleaning the Port:
- Compressed Air: A can of compressed air is a gentle and effective way to blow out any loose debris. Hold the can upright and use short bursts.
- Toothpicks or Non-Metallic Tools: For stubborn debris or slight corrosion, you can *very carefully* use a dry, non-metallic tool like a wooden or plastic toothpick to gently dislodge anything. Never use metal objects like paperclips or pins, as they can short-circuit the port or cause damage.
- Isopropyl Alcohol (Use Sparingly): If you see visible corrosion, you can dip a small cotton swab in 90% or higher isopropyl alcohol and *gently* dab the inside of the port. Ensure it dries completely before proceeding. Isopropyl alcohol evaporates quickly and is less likely to cause damage than water.
Checking the Charging Cable and Adapter
The problem might not be the speaker at all!
- Inspect the Cable: Look for any fraying, cuts, or bent pins on the charging cable. A damaged cable won’t transmit power effectively.
- Test with Another Cable: If possible, try using a different, known-working charging cable of the same type (e.g., USB-C, Micro USB).
- Examine the Power Adapter: Ensure the power adapter is also clean and free of debris. Try plugging it into a different outlet to rule out an outlet issue.
If your speaker is a JBL, you might want to check out specific tips for fixing JBL charging problems.
Step 3: Attempting to Charge Again
With the speaker dry and the charging port inspected, it’s time for the moment of truth.
The First Charge Attempt
- Use the Original Charger: Always try to use the charger and cable that came with your waterproof sound box. They are designed to meet its specific power requirements.
- Plug It In: Connect the charging cable securely to the speaker and the power adapter, then plug it into a reliable power source.
- Observe the Indicator Light: Most speakers have an LED indicator light that shows charging status (e.g., red for charging, green or blue for fully charged, or no light if not charging). See if the light comes on.
What If It Still Doesn’t Charge?
If the light doesn’t come on or the battery level doesn’t increase after a significant period (e.g., 30 minutes to an hour), don’t panic yet. The battery might be completely depleted and needs a longer initial charge to register.
- Leave it Plugged In: Let it charge for at least a few hours, or even overnight. Sometimes, a deeply discharged battery needs a sustained charge to wake up.
- Check Other Devices: While charging, try charging another device with the same cable and adapter to confirm they are working correctly.
If your speaker isn’t turning on at all, you might find these tips on how to fix a Bluetooth speaker not turning on helpful, as charging issues can sometimes manifest as an inability to power up.
Step 4: Resetting the Sound Box
Sometimes, the charging issue isn’t a hardware problem but a software glitch. Water exposure can sometimes trigger these glitches. Many Bluetooth speakers have a reset function.
How to Find the Reset Button
The reset button’s location and activation method vary greatly between brands and models.
- Check the Manual: Your speaker’s user manual is the best place to find this information.
- Look for a Small Button: It’s often a tiny, recessed button that requires a pin or paperclip to press. It might be near the charging port, on the bottom, or on the back panel.
- Common Reset Sequences: Some speakers require holding down a specific button (like the power or Bluetooth button) for a prolonged period (10-30 seconds) while plugged in or unplugged.
Performing the Reset
Follow your speaker’s specific instructions. For example, you might need to:
- Press and hold the reset button for 10 seconds.
- Hold the power button and the volume down button simultaneously for 15 seconds.
- Unplug the speaker, then hold the power button for 30 seconds.
After resetting, try charging the speaker again. This can often resolve internal communication errors that might prevent charging. If you’re struggling with a specific brand, searching for “[Your Speaker Brand] reset instructions” can be very useful.
Step 5: Assessing Battery Health and Advanced Issues
If none of the above steps work, the problem might lie with the battery itself or more significant internal damage.
The Battery Factor
Water and battery components don’t mix well. If water got into the battery compartment or caused corrosion on the battery contacts, it could have damaged the battery.
- Swollen Battery: In rare cases, a damaged battery can swell. If you notice any bulging or deformation in the speaker’s casing, *do not attempt to charge it further* and seek professional help immediately, as swollen batteries can be a fire hazard.
- Battery Replacement: If the battery is indeed the issue, it will likely need to be replaced. This is often a job for a professional technician, as it can be difficult to access and replace batteries in many portable speakers without specialized tools.
Internal Component Damage
Water can cause short circuits on the speaker’s main circuit board or other internal components.
- Corrosion: Even after drying, corrosion might have set in, creating bad connections.
- Signs of Damage: Are there any unusual smells (like burning plastic), discolored areas on the circuit board, or visible burn marks? These are signs of significant damage.
If you suspect internal component damage, it’s usually best to consult a professional repair service. Attempting to open and repair the internal electronics yourself without expertise can lead to more damage and void any remaining warranty. For basic charging issues, you can sometimes find information on how to bypass a charging port on a Bluetooth speaker, but this is an advanced technique for specific scenarios and not a general fix for water damage.
Step 6: When to Seek Professional Help
You’ve tried everything, and your waterproof sound box still won’t charge. It’s time to consider professional assistance.
Warranty Check
- Manufacturer Warranty: If your speaker is still under warranty, contact the manufacturer. However, be aware that water damage is often excluded from standard warranties. Some manufacturers offer accidental damage protection plans.
Professional Repair Services
- Local Electronics Repair Shops: Many independent shops can diagnose and repair electronic devices. Look for ones that specialize in audio equipment or portable electronics.
- Online Repair Services: Some companies offer mail-in repair services for specific brands or types of devices.
When taking your speaker for repair, clearly explain what happened – that it got wet and then wouldn’t charge. This information will help the technician diagnose the problem more efficiently. While we’ve covered many fixes for general Bluetooth speaker charging issues, like those on how to fix a Bluetooth speaker not charging, water damage presents unique challenges.
Conclusion
It’s incredibly disappointing when your beloved waterproof sound box stops charging after an unfortunate encounter with water. However, by following a methodical approach that prioritizes thorough drying, careful inspection of the charging port, using the correct charging accessories, and attempting a reset, you can often bring your speaker back to life. Remember that patience is your best friend throughout this process.
If DIY troubleshooting doesn’t yield results, don’t despair. Professional repair services are available and can often salvage devices that seem beyond hope. With a bit of luck and the right approach, you’ll be enjoying your music again in no time!
Frequently Asked Questions
My waterproof sound box got wet and now it won’t charge. What’s the first thing I should do?
The very first thing you must do is ensure the speaker is completely dry, both inside and out. Do not attempt to charge it until you are certain no moisture remains. This drying process can take 24-72 hours.
Can I use a hairdryer to speed up the drying process?
No, absolutely not. Applying direct heat from a hairdryer, oven, or direct sunlight can damage the speaker’s internal components, seals, and casing, potentially causing more harm than good.
How do I know if the charging port is damaged by water?
Inspect the charging port closely for any signs of corrosion (white or greenish residue), rust, or debris. You can use a flashlight and, if necessary, a magnifying glass for a detailed view.
What should I do if I see corrosion in the charging port?
You can try gently cleaning the port with a cotton swab dipped in high-percentage isopropyl alcohol (90% or higher). Ensure the port is completely dry before attempting to charge.
My speaker still won’t charge after drying and cleaning the port. What else could be wrong?
The battery itself might be damaged by the water, or there could be internal circuit board damage due to a short circuit or corrosion. A software glitch could also be preventing charging, in which case a factory reset might help.
Should I try to open the speaker to dry the internal components?
Unless you have experience with electronics repair, it’s generally not recommended to open the speaker. You risk causing further damage, voiding warranties, and potentially harming yourself. It’s better to seek professional help.
