My girlfriend dropped her Google Pixel 9 Pro into the bathtub for about two or three seconds. We initially put it in rice for a few minutes, then removed it after learning that rice is not effective. The case is off, the phone has been powered down, and we wiped away as much water as possible. We plan to let it air-dry for at least 24–48 hours before trying to turn it on. Is there anything else we should do to give it the best chance of working normally afterward?
3 Answers
It may be fine because the phone is designed to handle accidental water exposure, but avoid treating the IP rating as a promise that it is waterproof. The bathtub water may also contain soap or other residue, which can be more troublesome than clean water. If it later shows moisture warnings, condensation, unusual heat, or erratic behavior, turn it off again and have it inspected rather than repeatedly testing it.
Leaving it alone for 24–48 hours is sensible, and waiting longer is even safer if there’s any doubt. Position it so the charging port faces downward and leave it somewhere dry with normal airflow. Afterward, inspect the screen, cameras, SIM area, and charging port for fogging or moisture before powering it on. If it turns on, back up important data right away and watch for charging, speaker, microphone, or camera problems.
The Pixel 9 Pro has an IP68 water-resistance rating, so a brief fall into shallow fresh water may not have caused any damage. Still, that rating comes from controlled testing and does not guarantee protection, especially if the phone has been dropped before or its seals have worn down. Keep it switched off, remove the case, dry the outside, and let it air-dry at room temperature. Don’t use rice, a hair dryer, an oven, or compressed air, and don’t plug it in while there could still be moisture inside.
That makes sense. We’ll keep it powered off and let it dry naturally instead of trying to turn it on first thing in the morning.