Listen, I get it. It can be tempting to bring your phone in the sauna. I know I’ve done it a time or two, mostly to play music or check messages. As a habit I’ve tried to avoid doing so because A. that’s my time to unwind after a long day and B. it just can’t be good for my phone. The heat must damage it, right?
As a rule I recommend against bringing your phone in the sauna anyways. Sauna is a time of reflection and relaxation, and phones are designed to be disruptive and distracting.
However, for the purpose of this article we’ll explore whether sauna could wreck your phone due to the heat or whether it’s safe to scroll IG while you’re sweating it out.
Without further adieu, let’s dive in.
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Will a sauna damage my phone?
Yes, a sauna is likely to damage your phone. Let’s get that out of the way off the top. According to Apple’s technical specifications, iPhones should not be exposed to temperatures above 35°C (95°F). Other manufacturers, such as Samsung and Google, give similar warnings.
As we’ve discussed before, saunas get extremely hot. Traditional dry saunas typically operate between 160°F (70°C) & 195°F (90°C), while infrared saunas are usually 122°F (50°C) & 135°F (60°C). Both of these ranges far exceed the manufacturer’s recommendation.
Add in the humidity from the steam in steam saunas and löyly in traditional Finnish saunas and it could be a recipe for disaster.
Some phone cases claim to be able to withstand extreme temperatures and environments, but as a rule of thumb it’s probably best to not take your chances.
Potential consequences of bringing your phone into a sauna
The potential consequences of bringing your phone into a sauna are many. First, you could permanently damage your phone’s battery and electrical components. According to Battery University, heat can cause the battery to swell, leak or even explode.
Second, continual use of your phone in high temperatures could also void your warranty. Many phone manufacturers state in their warranty terms that damage caused by exposure to liquid or extreme temperatures is not covered.
Think of this as a high-risk, low-reward scenario.
Understanding the effect of heat and humidity on electronics
Heat and humidity can wreak havoc on electronic devices. Phone expert Cellphone911 explains that heat can cause the internal components of your phone to expand, potentially leading to microfractures in the circuits.
Humidity, on the other hand, can lead to condensation inside your device, causing water damage. This will also most likely void any warranty your phone has.
Alternatives to using your phone in a sauna
As you can probably tell, we strong advocates against using your phone in the sauna if you can help it.
HOWEVER, if you can’t bear to be without your phone, consider a waterproof phone pouch or case. These provide a certain level of heat resistance and protect against moisture. However, even these have limits and are not a foolproof solution.
It’s also worth considering alternatives that are designed to withstand higher temperatures like the Apple Watch Ultra, which has an operating range from -4° to 130° F (-20° to 55° C). These devices are often better suited to sauna conditions and can offer a safer alternative for tracking your health data during your sauna sessions.
Conclusion
In wrapping up this article, while it may be tempting to bring your phone into the sauna to pass the time or stay connected, it’s essential to understand the potential consequences.
Here are the top three takeaways from our exploration into this topic:
- Heat and humidity can be harmful: Exposure to the high temperatures and humidity found in saunas can cause damage to your phone. The impact can span from screen damage, circuit board breakage and even severe battery issues.
- Warranty risks: Persistent exposure of your phone to high heat might void the warranty. Phone manufacturers often explicitly state in their terms and conditions that damage due to extreme temperatures or liquid exposure is not covered.
- Consider alternatives or unplugging: If you must stay connected, consider sauna-friendly tech like the Apple Watch Ultra. However, a sauna session could be an excellent opportunity to enjoy a digital detox, offering both physical and mental health benefits.
In conclusion, while you technically can bring your phone into a sauna, the potential risks and consequences suggest it’s not the best idea. Protect your tech investment and perhaps find a refreshing moment of disconnect in the process.
Saunas are a time for relaxation and reflection – your emails and social media updates can wait.
A message from Sauna Squad
We hope we’ve provided some value in your research. But if you have any questions or concerns, hit us up on Instagram @thesaunasquad or feel free to fire us a message on our contact page.