iPhone speaker too quiet? Stab it with needles

If you're like us, you feel more than a little annoyed with iPhone's speaker volume. Yes, whether you're waiting for a call, trying to have a speakerphone conversation, or just listening for sweet DTMF tones -- the thing kind of stinks. Perhaps it's time to take extreme measures, as some owners have resorted to... like sticking a needle through the holes in the speaker enclosure. Yes, according to daring "modders," it's possible to get a 40-percent increase in volume via this simple-yet-destructive trick of perforating the thin plastic which covers the speaker. Apparently, the phone gets so loud post-surgery that the volume is actually startling to some users. Feeling like you're brave enough to really void that warranty? Let us know the results!

[Thanks, Michael]

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 26th 2008 3:10AM]

It works guys......
http://www.metacafe.com/watch/1057498/iphone_speaker_hack_up_to_40_louder/

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 18th 2008 2:02PM]

Here's some info I gleaned from the thread linked from the "Read" link:

You only need to perforate small holes in the middle of the left side (that's where the soundport for the speaker is)

You won't be perforating the speaker itself (since that's hidden further away inside the case). Rather, you're opening up holes in a flap that covers a soundguide.

You may run the risk of the perforations allowing some dust getting into the case, also not sure what the warranty implications are...

Here's some photos someone took with their case off, showing the speaker port on the left & where the membrane goes:

speaker port w/o cover http://www.flickr.com/photo_zoom.gne?id=2137269649&size=m&context=photostream

speaker port w/ cover http://www.flickr.com/photo_zoom.gne?id=2137269707&size=m&context=photostream

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 9th 2008 4:54PM]

I also participated in this newest trend... It worked well. I poked 6-7 holes, and its decently louder (20-30%). You can feel the "protective layer" being punctured when you stick the needle in there.

Dont go any deeper than that or you may poke the speaker itself.

Thanks for the suggestions everyone.

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 18th 2008 3:11PM]

Okay, I went ahead and did this as I was feeling a bit crazy but what the heck it couldn't be any worse then bricking the darn thing... and you know what... IT WORKED! I can't even tell you how much louder it is... I can actually put it on the desk and walk away and still here it.

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 18th 2008 3:27PM]

@Todd: Does it come? (When you 'here' it?) :P

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 18th 2008 4:22PM]

geez! i know... what an idiot! I meant hear! but yes, it comes when i here it!

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 18th 2008 4:40PM]

You can actually hear the difference even as you push on the speaker's dust filter, it is much louder.

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 18th 2008 5:57PM]

Holy crap! I can't believe this actually worked! The speakers are finally useful, I can watch movies without headphones!

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 18th 2008 11:26PM]

Months ago, I accidently got unchewed gum stuck in the speaker holes(don't ask) and picked out the gunk with a needle. My iphone is so much louder than my coworkers. I can hear the alarm rooms away.

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 19th 2008 6:58PM]

I did this today. A guy a AT&T showed me the site. I got a straight pin from him and DARN, I love my iphone again! Just got off a speaker phone call and my wife said she heard it from downstairs. Now, if I could just explain that chick calling and the conversation about the hotel.....