Can You Take Your Phone in The Sauna?
For many of us, our phones have almost become another limb – it’s hard to imagine going anywhere without them! If you’ve ever been in a sauna, then you know firsthand how hot it can be, and it’s only natural that many of us would wonder if we could bring our phones into the sauna with us.
So, can you bring your phone into the sauna?
I'm sure most people know this probably won't work, but why not? I will elaborate on the following 3 reasons. That’s what we’re here to find out! Read on as we take a tour of what you need to know.
1. Heat is the enemy of electronics.
Let’s start by considering the environment in a sauna.
First and foremost, it’s hot. After all, saunas are designed to make you sweat. That means the temperature will usually be a lot higher than anything your phone would encounter in everyday life.
The air temperature in a traditional sauna can be anywhere between 150 and 195 degrees Fahrenheit. In an infrared sauna, the range is between 120 and 130 degrees.
But either way, it’s going to be pretty hot. So what does that mean for your phone?
Well, all phones have a temperature range within which they will operate effectively. And overheating can cause serious damage. At best, it can permanently reduce the life of the battery. At worst, it can destroy your phone altogether.
Apple specifies using their devices only in environments where the temperature is between 32 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit. If they’re not being used, you can store them in temperatures between -4 and 113 degrees Fahrenheit.
We haven’t been able to find such specific information for Android phones. But they too have an optimal operating temperature, and it’s a fair bet it’s not that different from IoS devices.
The sauna that I use heats up to an ambient temperature of +190F.
The Apple support page states the following:
Store the device where the temperature is between -20º and 45º C (-4º to 113º F). Don’t leave the device in your car, because temperatures in parked cars can exceed this range.
When the normal operating temperatures are exceeded you will see this warning:
So take your phone into the sauna if you wish – but know that you’re risking serious damage.
If you desperately want to use your phone whilst enjoying the heat, a Portable Personal Sauna Tent could be the answer. Wrap yourself up in the Sauna Tent, and leave your phone outside. Just remember that you’ll have to stick your arms outside the tent, which can be awkward.
View The Details of The Portable Personal Sauna Tent
2. Steam can get inside the phone.
If you’re using an infrared sauna, you won’t have to worry about steam damaging your phone. That’s because this type of sauna uses heat from infrared lights, and doesn’t involve any steam at all.
But if you’re in a traditional sauna, steam is a key part of the experience. Water is periodically poured onto hot coals to increase humidity levels. So what does all that water vapor that mean for your phone?
Well, there was a time when any moisture coming into contact with your phone was a recipe for disaster. These days, that isn’t necessarily the case.
There are now a lot of good water-resistant phones on the market. They feature a combination of hydrophobic coatings and seals to prevent moisture getting inside and damaging the electrics.
The highest rated of these phones can withstand immersion in water up to a depth of up to 19 feet. That’s the case for the standard Apple iPhone 12, plus the Mini, Pro and Pro Max versions of that model.
In comparison to 19 feet of water, a bit of steam shouldn’t be the end of the world. But note that all phones will have different levels of water-resistance. Check the specifications of your model so you know what you’re dealing with.
And note that even top-range iPhones contain a moisture sensor. If moisture breaches the seal and trips the sensor, your warranty will be null and void.
So even if your phone emerges from the sauna unscathed, you could have a problem on your hands. If the moisture sensor has been tripped and something goes wrong further down the line, you won’t be able to rely on the warranty.
And remember: even the most water-resistant phone will suffer in the heat of a sauna. Even an infrared sauna is hot for cell phone parts.
3. Germs are easily spread in public saunas and invade the body
If you’re lucky enough to have your own personal sauna, you can skip this section. But if you’re going to be sharing with other people, it’s important to think about what your phone can carry. That’s right – we’re talking about germs.
Saunas are in many ways a perfect environment for germs to spread. It’s an enclosed space full of naked or near-naked bodies breathing and sweating.
But on the other hand, the high temperatures can kill bacteria and viruses. The Covid-19 virus, for example, becomes inactive at temperatures above 122 degrees Fahrenheit. And if it’s exposed to those temperatures for longer periods, it can be destroyed.
The length of time required to inactivate the Covid-19 virus depends on the temperature. Essentially, the hotter it is, the quicker the virus is deactivated. One study recorded the virus being deactivated in just five minutes at temperatures of 158 degrees Fahrenheit.
Even so, sharing an enclosed space with other people carries risk. And if you take your phone into the sauna with you, you’re providing another way to transfer germs. Microbes carried in the air or on the bench can easily end up on your phone. And cleaning it thoroughly without damaging it can be difficult.
The high temperatures in saunas and good hygiene by users can reduce the risks of catching infections. But taking in personal belongings like phones will increase them. It’s another good reason to leave your phone in the changing room.
Get your own private sauna here
4. Respecting the privacy of others in a public sauna is good manners.
It may be considered rude, if someone takes a phone into the sauna. It doesn’t feel good, because they have a camera in the phone.
All cell phones today are equipped with camera. Saunas are a private space where people are sitting and standing semi-nude or completely nude. We wouldn't feel comfortable with someone bringing a camera into that private space, so cell phones are also out of bounds.
Anybody don’t want to be photographed naked! And they want to be stress-free in the sauna!
Sauna is for relaxing without noises from electronic equipments.
In your own sauna you can do what ever you want, but in a common sauna you have to respect the others the short moment you are in the sauna.
5. Going into a sauna to relax.
The sauna of key benefit is in providing a relaxing environment to ease stress. It’s those lowered stress levels that will really benefit your health.
Enjoying the sauna as a quiet meditative place to rejuvenate your body after a good workout. Listening to yammering on a cell phone disturbs your peace.
Switching off your mobile devices is an important part of the sauna experience. Give yourself permission to step away from social media, emails, calls and texts! You’ll feel fresh and reinvigorated after your break. And all those messages will still be there when you pick up your phone again.
Conversely, constant alerts from your phone will inhibit your ability to relax. And when it overheats and breaks, your stress levels are likely to increase rather than dropping!
Leave Your Phone In The Changing Room!
So can you take your phone in a sauna? Well, you can do whatever you want to! But know that if you do, you’re risking serious damage to your phone. You may also void the warranty.
But it’s not just your phone that needs to be considered. Other users may find it hard to relax if you’re using your phone in the sauna. And sound leakage can drive other people around the bend!
If that doesn’t persuade you, remember why you’re in the sauna in the first place. If you want to get the full benefits of the sauna experience, leave your phone behind. You won’t be able to fully relax if you don’t. And that means you won’t be getting the health benefits of lowered stress levels.
If you can’t bear to be separated from your phone, consider a Portable Personal Sauna Tent instead. That will allow you to get the benefit of the heat, while your phone stays outside and keeps cool.
If you are bored, you can use our Bluetooth Stereo Sound System for your listening pleasure in Personal Sauna Room.
