Quick answer: it is best to leave your phone outside the sauna. Phones are designed for ambient temperatures of roughly 32°F to 95°F (0°C to 35°C), and even an infrared sauna at about 120°F to 140°F is well above that. A traditional sauna at 150°F to 195°F is hotter still. Short exposure may not break anything, but heat can shorten battery life, trigger overheating shutdowns and, in the worst case, damage the battery or screen.
Why Phones and Saunas Do Not Mix
Heat: phone makers publish an operating range, and sauna air is far above it. Apple, for example, lists 32° to 95°F (0° to 35°C) for the iPhone. Batteries are especially sensitive to heat.
Overheating warnings: most phones dim the screen, stop charging or switch off when they get too hot, so you may not be able to use it anyway.
Humidity and sweat: in a traditional sauna, steam from the rocks and sweat on your hands add moisture. Water resistance ratings are not designed for hot, steamy conditions or for repeated heat cycles.
Hot surfaces: a phone left on a bench or in a pocket can get hot to hold, and a hot battery is a safety concern.
Infrared vs Traditional: Does It Make a Difference?
An infrared sauna runs cooler than a traditional sauna, and has no steam, so it is gentler on a phone. But the air is still above a phone's recommended range, and infrared panels can heat objects directly. Our guide to sauna temperatures lists the typical ranges for each type, and infrared vs traditional sauna explains the differences.
What If You Already Took It In?
Take it out and let it cool down gradually at room temperature.
Do not put it in a fridge or freezer, and do not charge it until it is back to normal temperature.
Check for a swollen case, screen discoloration or very fast battery drain. If you see any, stop using it and contact the manufacturer.
Better Ways to Enjoy Music or a Timer
Use a sauna with built-in audio: some models include speakers or Bluetooth. Check the specifications on the product page of the sauna you are considering.
Keep the phone outside and use a wall timer or a sand timer to track your session.
Play music from a speaker outside the cabin with the door closed.
Skip the screen: a sauna is a good place to switch off. If you are not sure how long to stay, read how long to stay in a sauna.
Other Things to Leave Outside
Metal jewelry, watches and glasses can get hot enough to burn skin or warp. See what to wear in a sauna for the full list.
The Bottom Line
Leave your phone outside. If you want music or a timer in the sauna, choose a cabin with built-in features or use a timer you can leave inside. Browse our best home infrared saunas to compare models, and check each product page for audio features.
