- Waterproof vs Water-Resistant Clarification: No Google Pixel is fully waterproof. They are water-resistant, rated by IP standards that indicate varying protection from dust and water exposure.
- Understanding IP Ratings: Ratings like IP67 and IP68 show resistance levels. Higher numbers mean stronger defense, but water resistance doesn’t equal total protection in all conditions.
- Pixel Models With Water Resistance: Starting with Pixel 2, most flagship Pixels, including the Pixel 10 series, feature water resistance, commonly IP68, enough for daily spills and rain.
- Safe Activities for Water-Resistant Pixels: You can safely use Pixels in rain, spills, or sweat, but they aren’t designed for swimming, diving, or underwater photography sessions.
- Precautions to Prevent Water Damage: Always dry your Pixel quickly, avoid charging when wet, keep away from saltwater, and consider waterproof cases for extra long-term protection.
If you’ve ever dropped your phone in the sink, spilled coffee on it, or got caught in a sudden downpour, you know the panic that comes with water meeting tech. Thankfully, most modern smartphones, including Google’s Pixel lineup, are designed with some level of water resistance. But does that mean your Pixel is fully waterproof? And which Pixel models actually carry an official waterproof rating?
Here’s the good news: many Pixel phones are indeed water-resistant, with some models even boasting top-tier IP68 certification. But not all of them are built equal. In this guide, I’ll break down which Google Pixel phones are waterproof (or more accurately, water-resistant), explain what those IP ratings mean, and share tips on keeping your Pixel safe around water.
By the end, you’ll know whether your Pixel can survive a splash, a rainstorm, or even an accidental dip in the pool.
What Does “Waterproof” Really Mean?
First, let’s clear up a common misconception: no Pixel phone is truly waterproof. Instead, they are water-resistant. That means they can withstand exposure to water under specific conditions but aren’t invincible. The level of protection is measured using the IP (Ingress Protection) rating system, which has two digits:
- The first digit indicates dust protection (on a scale of 0–6).
- The second digit indicates water resistance (on a scale of 0–9).
For example:
- IP67: Dustproof and can survive immersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes.
- IP68: Dustproof and resistant to submersion beyond 1 meter, with exact depth and time determined by the manufacturer.
- IPX8: Tested for water immersion but not dust resistance (common in foldables).
Important note: Even with an IP rating, Google doesn’t cover water damage under warranty. The rating is meant for accidental splashes, rain, or brief immersion—not frequent or intentional dunking.
Which Google Pixel Phones Are Waterproof or Water Resistance?
| Pixel Model | Year Released | IP Rating | Waterproof / Water-Resistant Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pixel 10 / 10 Pro / 10 Pro XL | 2025 | IP68 | Dustproof, submersion beyond 1m (manufacturer defined) |
| Pixel 10 Pro Fold | 2025 | IP68 | Dustproof + water-resistant foldable |
| Pixel 9 / 9 Pro / 9 Pro Fold | 2024 | IP68 / IPX8 | Flagships: IP68; Fold: IPX8 |
| Pixel 8 / 8 Pro | 2023 | IP68 | Strong dust & water resistance |
| Pixel 7 / 7 Pro | 2022 | IP68 | Water-resistant up to 1.5m for 30 mins |
| Pixel 7a | 2023 | IP67 | Protected against dust + shallow immersion |
| Pixel 6 / 6 Pro | 2021 | IP68 | Full flagship-level water resistance |
| Pixel 6a | 2022 | IP67 | Slightly lower resistance than Pro models |
| Pixel 5 | 2020 | IP68 | Water-resistant flagship |
| Pixel 5a (5G) | 2021 | IP67 | First Pixel “a” with official rating |
| Pixel 4 / 4 XL | 2019 | IP68 | Water-resistant flagship |
| Pixel 3 / 3 XL | 2018 | IP68 | First solid flagship water resistance |
| Pixel 3a / 3a XL | 2019 | None | No official waterproof rating |
| Pixel 2 / 2 XL | 2017 | IP67 | Limited water resistance |
| Pixel 1 / XL | 2016 | None | No official waterproof rating |
Pixel 10 Series (2025)
The latest Pixel 10, 10 Pro, and 10 Pro XL all carry IP68 certification, offering maximum dust protection and the ability to survive immersion beyond 1m (manufacturer specified). The Pixel 10 Pro Fold also carries IP68, making it dust and water-resistant, an upgrade for foldables.
