Can You Bring Your Phone in a Sauna?

Saunas are perfect for relaxation, but what about your phone? Here’s everything you need to know about bringing a phone into a sauna safely—and whether you really should.

Can I Take My Phone in the Sauna

Many sauna enthusiasts wonder, “Can I take my phone in the sauna?” The short answer is yes—you can bring your phone into a sauna, but it’s usually not recommended.

Saunas reach temperatures between 150°F and 195°F (65°C to 90°C) with high humidity levels. Most smartphones, including iPhones, are designed to operate between 32°F and 95°F (0°C to 35°C).

Taking your phone into a sauna may expose it to extreme heat, moisture, and even sweat, which can lead to permanent damage. While some people use their phones in saunas without issues, the risks often outweigh the benefits.

The Benefits of Taking Your Phone Into the Sauna

Although there are risks, some people choose to bring their phones into the sauna for convenience. Here’s why:

1. Staying Connected

Bringing your phone lets you stay reachable in case of urgent calls or texts, especially if you’re waiting on important updates.

2. Keeping Yourself Entertained

Whether you want to listen to relaxing music, a podcast, or an audiobook, your phone can keep you entertained while you sweat it out.

3. Getting Work Done

Some people use their sauna sessions to check emails, reply to messages, or plan their schedule, making the most of that time.

4. Checking Time

Without a clock in the sauna, your phone helps you track time to avoid overstaying and overheating.

Why Not to Take Your Phone in the Sauna?

While there are a few benefits, there are many more reasons not to take your phone into a sauna.

1. High Temperature

Extreme heat can damage internal components like the battery, screen, and processor, potentially causing your phone to shut down or even warp.

2. Humidity

Even in a dry sauna, there’s still moisture in the air. This humidity can seep into your phone, leading to corrosion or water damage.

3. EMF and ELF Exposure

Phones emit electromagnetic fields (EMFs) and extremely low frequencies (ELFs). In a confined space like a sauna, this exposure may be amplified, which some users prefer to avoid.

4. Sweat

Your sweat isn’t just water—it contains salts and minerals that can corrode your phone’s ports and buttons.

5. Germs

Saunas are public spaces, and placing your phone on benches or other surfaces can transfer bacteria and germs to your device.

6. Invasion of Privacy

Using your phone in a sauna might make others uncomfortable, especially if they’re concerned about privacy or photos being taken.

How to Keep Your Phone from Overheating in the Sauna

If you absolutely must bring your phone into the sauna, follow these tips to reduce damage:

• Use a thermal phone case to insulate it from heat.
  
  
• Keep your phone in a waterproof pouch to protect against humidity and sweat.
  
  
• Limit usage—don’t stay on your phone for the entire session.
  
  
• Store it on a lower bench where temperatures are slightly cooler.
  
  
• Take breaks and cool the phone down between sauna rounds.
  
  

FAQs

Do Thermal Phone Cases Protect Phones from Saunas?

Thermal phone cases can reduce heat exposure, but they don’t fully protect against extreme sauna temperatures. They may help for short sessions but won’t guarantee safety.

Can I Wear AirPods in the Sauna?

AirPods are not designed for high heat or humidity. Using them in a sauna can damage their battery and speakers, so it’s best to leave them outside.

Can an iPhone Survive a Dry Sauna?

While some iPhones are water-resistant, they are not heat-resistant. Even a dry sauna can cause internal damage to your iPhone if it’s inside for too long.

Conclusion

So, can you bring your phone in a sauna? Technically yes, but it’s risky. While it may be convenient for entertainment or staying connected, the heat, humidity, and potential damage make it safer to leave your phone outside. If you do bring it in, take precautions to protect your device and enjoy your sauna session worry-free.