In a Nutshell
· Avoid wearing an Apple Watch or smartwatch in a cold plunge tub for home
· Exposure to heat and humidity can damage the device and void its warranty
· Enjoy your wellness session without technology for a more mindful experience
Is It Safe to Wear a Smartwatch in a Sauna or Steam Room?
No, it is not safe to wear an Apple Watch or smartwatch in any sauna or steam room. Extreme temperatures and humidity can damage the internal mechanics and screen, even if your device is water-resistant. Manufacturers like Apple and Fitbit specifically advise against it.
Using a smartwatch in a sauna may seem convenient for tracking time, heart rate, or calories burned. However, the high temperatures (up to 90°C / 194°F) and moisture levels can cause irreversible hardware damage and shorten the device’s lifespan.
Why You Should Avoid Wearing Smartwatches in Saunas
Here’s what happens when you wear a smartwatch in a traditional or infrared sauna:
· Moisture penetration can corrode circuits.
· Extreme heat may warp or expand internal components.
· Warranty voiding — heat-related damage isn’t covered by AppleCare or most warranties.
· Battery degradation occurs faster under high thermal stress.
Even Apple’s own documentation limits safe operating temperatures to between 0° and 35°C (32°–95°F) — much lower than typical sauna conditions.
Can You Wear an Apple Watch in an Infrared Sauna?
No — even in an infrared sauna, it’s unsafe to wear an Apple Watch. While infrared saunas operate at lower air temperatures than traditional ones, they still expose your device to sustained radiant heat that can affect sensors and screens.
If you enjoy infrared sauna benefits, it’s best to track your session manually or use external timers designed for heat environments instead of your smartwatch.
How About a Steam Room or Steam Shower?
Steam rooms and showers pose an even higher risk. The condensation and humidity can enter small gaps around your watch’s casing and cause electrical failures. Even “waterproof” or “swim-proof” devices are not designed for continuous steam exposure.
If you’re using a home sauna or steam shower, keep your smartwatch outside the enclosure. This also helps you disconnect and fully enjoy the wellness benefits of heat therapy.
FAQ
1. Can I wear an Apple Watch in a sauna or steam room?
No, it’s not recommended. Apple explicitly warns against exposing the device to extreme temperatures or humidity, which can damage internal components and void warranty coverage.
2. Can you wear a smartwatch in a sauna?
Generally, no. Most smartwatches—including Fitbit, Samsung, and Garmin—are not built to withstand sauna-level heat or moisture. Continuous exposure can lead to screen fogging, circuit damage, or reduced battery life.
3. Can I wear my Apple Watch in a sauna blanket?
It’s best not to. Even though a sauna blanket produces less intense heat, it still exceeds the Apple Watch’s safe temperature range and can cause overheating or malfunctions over time.
4. What is the heat limit for an Apple Watch?
The recommended temperature range for Apple Watch use is between 0° and 35°C (32° to 95°F). Exceeding these limits can lead to permanent hardware and sensor damage.
5. How can I track sauna sessions safely?
You can:
· Use an external sauna timer or wall clock.
· Log session duration manually on your phone after cooling down.
· Focus on listening to your body rather than device metrics during heat therapy.
Embrace the Tech-Free Sauna Experience
When you leave your devices behind, you open yourself to the true meditative and restorative potential of the sauna. Let your mind and body recharge—without the distractions of pings, notifications, or heat-damaged electronics.
If you’re exploring the best home saunas or want to compare infrared sauna vs traditional sauna options, check out our detailed guides.