Want the full scoop on Google’s latest hardware and AI updates? Check out our roundup of everything announced at Made by Google 2025.
Pixel 9 Series (2024)
- Pixel 9 and 9 Pro: IP68 rated.
- Pixel 9 Pro Fold: IPX8 (water only, no dust protection).
Pixel 8 and 8 Pro (2023)
Both models are IP68 certified, ensuring they are safe against splashes, spills, and even accidental submersion.
Pixel 7, 7 Pro, and 7a (2022–23)
- Pixel 7/7 Pro: IP68 (premium water resistance).
- Pixel 7a: IP67 (slightly lower protection but still safe against splashes and shallow immersion).
Pixel 6, 6 Pro, and 6a (2021–22)
- Pixel 6/6 Pro: IP68.
- Pixel 6a: IP67 (budget model still offers good protection).
Pixel 5 and 5a (2020–21)
- Pixel 5: IP68 rating.
- Pixel 5a (5G): IP67 (first “a” series with any water resistance).
Pixel 4 and Earlier (2016–19)
- Pixel 4/4 XL: IP68.
- Pixel 3/3 XL: IP68 (the first Pixel to match flagship water resistance).
- Pixel 3a/3a XL: No IP rating.
- Pixel 2/2 XL: IP67.
- Pixel 1 (2016): No waterproofing.
What Can You Actually Do With a Water-Resistant Pixel?
An IP68 rating sounds impressive, but what does it mean in everyday life?
Safe Activities:
- Using your phone in the rain.
- Accidental spills (coffee, soda, water).
- Quick dunk in a sink or tub (if retrieved quickly).
- Sweaty workouts or running in the drizzle.
Risky Activities:
- Swimming with your Pixel.
- Taking underwater photos in a pool or the ocean.
- Showering with your phone (soap + steam can degrade seals).
- Exposing the charging port to water and plugging in while it is still wet.
Think of the IP rating as insurance against accidents, not a free pass to go snorkeling with your Pixel.
Looking for extra protection? Check out our guide to the best Google Pixel 10 cases to keep your phone safe from drops and splashes.
Tips to Protect Your Pixel From Water Damage
Even with waterproofing, your Pixel deserves extra care:
- Use a waterproof case if you plan to use it near pools, beaches, or during water sports.
- Dry it immediately if it gets wet. Use a soft cloth, not a hairdryer.
- Don’t charge it when wet; wait until the charging port is completely dry.
- Avoid saltwater exposure, as it corrodes phone internals more quickly than freshwater.
Remember: aging seals on older phones may lose water resistance over time.
Conclusion
So, which Google Pixel phones are waterproof? In short: every flagship Pixel from the Pixel 2 onward has some level of official water resistance, with most offering IP68 protection. The “a” series was introduced later, starting with the Pixel 5a, which is IP67 rated (the Pixel 3a/3a XL were not rated). Foldables like the Pixel Fold and Pixel 9/10 Pro Fold carry IPX8 or IP68 ratings—protection against water, but varying levels of dustproofing.
The bottom line: Your Pixel is safe against rain, spills, and the occasional splash, but it’s not designed for underwater adventures. Treat the IP rating as a safety net, not an invitation.
FAQs
No. Pixel 2 and later flagships have water resistance, but Pixel 3a/3a XL and the original Pixel had no IP rating.
Pixel 3 and later flagships (except “a” models and some foldables, which vary).
Not recommended. Steam, soap, and hot water aren’t covered by IP ratings.
Pixel 5a, 6a, and 7a have IP67 ratings. Pixel 3a and 3a XL had none.
No. Even IP68 models aren’t covered for water damage by Google’s warranty.
