Saunas are a great way to relax, detox, and rejuvenate your body—but what about your electronics? Many people wonder: Can you bring your phone in a sauna? Whether you’re trying to play music, respond to messages, or capture a peaceful moment, you should know the real risks before stepping in with your device.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about bringing your phone, AirPods, smartwatch, or any electronics into a sauna, and how to protect them if you must.
Is It Safe to Use Your Phone Inside a Sauna?
Let’s get straight to the point: No, it’s not safe to bring your phone into a sauna—and manufacturers agree. Here’s why:
🔹 Sauna Temperatures vs Phone Tolerance
- Traditional saunas typically reach 150°F to 195°F (65°C to 90°C).
- Smartphones like iPhones and Androids are designed to operate in 32°F to 95°F (0°C to 35°C).
This massive temperature gap can lead to:
- Overheating warnings
- Battery swelling
- Internal hardware failure
- Screen discoloration
If you bring your phone into a sauna, you risk irreversible heat damage—even in just a few minutes.
What Happens If You Take Your Phone Into a Sauna?
Phones exposed to extreme heat and humidity may suffer from:
- Battery degradation: High temperatures accelerate chemical reactions in lithium-ion batteries, reducing lifespan.
- Condensation damage: Even waterproof phones can suffer from internal moisture caused by extreme heat and humidity differences.
- Melting adhesives: Screens, sensors, and waterproof seals may come undone.
- Touchscreen glitches: Heat can affect capacitive touch sensors and LCD/AMOLED displays.
In short: bringing your phone into a sauna can quickly turn it into a brick.
Can I Use AirPods in a Sauna?
Another popular question is whether you can use AirPods or wireless earbuds in a sauna. After all, they’re small, convenient, and great for relaxing with music.
Here’s what you should know:
Official Word from Apple:
“Do not expose AirPods to temperatures above 113°F (45°C).”
Since sauna temperatures far exceed this, using AirPods in a sauna is not safe. Risks include:
- Battery overheating or exploding
- Speaker or microphone failure
- Fitment issues due to heat expansion
- Skin irritation or burns from heated plastic
If you really want music, use external sauna-safe speakers placed outside the heat zone.
Are Infrared Saunas Safe for Electronics?
Infrared saunas are often seen as a “gentler” alternative, but does that mean your phone is safe inside?
Temperature Difference:
- Infrared saunas typically operate at 120°F to 140°F (49°C to 60°C)—lower than traditional saunas.
However:
- Electronics still face risk, especially from prolonged exposure.
- Infrared waves themselves don’t damage electronics, but ambient heat does.
Unless your phone is specifically rated to tolerate these temperatures (which most aren’t), it’s still risky to bring it in.
Best Phone Cases for Sauna or Heat Protection
If you must bring your phone into a sauna (e.g., for emergency calls), you’ll need serious protection.
Here are some top-rated, heat-resistant phone cases to consider:
🔹 1. Phoozy Thermal Capsule
- NASA-inspired insulation
- Reflects 90% of solar heat
- Prevents overheating and freezing
🔹 2. OtterBox Defender Series
- Rugged, water-resistant shell
- Good for short-term heat resistance
- Adds bulk but solid protection
🔹 3. MoKo Heat Shield Bag
- Fireproof and waterproof
- Primarily made for batteries, but fits most phones
- Great heat insulator
Important Note: Even the best cases offer limited protection and won’t guarantee safety in extreme heat over long periods. Use them only for short sauna visits.
Can I Wear a Smartwatch in a Sauna?
Smartwatches are a common accessory, especially for tracking heart rate or time in the sauna. But is it safe?
The Risks:
- Heat affects sensors like PPG, accelerometers, and temperature gauges.
- Bands made of plastic or silicone can melt or cause burns.
- Smartwatches, like phones, have maximum operating temperatures (~113°F).
Which Watches Might Survive?
- Garmin Fenix series (MIL-STD-810G military-grade)
- G-SHOCK GBD series (designed for extreme environments)
Even then, sauna use isn’t recommended, and it could void your warranty.
Tips to Protect Your Phone and Electronics from Sauna Heat
If you absolutely must keep your phone or gadget nearby, follow these safety tips:
- Leave the phone outside the sauna door, on a bench or in a locker.
- Use a thermal insulated case or Faraday pouch.
- Turn off the device or enable Airplane Mode to prevent overheating.
- Never charge your device immediately after a sauna—wait until it cools.
- Avoid using electronics in steam rooms, where humidity adds a new layer of risk.
Sauna Etiquette: Should You Even Bring Your Phone?
Even if your phone survives, should it be in a sauna?
Reasons to Leave It Out:
- Privacy concerns: Others may not want to be recorded or photographed.
- Relaxation: Saunas are for unwinding, not texting or scrolling.
- Distraction-free wellness: Digital detox is part of the experience.
Many spas and wellness centers explicitly ban phones in sauna areas for this reason.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I take my phone into a steam room?
A: No. Steam rooms add extreme humidity, which can fry your internal circuits, even on waterproof phones.
Q: Does heat void my phone’s warranty?
A: Yes. Overheating due to misuse (like sauna exposure) is often not covered by Apple, Samsung, or other OEM warranties.
Q: Is a waterproof phone also heatproof?
A: No. Waterproofing protects against liquid ingress, not thermal damage.
Q: Why do people bring phones into saunas anyway?
A: Mostly for music, tracking time, or selfies—but the risks far outweigh the benefits.
Final Verdict: Should You Bring Your Phone in a Sauna?
No. You should not bring your phone—or any electronic device—into a sauna.
The heat can:
- Ruin your battery
- Damage internal components
- Void your warranty
- Pose safety risks (especially with lithium-ion batteries)
If you really need a phone nearby, keep it outside the heat zone in a protected case. But remember: saunas are a time to disconnect, not plug in.