Why is does my speaker sound distorted?

Hi

If water remains in the speaker on your Apple Watch Series 2 or 3 after engaging and then turning off Water Lock, then it may help to repeat the process by manually enabling and turning off Water Lock at least once more:

About Apple Watch water resistance - Apple Support

If the speaker remains muffled after multiple uses of Water Lock, then I suggest that you contact Apple Support (remote diagnostics and/or mail-in service may be available, if required), make a Genius Bar reservation or visit an Apple Authorised Service Provider for advice and assistance:

• US: Apple Watch Service Answer Center - Apple Support
• Elsewhere: Apple - Support

More information:

Important handling information

(Note that Apple expressly advises against using compressed air when cleaning or drying Apple Watch).

I have this same exact problem, I think the water clearing sound is too loud for the little speaker. Apple makes the speaker loud enough so that you can hear it if your not holding it to your face, so the sounds are to loud for such a small speaker, so the speaker gets damaged.

UPDATE

I took Jonathan advice to contact apple support first, whilst they were really helpful (thanks Amanda) the speaker distortion issue cleared up whilst chatting to support. A few more tries at turning the water lock on and clearing by turning the dial plus calling someone on the phone and checking if the distortion was there eventually cleared out any remaining water it seems. Probably will avoid showers with watch on in future...

I have the exact same problem. After about 2 months I brought the watch back to apple and after they sent it out they exchanged it with another watch. the original watch needed to have the water ejected 2 or 3 times and then it sounded fine. but after a couple of months it took many hours before sounding ok again.

The replacement watch sounded tinny for a couple of hours after numerous ejections. Now a few months later it takes 4 to six hours before it sounds right again.

I'm going to bring it back to apple and let them exchange it again.

I hope that this is not normal for a watch that's this expensive!

I have the exact same problem. Mine was replaced at the Apple store after waiting a few days for Tech to look at it and agree with me. But the replacement does the exact same thing. I have the extended warranty. I think I’ll just keep exchanging it until Apple admits that there is a design flaw and gets me an updated watch.

To spend this money much money on this watch and have this problem is not right. You can’t tell me that none of the beta testers saw this and Apple didn’t know about it!

Seems to be a common problem. Try rinsing the watch and leaving it speaker-side down. Also spray compressed air at an extremely low pressure might help dislodge the water. Has to be very very low pressure so as not to damage anything.

Hi

Be sure to expel water from the speaker after exposing Apple Watch Series 2 to water.

Swimming workouts

Starting a swimming workout in the Workout app on Apple Watch Series 2 models automatically enables Water Lock, which locks the screen to prevent accidental interactions during your workout.

To finish your workout and expel any water:

• Press the Digital Crown and the side button at the same time (which pauses the workout).
• Turn the Digital Crown, which unlocks the screen and clears any water from inside the watch's speaker (it may make a sound).
• Swipe right and tap on End.

Other swimming

If you plan to get your Apple Watch Series 2 wet under other circumstances than when tracking a swimming workout - such as during general wear in a pool - you can manually lock the screen first and then clear water from the speaker afterwards:

• Swipe up from the bottom of the watch face to open Control Center > tap on Water Lock to lock the screen.
• When finished: turn the Digital Crown to unlock the screen and to clear water from the speaker.
• The lock can also be enabled and immediately unlocked after unexpected water exposure to expel any water.

After swimming, be sure to clean your Apple Watch Series 2 by gently rinsing it with warm tap water. The watch and band should be dried using a nonabrasive, lint-free cloth.

More information:

Work out with your Apple Watch - Apple Support

About Apple Watch water resistance - Apple Support

https://help.apple.com/watch/#/apd707b42a5e

If you are concerned about a potential hardware issue with the speaker, I suggest that you contact Apple Support, taking advantage of your initial 90 days of complimentary telephone-based technical support.

If necessary, Apple can arrange for your watch to be inspected and, if required, serviced or replaced under warranty:

• Contact - Official Apple Support
• https://twitter.com/applesupport
• http://www.apple.com/retail/geniusbar/

I think I have the same issue too.

i've also noticed that, while in the beginning one single unlock would expel all the water from the speaker, now after a couple of unlocking there's still water to expel.

and in general the volume sounds lower than what it used to be. :-///

I'm having the same issue. Although mine doesn't seem to clear up. It's almost like the speaker is blown. I never had a problem with my Series 0, but I did not wear it in the shower or pool.

Make sure u have nothing stuck in the speaker like for example lint or dust/dirt

Had mine a week and noticed sound after shower is now tinny and/or vibration like. Pressing "Mickey" the time check sounds bad. Definitely heading back to the shop.

I have the same problem with a brand new Apple Watch Series 3. Having been swimming with it a few times I think the 'expel water' sound has blown the speaker.

Ok being in Arizona I just put my watch in the window and the water evaporates quickly! Just don’t leave it for to long!