Can You Wear an Apple Watch in Sauna? A Practical Guide

We all know that saunas are great for relaxation, but can your Apple Watch handle the heat? If you're an Apple Watch lover, you probably wear it everywhere. But stepping into a sauna or steam room raises questions about whether you should keep it on.

After all, whatever model you have Apple Watches aren't exactly cheap, and nobody wants to risk damaging their favourite tech accessory. Here, we’ll go deep into whether it’s safe to wear your Apple Watch in a sauna, explore the risks of overheating, and provide you with some practical advice for keeping your device in top shape. Let's dive in.

Can You Wear an Apple Watch in a Sauna?

The short answer? No, it's not recommended.

While Apple Watches, including the rugged Apple Watch Ultra, are designed to be water-resistant, that doesn't mean they're built to handle the extreme heat and humidity of a sauna or steam room.

Saunas reach temperatures of around 80-100°C (176-212°F), which is way above the ambient temperature these devices are designed to endure. But what temperature can an Apple Watch withstand? An Apple Watch or iPhone's maximum tolerable temperature is 35°C generally.

So, when the heat spikes, you’re pushing the limits of what your watch can withstand.

Not all Apple Watch models are created equal when it comes to temperature resilience. Some can handle water resistance in the shower or during a swim, but the high heat and steam room temperature in a sauna are a whole different story. The limited Apple Watch warranty won’t cover damage caused by exposure to extreme conditions like saunas.

Bottom line: if you're planning a sauna session, it's better to play it safe and take your Apple Watch off. You don't want to risk overheating it.

Can an Apple Watch Overheat in a Sauna?

Yes, it absolutely can! And that's the last thing you want to happen.

Your Apple Watch, particularly the Apple Watch Ultra or any new Apple Watch series, is packed with delicate electronics that aren’t designed to handle the kind of ambient temperatures found in saunas.

The internal components could malfunction if they get too hot. In a sauna, the intense heat can cause the watch’s performance to deteriorate, and in some cases, it could even shut down to prevent damage.

Remember, metal conducts heat exceptionally efficiently, which means that if you're wearing a watch with a metal band, you could feel the burn on your skin. Not only is it uncomfortable, but it could cause minor burns or irritation. Also, the sensors on the back of the watch might not work as effectively when exposed to the heat of a sauna, which defeats the purpose if you're tracking your health metrics.

To sum it up: Yes, your Apple Watch can overheat in a sauna. The higher the steam room temperature, the higher the risk. It’s best to keep your watch outside until you're done.

FitStraps: The Perfect Companion for Your Apple Watch

Before we jump into more tips, let’s take a moment to introduce Fitstraps. If you love your Apple Watch, why not dress it up with a strap that matches your style and needs? Whether you’re hitting the gym with a classic sports strap or looking for something sleek for a night out with our metal or designer wristbands, Fitstraps has you covered.

We offer a wide range of premium straps suitable for all Apple Watch models. So, next time you want to switch things up or need a strap that’s perfect for sweaty sessions, check out our collection. We've got the right fit for every occasion.

What Apple Watch Band is Good for Sweat?

If you're someone who wears your Apple Watch to the gym or during intense workouts, you know how important it is to have a band that can handle sweat. Not all bands are created equal, and some can get pretty gross after a sweaty session.

For sweat-heavy activities, a silicone or sports strap is your best bet. These bands are lightweight, water-resistant, and easy to clean, making them perfect for workouts. The smooth texture doesn’t absorb sweat, and they can withstand some of the toughest exercises.

Avoid metal or leather straps during workouts. Metal can get uncomfortable, especially if it gets hot (like in a sauna), and leather doesn’t mix well with sweat. Over time, leather can crack or get discoloured, so it’s better suited for more formal occasions. Silicone straps, however, are durable and won't get ruined by sweat. They’re also perfect for the UK’s unpredictable weather, from rain to shine, as they can handle it all.

At Fitstraps, we offer a variety of silicone and sports straps designed to keep up with your active lifestyle. Whether you're going for a run or hitting the gym, you’ll find the right strap that fits your vibe and keeps your Apple Watch looking fresh.

Can You Wear an Apple Watch in a Sauna Blanket?

So, what about sauna blankets? These are becoming more popular for at-home heat therapy, and the question remains the same: is it safe to wear your Apple Watch in one?

Sauna blankets generate heat to simulate a sauna session. While they don’t get as hot as traditional saunas, they still reach temperatures that can push the limits of your Apple Watch. Even if the temperature is lower than a regular sauna, it’s still advisable to avoid wearing your watch. As we mentioned earlier, Apple Watches aren’t built to withstand extreme temperatures.

Another thing to consider as we touched on above is that heat can affect the accuracy of the sensors on your Apple Watch. If you’re using the watch to monitor your heart rate or other fitness metrics, the high temperatures from the sauna blanket might give you false readings.

In short: skip the watch when using a sauna blanket. It’s better to keep it safe and avoid unnecessary damage.

Can an Apple Watch Track Calories Burned in a Sauna?

Here’s the tricky part. Can your Apple Watch accurately track calories burned in a sauna? Technically, yes—but don’t expect it to be precise.

The Apple Watch uses heart rate sensors to estimate calorie burn. When you're in a sauna, your heart rate increases because of the heat, but that doesn't necessarily mean you're burning the same amount of calories as you would during a workout. Your body is working hard to cool itself down, but it’s not the same as exercising.

Another thing to keep in mind is that the heat can interfere with the watch’s sensors. As we’ve discussed, Apple Watches don’t perform well in extreme heat, and this can lead to inaccurate readings. So while your watch might show an elevated heart rate and calorie burn, the numbers might not reflect your actual exertion level.

If you’re serious about tracking your fitness progress, it’s better to rely on your watch during proper workouts rather than sauna sessions.

How Do I Protect My Apple Watch in the Sauna?

The best way to protect your Apple Watch in the sauna is to avoid wearing it altogether. Not all Apple Watches are built to handle the high heat and humidity found in saunas and steam rooms. Even the most durable Apple Watch model isn’t designed to withstand such extreme temperatures.

If you absolutely must keep your watch nearby, consider removing it before entering and storing it in a cool, dry place. This will prevent it from overheating or suffering any damage from the heat and moisture. Steam rooms and saunas can easily push your watch beyond its limits, potentially causing long-term harm.

Another option is to use a protective case, but even then, it's risky. The heat can still affect the internal components, regardless of external protection. Your best bet is simply to leave your watch outside the sauna. It's a small sacrifice to ensure your device stays in working condition. Keep your Apple Watch safe, and avoid exposing it to extreme environments.

By following these precautions, you'll ensure that your Apple Watch stays in top condition and lasts for years to come.

The Bottom Line

Wearing your Apple Watch in a sauna might seem like a good idea but it’s not worth the risk. The heat of a sauna or even a sauna blanket can cause your watch to malfunction, overheat or give inaccurate readings. Even the premium Apple Watch Ultra which is known for its durability isn’t built to withstand extreme temperatures like those found in a sauna.

When it comes to fitness and sweat, having the right band is key. Whether you’re looking for something that can handle a sweaty workout or a stylish upgrade for your Apple Watch, Fitstraps has you covered with high-quality, durable options. Remember to always take your watch off before getting into any high-heat environment to keep it in top condition.