Can you wear an Apple Watch in the sauna?

Apple cannot guarantee that an Apple Watch will withstand a sauna. It’s not advisable to wear your Apple Watch in a sauna. The water resistance of an Apple Watch decreases over time, and conditions vary by sauna. It’s wise to remove your Apple Watch before entering a sauna.

Afternoon in Apple Watch Resistance

Current Apple Watch models, such as the Apple Watch 8, are tested for water resistance when new out of the box (or factory). The resistance to water, steam, and dust diminishes with use.

There’s no guarantee the resistance remains at its original level after unpacking. Therefore, it’s not recommended to take an Apple Watch into a sauna or steam room.

Resistant to Rain, Not to Saunas

Current Apple Watch generations handle rain well, earning an IP68 rating, meaning they’re dust-tight and can be submerged up to 1.5 meters (max. 30 minutes).

An Apple Watch isn’t designed for continuous exposure to pressure or high temperatures, as encountered in a steam room or sauna.

Rain is considered spray water and doesn’t affect an Apple Watch. You can activate water lock mode beforehand for added protection.

Steam Penetrates Deeper

Since steam consists of smaller water particles, it can more easily penetrate an Apple Watch. It can handle brief steam exposure but not prolonged contact. An Apple Watch is built to withstand a maximum temperature of 45°C.

Steam is generated quickly near 100°C water. Though it cools in the air, the temperature remains well above what the Apple Watch is designed for.

Prevention is Better Than Cure

It’s best to remove your Apple Watch during such activities. It might survive, but it’s not built for it. Preventing damage to your Apple Watch is the smart choice.

It’s better not to wear your Apple Watch in:

• Sauna
• Steam room
• Infrared sauna
• Steam bath
• Dry sauna

Can an Apple Watch Handle an Infrared Cabin?

An infrared cabin is less harmful to an Apple Watch. However, it’s still not advisable to wear it inside. Temperatures in an infrared cabin range from 48°C to 70°C, exceeding the Apple Watch’s 45°C limit.

Can Straps Withstand a Sauna?

In principle, Apple Watch straps are more sauna-resistant than the electronics. However, high temperatures and humidity in a sauna or steam room can still damage them.

Conclusion

An Apple Watch isn’t designed for the harsh conditions of a sauna, steam room, infrared sauna, steam bath, or dry sauna. It’s best to avoid wearing it in these settings to prevent damage.