If you are a smartwatch owner and you are wondering if you can wear your Apple Watch Or Any Other Smartwatch in the Sauna, then this guide is for you.
The short answer to this question is: Yes You can! I’ve been wearing my Apple watch and other smartwatches in the Sauna for years, However, it’s a bit more complicated.
Smartwatches have become very popular in the last few years and many people, including me, wear them all day for their fitness and health tracking. Modern Smartwatches are comfortable to wear and they are also water resistant which means that you can also use them for swimming.
However, the one question that has been on the mind of many smartwatch users is if they can wear a smartwatch in the Sauna and today, I’ll address this question.
Read More: Wearing Apple Watch Inside Of Wrist In 2024 | Why? Will It Work?
In this Guide, I’ll focus on the following topics:
- Can I wear a Smartwatch in the Sauna?
- Is it Safe to wear a Smartwatch in the Sauna?
- Can I wear my Apple Watch in the Sauna Room?
- Can I use a Samsung watch in Sauna?
- And many more!
It may seem a very simple question but the answer is not very simple. So, I’ll try my best to explain everything in detail and answer whether you can wear your smartwatch in the Sauna Room. Let’s get started.
Table of Contents
Should I Wear A Smartwatch In The Sauna?
The Short answer is, yes, you can wear a smartwatch in the Sauna, I’m doing it on a daily basis for years and it works fine except for 2-3 times that my smartwatch got overheated and stopped working(it returned to working as soon as I cooled up).
The decision to wear your smartwatch in the Sauna will mainly depend on factors such as water resistance and the comfort level of your smartwatch.
Modern smartwatches offer some level of water resistance but it’s worth noting here that they are not completely water resistant. Especially low-priced smartwatches don’t have great water resistance and they can get damaged by the steam in the Sauna.
On the other hand, high-end smartwatches can withstand steam in Sauna but in the end, it also depends on the type of Sauna you use and the operating temperature of your smartwatch. I’ll get into the specific operating temperature range of each smartwatch later but generally, smartwatches can operate well up to 50°C. The heat in the traditional sauna is around 70°C to 90°C and it’s not recommended to use your smartwatch in the traditional sauna as your smartwatch can be damaged.
Similarly, an infrared Sauna (38-65 °C) can also potentially damage your smartwatch. However, Steam rooms have a temperature range of 30-50 °C and they are considered generally safe for smartwatches that have higher water resistance and operating temperature range.
You will also need to consider your comfort level because many people can’t wear their smartwatches in the Sauna because they cause them discomfort. So, if your smartwatch also causes discomfort, you shouldn’t wear it in the Sauna but if it doesn’t cause discomfort, you can wear it in the Sauna.
Can Wearing An Apple watch and other Smartwatch’s Brands In The Sauna Be Considered Safe?
In my personal experience, I’ve used many of my smartwatches in the Sauna and they are working pretty well. Similarly, there are many people out there who regularly use their smartwatches in the Sauna.
Now when it comes to official response, most companies don’t recommend using their smartwatches in the Sauna and many also say that your warranty will be void if the watch is damaged by steam in the Sauna.
So, in the end, it will come down to your personal opinion. Technically, you can use your smartwatch in the Sauna and if it’s of high quality, it will probably withstand the steam in the Sauna.
How To Determine If My Smartwatch Is Safe For The Sauna?
If you want to determine if your smartwatch is Safe for the Sauna, you will need to evaluate your smartwatch based on two factors: Water Resistance & Operating Temperature Range.
Water Resistance
Water Resistance is a metric that tells you about the water resistance of a smartwatch and it is rated with an ATM unit. The higher the ATM Rating a smartwatch has, the more resistant it is to water.
The entry-level smartwatches usually come with no water resistance and some come with around 30 ATM Water resistance. It means that they can withstand water pressure up to 30 meters underwater. Smartwatches with this rating are usually not ideal for swimming and they can be used around water. However, they are not ideal for Sauna.
On the other hand, premium smartwatches come with a 5 ATM or higher water resistance rating which means that they can withstand water pressure up to 50 meters and they are ideal for swimming. Some premium smartwatches also come with 10 ATM Water resistance and they are considered safe for Sauna.
