For many, a sauna is a sanctuary—a place to unwind, rejuvenate, and escape the distractions of daily life, free from the urge to use a phone or take photos. But in today’s always-connected world, it’s tempting to bring your smartphone everywhere, even into your favorite heat-filled retreat, despite the risks that using a phone may pose in extreme conditions of a sauna. This raises a pressing question for sauna enthusiasts and tech-lovers alike: can you take your phone in a sauna, and perhaps more importantly, should you?
In this guide, we’ll explore the risks, benefits, and precautions of bringing your phone to the sauna, emphasizing proper sauna etiquette and the convenience of having your phone. By the end, you’ll have all the information you need to make an informed decision—and fully enjoy your next sauna session without the distractions of your phone.
The Sauna Experience: A Brief Overview
Saunas, whether traditional Finnish-style, infrared, or steam rooms, are designed to offer moments of tranquility, but using your phone may disrupt that peace and prevent you from fully enjoying the purpose of a sauna. These warm havens are renowned for their ability to improve circulation, relax sore muscles, and promote mental clarity. They’re the embodiment of health, harmony, and well-being, which a sauna may enhance.
However, the very purpose of saunas—the cultivation of relaxation and mindfulness—sometimes clashes with modern habits like staying glued to our screens. The question of whether gadgets belong in such serene spaces often boils down to personal priorities and mindfulness.
Can You Bring Your Phone to a Sauna?
Why People Consider Bringing Their Phones
There are valid reasons why someone might want to bring their phone into a sauna:
- Staying connected in case of emergencies
- Using meditation or relaxation apps
- Capturing a fleeting Instagram-worthy moment
However, it’s important to weigh these conveniences against the potential impact on both your device and your sauna experience, as using a phone can slow down your relaxation. While it’s technically possible to take your phone into a sauna, the environment can be extremely harsh for electronic devices.
5 Risks of Taking Your Phone Into the Sauna
1. Overheating of the Phone
Saunas reach temperatures of 150–200°F (65–93°C) in traditional setups, and even infrared saunas maintain significant heat, which can damage your phone if you don’t use a protective case. Prolonged exposure can cause your phone to overheat, potentially leading to the phone to slow down, shut-offs, or permanent damage.
2. Moisture Damage from Humidity
Even in “dry” saunas, humidity levels can rise. Steam or sweat can infiltrate your phone, damaging components like the circuit board. Waterproof devices aren’t completely safe in these conditions either, as prolonged exposure can compromise seals and lead to the phone shutting down.
3. Reduced Device Performance Over Time
Repeated exposure to high heat and humidity can gradually degrade your phone’s battery life and internal components, as high temperatures can cause significant damage. This could leave you with a device that doesn’t work as effectively—if it works at all.
4. Distraction from Relaxation and Mindfulness
A sauna is a place to disconnect and recharge—not just physically but mentally. Having your phone present may pull your attention away from the peaceful moment, defeating the purpose of your sauna session, especially with notifications while in the sauna.
5. Voiding Warranties Due to Exposure to Extreme Environments
Most smartphones are built to function optimally in temperatures ranging from 32–95°F (0–35°C) and often have warnings explicitly stating against use in extreme heat. If something happens to your phone in the sauna, your warranty likely won’t cover the damage caused by high temperatures and humidity.
The Impact of Carrying Your Cell Phone With You in the Sauna
Electronics are fundamentally incompatible with sauna conditions, and saunas may prohibit their use to protect both the devices and the experience of others in the sauna. The combination of heat, humidity, and perspiration can:
- Cause batteries to swell or even fail
- Melt internal adhesives used in the construction of your phone
- Distort or damage LCD and OLED screens, particularly when exposed to the intense heat of a sauna.
- Render ports and speakers inoperable, especially when exposed to moisture and the intense heat of a sauna.
If you’ve already brought your phone into a sauna, it’s a good idea to inspect its functionality afterward, as high temperatures can cause damage.
The Benefits of Taking Your Phone Into the Sauna
While the risks are plenty, some advocates for bringing phones into saunas highlight:
- Emergency Connectivity: For longer sauna sessions, having a phone nearby in case of emergencies can offer peace of mind, but remember to keep the phone away from direct heat sources.
- Health Apps: Guided meditation, relaxation music, or breathing exercises can enhance the overall sauna experience for people integrating wellness apps, allowing them to relax in the sauna.
Should you decide to bring your phone inside the sauna environment, there are ways to at least minimize the risks of damage to your phone, such as using a protective case and keeping it away from direct heat sources.
Precautions for Using Mobile Phones in the Sauna
How to Prevent Your Phone From Overheating in the Sauna
- Use protective cases that insulate against heat, designed specifically for extreme conditions of a sauna, to prevent damage to your phone.
- Limit your phone usage to the first few minutes of your sauna session to reduce exposure and allow you to fully enjoy the benefits of the sauna experience.
Keeping Your Phone Cool in the Sauna
- Store your phone in an insulated, sealed bag that’s resistant to moisture and heat.
- Place it near the sauna door, where temperatures are slightly cooler.
Precautions and Alternatives
Instead of risking damage to expensive electronics, consider alternatives like waterproof devices or leaving your phone outside the sauna entirely to protect your phone. If you’re waiting for an important call, put your phone on a shelf within earshot but outside the sauna.
Reasons Not to Take Your Phone in the Sauna
- Mindfulness and Relaxation
Disconnecting from screens encourages a deeper connection with yourself and fully immerses you in the experience.
- Avoiding Electronics Damage
Phones are expensive; leaving them out of harm’s way maximizes their lifespan while safeguarding their functionality, especially from direct heat sources and use in a sauna.
- Preserving Sauna Culture
Traditional sauna use encourages social interaction or quiet reflection—both of which get upstaged when using phones in a sauna.
FAQ on Bringing Your Phone in a Sauna
Can I Bring My Phone in a Sauna?
You can, but it’s not advisable. Extreme conditions like heat and humidity can severely damage your device, especially in a sauna environment where you must use your phone with caution.
Can I Bring My Phone in a Steam Room?
Steam rooms are even riskier, as the humidity level is significantly higher, increasing the likelihood of moisture damage.
Can You Bring AirPods in a Sauna?
AirPods and other wireless earbuds are vulnerable to heat and moisture damage. It’s best to leave them outside the sauna.
Can You Bring an Apple Watch in a Sauna?
While some models of Apple Watch are designed to be water-resistant, extended exposure to high heat isn’t recommended and may void your warranty, as the sauna can damage the device over time.
Our Services and Sauna Types
Our saunas come in various forms, each offering a slightly different experience:
- Papa Bear Sauna – Traditional large sauna with high temperatures.
- Mama Bear Sauna – Designed for a balanced heat and a relaxing atmosphere.
- Baby Bear Sauna – Compact and energy-efficient, ideal for small spaces.
Each type provides a unique ambiance to promote health, harmony, and happiness. Protect your gadgets by leaving them safely outside while you enjoy these luxurious sauna facilities.
Leave the Phone Behind—And Find True Relaxation
Ultimately, bringing your phone into a sauna is a choice weighed between convenience and risk. While smartphones can enhance experiences in some cases, saunas are meant to provide an opportunity to embrace disconnection and prioritize relaxation, making the sauna a perfect escape.
The next time you step into a sauna, leave the tech behind and reconnect with yourself. For premium sauna experiences, check out bespoke options from Bear Naked Saunas, where wellness meets innovation.
