Can you take your phone in a sauna? You can, but you should not. A traditional sauna runs at about 70 to 90°C, and phones are built to work in much cooler air: Apple, for example, says iPhones work best between 0 and 35°C. The heat can damage the battery and screen, and steam can get inside. Leave your phone, earbuds and smartwatch outside, and enjoy the break.
Key Takeaways
- The risk: sauna heat and steam can damage phones, earbuds and watches, sometimes for good.
- Cases do not help: a waterproof case keeps out water, not heat.
- The upside: a phone-free sauna is a real chance to switch off.
Understanding the Risks
- Heat: a traditional sauna is often 70 to 90°C, far above what a phone is built for. Heat can shorten battery life, make the battery swell, and damage the screen and internal parts. Most phones will shut down or show a temperature warning first, and that is a sign to get it out.
- Steam and condensation: water-resistance ratings are tested with cool water, not hot steam. Steam can get past the seals, and when you carry a hot phone back into cooler air, moisture can condense inside it.
- Repeated heating: going hot and cold again and again stresses the glue, seals and solder inside the phone, so damage can build up over time.
Heat or moisture damage is also often not covered by the phone's warranty.
AirPods and Other Electronics in the Sauna
The same goes for AirPods, earbuds, smartwatches and fitness trackers. Their small batteries sit right against your hot skin, and metal parts can get hot enough to be uncomfortable. Take them off and leave them with your phone.
Keeping Your Phone Cool in the Sauna
If you really must have it with you, keep it in for the shortest time possible, low down near the floor where it is coolest, away from the heater, and out of the steam. Take it out at the first warning. But there is no way to make a sauna safe for a phone.
Convenience vs. Safety
Need to stay reachable? Leave your phone just outside the door with the ringer on, or check it between rounds while you cool down. If you have a home sauna, a smart model helps: our Aura infrared saunas with WiFi let you start the sauna from your phone, so it is warm when you step in and your phone stays outside.
Embracing the Essence of Sauna Space for Relaxation and Reconnection
A sauna is one of the few places left where nobody expects you to be online. Without the pings and scrolling, it is easier to relax, think, or simply enjoy the heat.
Reconnecting with Yourself and Loved Ones
Sharing a sauna with family or friends, without phones, makes room for real conversation. That is a big part of sauna culture. Read more: Build Friendships with Saunas.
Reducing Digital Stress
Even 20 minutes away from messages and feeds can feel like a proper break. Many people find a phone-free sauna is the most relaxing part of their week.
FAQs
Can you take your phone in a sauna?
You can, but it is not a good idea. Sauna heat and steam can damage the battery, screen and internal parts.
Can I take my iPhone in the sauna?
Apple says iPhones work best between 0 and 35°C, and a sauna is far hotter. It may survive a short visit, but it risks battery and screen damage that is usually not covered by warranty.
Can you take your phone in a steam room?
It is even riskier. A steam room is cooler than a sauna, but the steam can get inside the phone and condense.
Will sauna heat damage a phone battery?
It can. Heat speeds up battery wear and, in bad cases, can make a battery swell.
Will a waterproof case protect my phone in the sauna?
No. It keeps water out, but it does not keep heat out.
Are infrared saunas safer for phones?
They run cooler, around 45 to 60°C, but that is still well above what phones are built for. Keep it outside.
Can I wear AirPods in a sauna?
It is best not to. The heat can damage them, and heat or moisture damage is often not covered by warranty.
Conclusion
Your phone and your sauna do not mix. Leave it outside, enjoy the quiet, and check it between rounds if you need to.