So, if you want to determine whether your smartwatch is safe for Sauna, check its user manual and find its water resistance rating. If the manual says that the smartwatch has 5 ATM or higher water resistance and it’s safe for swimming, you can use it for the Sauna but you will have to do it at your own risk because the majority of the smartwatch companies don’t recommend it.
If your smartwatch has a water resistance rating of lower than 5 ATM, I’d recommend that you shouldn’t use it in Sauna as steam will damage the sensor and make your smartwatch useless.
Operating Temperature
Smartwatches are designed to be used at a certain temperature and companies test it in their labs. Most smartwatches come with an operating temperature range of -20°C to 50°C but the thing is that I’ve personally used my smartwatches in temperatures lower than -20°C and higher temperatures in the Sauna. In my case, my smartwatches kept working fine and they still work flawlessly.
When it comes to Sauna, the temperature range of a traditional sauna is around 70°C to 90°C and most smartwatches can’t withstand it.
In your case, you will need to check the operating temperature range of your smartwatch and then compare it with the temperature range of the sauna you want to use. If your smartwatch can operate in the temperature range of your desired Sauna, then you can use your smartwatch in the Sauna.
Is It Safe To Wear An Apple Watch In The Sauna?
Apple Watch is a premium smartwatch and it’s known for its high quality. The modern models of the Apple Watch come with 5 ATM water resistance and Apple Watch Ultra have 10 ATM Water Resistance. Officially, Apple doesn’t recommend wearing an Apple Watch in the Sauna and it’s clearly mentioned in the official “About Apple Watch Resistance” section.
The interesting thing here is that Apple doesn’t recommend using all of its Apple Watch Models in the Sauna Except Apple Watch Ultra. You can wear your Apple Watch Ultra in the Sauna but it must have the temperature below 55°C. So, technically you can wear your Apple Watch Ultra in Steam rooms that usually have a temperature range below 55°C.
When it comes to Operating temperature range, Apple Watches are designed to be used within a temperature range of 0°C to 35°C. However, you can store them in the temperature range between -20°C to 45°C.
In my case, I own an Apple Watch 7 and I regularly use it in Sauna. I’ve been using it for a long time in the Sauna and it’s working fine. I haven’t experienced any problems with the smartwatch. According to my Opinion, you can use modern Apple Watches including Apple Watch Ultra, Apple Watch Series 8, Apple Watch 7, and others in the Sauna and they won’t get damaged as they have pretty good water resistance and they are well-built.
Is It Safe To Wear Samsung Galaxy Watch In The Sauna?
Like Apple Watches, Samsung Galaxy Watches are also pretty high-quality smartwatches that come with a premium build and high water resistance rating.
When it comes to the water resistance of Galaxy Watches, almost all of them have a water resistance of 5 ATM which means that they can withstand water up to 50 meters. However, some newer Galaxy Watches such as Galaxy Watch 5 Series come with additional ratings such as IP68 which also makes them dust resistant.
Similarly, when it comes to operating temperature range, Galaxy Watches work best when they are within the temperature range of 0°C to 35°C but they can be stored within -20°C to 50°C.
In my personal experience, I’ve used my Samsung Galaxy Watch at an extreme temperature above 45°C and it worked fine. However, Samsung doesn’t recommend using its Galaxy Watches in extreme temperatures, especially in Sauna. But, some people still use their Galaxy smartwatches in Traditional Sauna and they are working fine. So, it will come down to your personal choice whether you want to take the risk.
Can I Wear My Garmin Smartwatch In The Sauna?
Garmin Smartwatches are some of the toughest smartwatches out there and they can withstand extreme temperatures but can they withstand the Sauna? Let’s find out!
Garmin Smartwatches come with high water resistance and most of them have 5 ATM water resistance which means that they can withstand water pressure up to 50 Meters. Some high-end Garmin Smartwatch Series such as Fenix and Instinct come with 10 ATM Water resistance and they can withstand water pressure up to 100 meters.
When it comes to the operating temperature range of Garmin Smartwatches, it varies from model to model. However, most of them have an operating temperature range between -20°C to 50°C.
Now the question is can you use Garmin Smartwatches in Sauna? The answer is not straightforward. During my research, I came across many posts from people who claim that their Garmin smartwatch is working fine in the Sauna but I also found some posts where people claim that their Garmin Smartwatch stopped working in the Sauna.
