You’re standing by the pool, or maybe you're hovering over a messy kitchen sink, and that split-second intrusive thought hits: What if I drop it? If you just dropped nearly a thousand bucks on the new Google Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, or that massive Pro XL, you want a straight answer.
Is the Pixel 9 waterproof?
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Honestly, no. But don't panic. There is a massive, legally-binding difference between "waterproof" and "water-resistant." No mainstream smartphone manufacturer, Google included, will ever tell you their device is truly waterproof. Why? Because physics is a jerk and seals eventually fail. However, the Pixel 9 lineup comes with an IP68 rating under IEC standard 60529.
Basically, your phone is built to survive a clumsy mishap, but it isn't a submarine.
The Reality of the IP68 Rating on Pixel 9
Let’s break down the jargon. The "IP" stands for Ingress Protection. The "6" means it is completely dust-tight. You could take it to a sand dune, and as long as you don't get grit in the charging port, the internals are safe. The "8" is the water part.
Google’s official documentation for the Pixel 9 series states these devices are designed to withstand immersion in up to 1.5 meters (about 5 feet) of fresh water for up to 30 minutes.
That sounds great on paper. In reality, those tests are conducted in laboratory conditions using "still" water. It’s a controlled environment. When you drop your phone into a moving river or a chlorinated pool, the dynamics change. Water pressure increases if the phone is moving or if it’s hit by a splash. It’s not just about depth; it’s about the force of the water against those tiny rubber gaskets and adhesive strips holding your screen to the frame.
Why "Fresh Water" Is a Massive Caveat
If you spill a glass of tap water on your Pixel 9 Pro, you can probably just wipe it off and go about your day. But the world isn't made of distilled, room-temperature H2O.
Saltwater is the enemy. If you take your Pixel 9 into the ocean to snap a "cool" underwater shot of a tide pool, you are playing a very dangerous game. Salt is corrosive. Even if the water doesn't get inside, the salt dries in the speaker grilles and the USB-C port, crystallized and abrasive. It can eat away at the seals over time.
Then there’s the pool. Chlorine and other chemicals used to keep pools clean can degrade the adhesives that make the Pixel 9 water-resistant in the first place. If your phone gets doused in anything other than plain water—be it soda, salt water, or a latte—you need to rinse it gently with fresh water immediately.
Wear and Tear: The Silent Killer of Water Resistance
Here is something Google mentions in the fine print that most people ignore: water resistance is not permanent.
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It’s a temporary state.
Your Pixel 9 is most water-resistant the second it comes out of the box. Every time you drop it on the sidewalk, even if the screen doesn't crack, the internal structural integrity can shift. Micro-gaps form. Heat from fast charging or leaving the phone in a hot car can slightly melt or warp the adhesives. Over a year or two, an IP68 rating might effectively become an IP67 rating, or worse.
If you’ve ever had your screen replaced by a third-party shop that didn't use the exact OEM adhesive gaskets, your water resistance is essentially zero. Keep that in mind before you decide to record a video in the rain with a two-year-old device.
The Warranty Trap
This is the part that sucks. Even though Google markets the Pixel 9 as having IP68 protection, liquid damage is not covered under the standard one-year warranty.
It feels like a contradiction. They tell you it can handle a dunking, but if it dies from a dunking, you’re on the hook for the repair bill. This is standard across the industry—Apple and Samsung do the exact same thing. The IP rating is there as a "safety net," not a feature to be tested for fun. If the "Liquid Contact Indicators" (small stickers inside the phone that turn pink or red when wet) are tripped, Google’s support team will likely deny a free repair.
If you’re genuinely worried about water, you should look into Preferred Care. It’s Google’s extended insurance that actually covers accidental damage, including the "I dropped it in the toilet" scenario.
Real-World Advice: What to Do if Your Pixel 9 Gets Wet
Don't reach for the rice. Seriously. The "phone in a bowl of rice" trick is a myth that won't die. Rice can actually introduce dust and starch into your ports, and it doesn't "pull" moisture out of the sealed internals of a modern smartphone.
- Power it down. If it took a deep dive, turn it off immediately to prevent a short circuit.
- Dry the exterior. Use a lint-free microfiber cloth.
- Clear the port. Gently tap the phone against your hand with the charging port facing down to get excess droplets out.
- Air dry. Place it in a spot with good airflow. A fan is your best friend here.
- Wait. Do not plug in a charger for at least 4 to 5 hours. The Pixel 9 will usually give you a "Liquid detected" warning if you try to charge it while the port is damp. Listen to that warning.
If you’re a frequent hiker or someone who spends time on boats, buy a dedicated dry bag or a heavy-duty waterproof case like those from Lifeproof or certain OtterBox series. A $30 case is a lot cheaper than a $900 phone replacement.
The Pixel 9 is a rugged, well-built piece of tech. It’ll survive a rainstorm or a spill at dinner. Just don't treat it like a GoPro. It’s a computer that fits in your pocket, and computers generally prefer to stay dry.
Actionable Steps for Pixel 9 Owners
- Check your seals: If you have any visible cracks on the back glass or screen, assume your water resistance is gone.
- Rinse after salt: If you're at the beach and it gets splashed, a quick rinse under a low-pressure tap of fresh water is mandatory to prevent corrosion.
- Avoid steam: Do not take your Pixel 9 into a hot shower or a sauna. Steam molecules are smaller than liquid water drops and can bypass seals much more easily.
- Use wireless charging: If your port is wet and you desperately need power, use a Qi charger. It avoids the risk of electrical shorts in the USB-C pins.
- Document everything: If you do have to send it in for a non-water-related repair, take photos of the phone first to prove there was no prior liquid damage.