When it comes to infrared saunas, a common question arises: can I bring my phone in? Whether it's for relaxing music, meditation apps, or capturing your self-care ritual for social media, the temptation is strong. But is it actually safe?
The short answer is no—you should not take your phone into an infrared sauna.
Most smartphones have an operational temperature limit of around 35°C (95°F), meaning an infrared sauna far exceeds what your device can handle safely. But let’s dive deeper into why this is a bad idea and what you can do instead.
Why It’s Risky to Bring Your Phone into an Infrared Sauna
Electronic devices, including smartphones, are highly sensitive to heat. If you’ve ever left your phone out in the sun on a hot day, you’ve probably noticed it overheating and shutting down. Now, imagine exposing it to even higher temperatures inside a sauna. An infrared sauna typically reaches temperatures between 45-60 degrees Celsius (113-140°F)—hotter than some of the warmest places on Earth, such as Death Valley or the Sahara Desert.
Your phone is composed of delicate components, including transition metals, glass, and lithium-ion batteries, all of which react poorly to high temperatures. Infrared heat penetrates deeply, causing your phone to heat up from the inside out, leading to:
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Overheating & Shutdowns – Most smartphones will shut down automatically if they exceed safe temperature limits, but this doesn’t mean they haven’t sustained damage.
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Battery Damage – Prolonged exposure to high heat can permanently reduce battery capacity or cause it to swell, leading to long-term performance issues.
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Screen Malfunctions – The touch screen may become unresponsive or develop permanent damage due to heat-induced expansion and warping.
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Component Failure – Internal chips, sensors, and circuits can degrade or even melt in extreme conditions.
Infrared saunas are generally drier than traditional saunas, but humidity can still build up. Even a trace of moisture entering your phone’s ports or internal circuits can cause corrosion and short circuits.
Additionally, most phone manufacturers, including Apple and Samsung, warn against exposing devices to extreme environments. If you bring your iPhone in a sauna and it breaks, Apple will not cover the damage under warranty.
What If You've Overheated Your Phone Anyway?
If your phone overheats, you may notice warning messages, sluggish performance, or sudden shutdowns. To prevent further damage, you should:
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Turn it off immediately – Don’t try to use it until it cools down.
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Move it to a cooler environment – Place it in the shade, a cool room, or near a fan.
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Wait before charging – Charging a hot phone can worsen the damage.
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Try a last-resort fix – If your phone remains unresponsive, anecdotal evidence suggests placing it in the fridge for a few minutes can help (but do so with caution and avoid moisture buildup).
Can You Use Other Electronics in a Sauna?
Beyond phones, people often ask about other devices. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Can you use electronics in a sauna?
No, most electronics are not designed to withstand high temperatures and humidity.
- Can you take AirPods in a sauna?
No, AirPods and other wireless earbuds contain lithium-ion batteries that can degrade or even swell in extreme heat.
- Can you take a laptop into a sauna?
Absolutely not! Laptops are even more heat-sensitive than phones, and the risk of damage is high.
- Can you take an Apple Watch into a sauna?
Apple advises against it. High heat and humidity can affect water resistance and damage internal components.
- Can you wear an Oura Ring in a sauna?
The Oura Ring is rated for sauna use up to 100°C (212°F), so it can handle an infrared sauna, but always check the latest manufacturer guidelines.
How to Enjoy Entertainment in a Sauna Without Risking Your Phone
At Clearlight®, we understand that you might want to listen to music or podcasts while relaxing. That’s why we’ve integrated Bluetooth speakers into our saunas. Instead of taking your phone inside, simply:
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Connect your phone to the sauna’s Bluetooth speakers before entering.
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Leave your phone outside the sauna in a safe place.
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Enjoy your audio experience without worrying about overheating your device.
This setup gives you the best of both worlds—entertainment without the risk of damaging your smartphone.
Final Thoughts
Saunas are designed to be a place for relaxation and rejuvenation. While it’s tempting to bring your phone for music, social media, or messages, the risks far outweigh the benefits.
Instead, consider a tech-free sauna session or utilise our Clearlight® Infrared Sauna's Bluetooth feature to enjoy entertainment without compromising your device's safety.