So, you will have to take caution when using a Garmin Smartwatch in the Sauna. If your Garmin Smartwatch has 10 ATM Water resistance, you can use it in a Sauna and it may survive it. However, If your Garmin Smartwatch has a water resistance of 50 ATM the risk of damage is higher, and it is not recommended to wear it in the sauna unless it is absolutely necessary.
Can I Wear My Fitbit In The Sauna?
Like other Smartwatches out there, Fitbit smartwatches and fitness trackers also offer water resistance and most of them have a water resistance rating of 5 ATM.
Similarly, when it comes to operating temperature range, their operating temperature range varies between -10°C to 45°C. Now the question is whether you can use your Fitbit in the Sauna. The Fitbit explicitly mentions in its safety instructions that you shouldn’t use your Fitbit product in a Sauna or Steam Room.
However, some people still use their Fitbits, especially Fitbit Charge Series Fitness Trackers in the Sauna and their Fitbits are working fine. But, some people also claim that their Fitbits stopped working once they used them in the Sauna.
So, like other smartwatches, the risk factor is also high when it comes to using Fitbits in the Sauna and you probably shouldn’t wear them in the Sauna unless you really want to.
Can I Wear My Polar Smartwatch In The Sauna?
Like Garmin Smartwatches, Polar Smartwatches are also very durable and they can withstand high temperatures but can they withstand the heat of Sauna? Well, it depends on the type of Sauna you are in.
Polar Smartwatches have pretty high operating temperature ranges. For example, Polar Grit X comes with an operating temperature range of -10°C to +50°C. Similarly, Polar Grit X Pro has an operating temperature range of -20°C to +50°C.
Similarly, the water resistance of Polar Smartwatches is also pretty high and most of them can withstand water pressure up to 100 meters.
So, technically you can use these Polar smartwatches in Steam Room without any problem. On the Internet, I also found posts of people who claim that they use their Polar smartwatches in traditional Saunas with extreme temperatures and that their Polar Smartwatches are working fine.
The Company doesn’t recommend using its smartwatches in the Sauna but they are capable of handling Sauna. So, it will all come down to your personal preference and willingness to take a risk.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Wear A Smartwatch In The Sauna?
Smartwatch companies don’t recommend wearing their smartwatches in the Sauna but some high-quality smartwatches can withstand the heat and steam of the Sauna. Technically, you can wear your smartwatch in the Sauna but there will be a risk that it might get damaged.
Which Smartwatch Models Can Be Worn In A Sauna?
It’s worth noting that smartwatch companies advise against wearing your smartwatches in the Sauna but some models can be worn because they have high water resistance and operating temperature range. Generally, smartwatches that have 5 ATM or higher water resistance and an operating range of -20°C to +50°C can be worn. However, it’s important to keep in mind that there is still a risk of damage even with these features.
How Hot Is The Sauna?
The temperature of a Sauna can vary depending on its type. The traditional Sauna has a temperature range of 70°C to 90°C but it can be higher. Similarly, Infrared Saunas operate at a temperature range of 38°C to 65°C. Steam rooms operate at a temperature range between 30°C to 50°C.
Conclusion
Although Smartwatch companies don’t recommend wearing their smartwatches in the Sauna, you can wear some high-end smartwatches with high water resistance and operating temperature range in the Sauna. However, there’s still a risk of damage even with these features so take extreme caution and make sure that you check the smartwatch manual to make sure that your smartwatch can withstand the high heat and steam of a Sauna.
I’ve personally used many of my smartwatches including the Apple Watch Series 7 in the Sauna and it’s working fine. Similarly, many of my friends and other people have also used their smartwatches in the Sauna and they didn’t experience any issues. However, still there’s a risk involved so make your decision based on your research.
I hope that you found this guide useful and that it provided you with an answer to the question. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask me in the comments and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible. Also, check this guide where I’ve explained the water resistance levels in smartwatches and other electronics in great detail.
As a professional trainer and a gadget lover, I’ve spent a lot of money and time buying wearable activity trackers, smartwatches, and gadgets, and checking them out. My site is focused on helping you with your activity tracking and smart technology journey. I try to provide the most helpful updated content on this subject. Hopefully, you will love my blogs and be a regular around here.
