Can You Bring a Phone in a Sauna? Yes, But Should You?

Bringing your phone to the sauna? Learn the pros & cons to decide. Find safe storage tips & alternative ways to relax during your sauna session.

Can You Bring Your Phone in a Sauna?

Yes, you are able to bring your phone in a sauna provided you are not going to a public sauna where they don’t allow it. However the question of bringing your phone to a sauna is less about “can you” and more about “should you”. In the following article we will help you understand all the reasons behind it to help you make a better decision.

Reasons Why Taking Your Phone in a Sauna Is a Good Ideas

Let’s first start with the positives – why you would want to bring your phone into a sauna:

Entertainment

For those of you who can get bored in a sauna the phone definitely offers many ways for entertainment, including:

 

• Scrolling through social media
• Watching videos and tv shows
• Listening to music or a podcast
• Reading a book

 

We do have to say that if you are in your own sauna there is a chance you have a sauna with Bluetooth connection which lets you listen to music or a podcast without the need to bring your phone in there

Talking to People

One of the main reasons to go in a sauna is to relax and sometimes the best way to do that is while talking to our friends or family. Maybe we want to catch up with them, maybe we want them to accompany us in the sauna and maybe the sauna is our best opportunity to be alone and finally really talk to our loved ones without the kids bothering us.

Keeping Track of Time

Another reason we might want to bring our phone in a sauna is in order to keep track of time. We can’t be in the sauna forever and keeping track of time is definitely important. It’s important to know that a different solution is to buy a sauna with a clock.

Catching up on Work

Sometimes the sauna is the only time we have peace and quiet and maybe this is the best time to catch on work. Answering an email, catching up on some messages and all the small tasks. May not be the most relaxing solution but some of us need to get those small tasks out of the way to feel calm and it’s much harder in the office where everyone can come and bug you every 5 minutes.

 

Reasons Why Taking Your Phone in a Sauna Is a Bad Ideas

After we explored the reasons why you would want to take in phone in a sauna, let’s explore some of the reasons you shouldn’t do it:

Water Damage From Humidity and Steam

The primary concern is water damage. Saunas are filled with hot air and steam, which can easily condense on your phone’s internal components. Even a small amount of moisture can cause corrosion, leading to malfunctioning buttons, a dead screen, or even a complete phone breakdown.

Here’s a bit more detail you can add to this section:

• Saunas are Humid: Saunas can reach humidity levels of up to 100%. This creates an environment where water vapor is constantly looking for a cool surface to condense on.
• Phones Aren’t Sealed: While some phones are advertised as water-resistant, they are not designed to withstand the extreme heat and humidity of a sauna. The seals around ports, buttons, and speakers can be compromised, allowing moisture to enter.
• Corrosion is a Silent Killer: Even a small amount of moisture can cause corrosion inside your phone. This corrosion can damage delicate circuits and components, leading to permanent damage.

By understanding how humidity and steam can damage your phone, you can make the informed decision to leave it outside the sauna.

High Heat

Saunas aren’t just humid, they’re scorching hot!  While temperatures can vary, typical saunas range from 150°F to 195°F (65°C to 90°C). This is way beyond the recommended operating temperature for most phones, which is usually around 32°F to 95°F (0°C to 35°C).  Let’s explore why this extreme heat is such a threat to your phone’s well-being:

• Melted Components: The high heat inside a sauna can melt or warp your phone’s internal components, like the battery, screen, or circuit board. This can lead to permanent damage and a non-functional phone.
• Battery Blues: Heat is the enemy of batteries. Exposure to high temperatures can significantly reduce your phone’s battery life and lead to faster charging times. In extreme cases, the battery itself could be damaged.
• Performance Issues: The intense heat can also disrupt your phone’s processing power. You might experience lagging, crashing apps, or even a complete shutdown to protect itself from overheating.

Leaving your phone in a cooler location outside the sauna will help it stay within its safe operating temperature and prevent these heat-related problems.

Radiation

While you might be concerned about radiation exposure from the sauna itself, there’s a bigger culprit lurking in your pocket: your phone. Saunas typically use infrared radiation, which heats your body directly and is generally considered safe. However, phones emit radiofrequency radiation in the form of electromagnetic fields (EMF) and extremely low-frequency waves (ELF).  Here’s why this might be a concern:

• Sauna’s Low vs. Phone’s High Emissions: Saunas produce very low levels of EMF and ELF compared to the radiation emitted by your phone, especially when searching for a signal or using features like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.

• Potential Health Concerns: There is ongoing research on the potential health effects of long-term exposure to EMF and ELF radiation. While the evidence is not conclusive, some studies suggest a possible link to headaches, sleep problems, and even certain cancers.

Sweat

Even if your phone avoids the direct assault of steam and scorching temperatures, another sauna dweller poses a threat: sweat. While a little sweat might not harm your phone in normal conditions, the sauna environment creates a double whammy:

• Conductivity Chaos: Sweat is a conductor of electricity. If it gets inside your phone through ports or openings, it can cause electrical shorts and lead to malfunctions or even permanent damage.

• Corrosion Cocktail: As mentioned earlier, sweat contains salts and minerals. These can accelerate corrosion on your phone’s internal components, similar to how humidity can.

By keeping your phone out of the sauna altogether, you can avoid the double threat of sweat and focus on enjoying the cleansing benefits of your sauna session.

Respect Others

Saunas are intended to be a place of peace and rejuvenation, not just for you, but for everyone sharing the experience. Bringing your phone can disrupt this tranquility in a couple of ways:

• Unwanted Noise:  Sauna sessions are meant to be a time to unwind and de-stress. The constant buzz of notifications, ringtones, or even music playing from your phone can disrupt the peaceful environment for others seeking relaxation.

• Privacy Concerns:  In saunas, people typically wear minimal clothing or none at all. Bringing a phone introduces the potential for unwanted recording, which can make others feel uncomfortable and undermine the sense of privacy expected in a sauna setting.

By leaving your phone outside the sauna, you can ensure a more respectful and relaxing experience for yourself and everyone else enjoying the sauna’s benefits.

Misses the Point

Saunas offer a unique opportunity to unwind, de-stress, and reconnect with yourself.  The heat, humidity, and sense of seclusion create a perfect environment for relaxation and rejuvenation. Bringing your phone into this sanctuary can defeat the very purpose of the sauna experience.

Saunas are all about “you time.” It’s a chance to put aside the constant notifications, emails, and social media updates that bombard us daily.  Leaving your phone outside allows you to fully immerse yourself in the present moment, focus on your breath, and experience the detoxifying and stress-reducing benefits of the sauna.

Imagine stepping out of the sauna feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and truly disconnected from the digital world. That’s the power of a phone-free sauna session.

 

 

Precautions to Help Keep Your Phone From Overheating in a Sauna

Here are some precautions to minimize the risk of overheating:

• Keep it Cool: Turn off your phone’s Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and GPS to reduce battery drain and heat generation. Consider putting your phone in airplane mode as well.
  
  
• Minimize Use: Only use your phone for short bursts, if absolutely necessary. The less time it spends exposed to the heat, the better.
  
  
• Location, Location, Location: If you must bring your phone in, keep it away from direct heat sources like the sauna heater. The coolest spot in the sauna is usually near the entrance. Consider leaving it on a lower bench or even outside the sauna door, but close enough to grab if needed.
  
  
• Protective Measures: While not a foolproof solution, a waterproof case might offer some added protection from sweat and humidity. However, avoid using a bulky case that traps heat.

Important Note: Even with these precautions, there’s still a significant risk of overheating and damaging your phone in a sauna environment. It’s always best to err on the side of caution and leave your phone outside to enjoy a truly relaxing and worry-free sauna experience.

 

If I Don’t Bring My Phone to the Sauna, Where Do I Keep It?

So you’ve decided to leave your phone behind and embrace the phone-free sauna experience. But the question remains: where do you put it safely? Here are some options depending on where you’re enjoying your sauna time:

Public Sauna

• Lockers: Most public saunas offer lockers for storing your belongings. This is the most secure option, especially if you’re concerned about valuables.
  
  
• Designated Phone Areas: Some saunas might have designated phone areas outside the sauna room. Look for shelves or cubbies specifically meant for phones and other belongings.
  
  
• Bring a Bag: If lockers or designated phone areas aren’t available, bring a secure bag with a lock to keep your phone safe outside the sauna entrance.

Home Sauna

• Nearby Shelf: If you have a shelf or cubby close to your sauna but outside the heated area, that’s a convenient and safe spot for your phone.
  
  
• Basket by the Entrance: A simple basket placed near the entrance of your sauna can serve as a designated phone drop-off zone.
  
  
• Invest in a Lockbox: For added peace of mind, especially if your sauna is located in a detached building or outdoors, consider installing a lockbox near the entrance to securely store your phone.

By choosing the right storage solution for your phone, you can ensure a worry-free sauna experience and maximize the relaxation benefits of this therapeutic practice.