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Infrared saunas have quickly become a favorite for those seeking calm, comfort, and deeper rest. The gentle, radiant heat warms the body without overwhelming the air, inviting a slower pace and a softer presence. It's a space where muscles loosen, thoughts quiet, and the outside world feels like it’s been temporarily turned down.
But that question always comes up: Can I bring my phone in?
Whether it’s to play a favorite meditation track, check your heart rate, take a quick selfie, or stay connected “just in case,” the idea of having your device in the sauna can feel tempting. At Altered States Wellness, we occasionally hear clients ask about this, especially those visiting during a busy day or trying to use their float or sauna session as part of their wellness tracking routine.
It’s understandable—but it’s worth taking a closer look.
Can You Physically Bring a Phone into an Infrared Sauna?
Technically, yes. Infrared saunas use radiant heat that warms your body more than the air around you. The temperatures are usually lower than traditional saunas, often between 110°F and 150°F. That’s still very warm, but not as harsh as the dry, high-heat environments of conventional steam or Finnish saunas.
Because of this, some electronics—especially newer smartphones—might seem capable of withstanding the temperature, at least for short periods. Certain fitness influencers and tech-forward recovery spaces even promote controlled phone use during infrared sessions. Some wellness brands even manufacture sauna-safe devices.
But there’s a difference between possibility and practicality.
The Problem Isn't Just the Heat—It's the Habit
Even if your phone doesn’t shut down or overheat, the deeper question is this: Why bring it in at all?
The infrared sauna is one of the few places left where stillness is encouraged and multitasking isn’t required. That gentle warmth slows your heart rate, encourages parasympathetic relaxation, and gives your brain space to breathe. The moment you bring a screen into that space, everything shifts.
Your posture changes. Your breath becomes more shallow. Your nervous system—already conditioned to respond to every notification or scroll—is subtly activated. You may not even notice it happening, but the effects are real. You’re no longer present with your body. You're in your phone.
Your Device May Suffer—Even If It Survives
Manufacturers recommend keeping most smartphones and smartwatches below 95°F for storage and no more than 113°F during use. In an infrared sauna, the ambient temperature may be higher than that, and your device could be exposed to radiant heat for 20–45 minutes or more.
Potential risks include:
- Battery degradation
- Screen or internal component damage
- Automatic shutdown due to overheating
- Condensation from sweating or humidity
Just because the device doesn’t break immediately doesn’t mean it isn’t being compromised over time. It’s a slow trade-off—and one that may cost you more than the price of a replacement.
Smartwatches and Fitness Trackers: A Middle Ground?
Some clients want to monitor heart rate, track calories burned, or log their session. Fitness trackers and smartwatches offer a way to do this passively—without much interaction. If you're set on tracking data, this can be a reasonable compromise.
Still, it helps to keep these wearables covered with a towel or wristband when possible and to choose models that are explicitly rated for higher temperatures. Even so, their presence subtly shifts the focus from internal awareness to performance, which may take away from the deeper benefits of infrared therapy.
If you're tracking out of curiosity or habit, consider trying a few sessions without them. Notice what shifts in your attention, your relaxation level, and your overall mood.
Making the Case for a Tech-Free Session
Your phone does a lot. But it can’t replicate the experience of being fully present in your body. There’s no app for dropping into stillness. No filter for clarity. No push notification that matches the power of your own breath.
Infrared saunas give your nervous system a chance to recalibrate. That’s difficult to do when your phone is buzzing, glowing, or quietly nudging your thoughts in ten different directions. Even a quick check of a text or glance at the time can pull you out of the subtle rhythm your body is trying to find.
Leaving your phone outside the sauna is a small act of resistance in a world constantly asking for your attention. It’s a return to boundaries—and to balance.
If You Still Want Your Phone Nearby
There are valid reasons someone might want their phone accessible. Parents, caregivers, or those on call may not feel comfortable leaving their device too far away. That’s understandable.
Here are a few alternatives that protect your phone and your peace of mind:
- Leave the phone just outside the sauna within earshot or eyesight.
- Use Do Not Disturb with exceptions for priority contacts.
- Pre-load a playlist or meditation and let it run without interaction.
- Opt for waterproof and heat-resistant cases if you must bring it in—but know this still carries risk.
If you're visiting Altered States Wellness, our team can work with you to ensure you feel secure while keeping the sauna space clear and uninterrupted.
The Real Gift of Going Without
The first few minutes without your phone might feel uncomfortable. That’s normal. We’re used to filling every gap with a tap or scroll. But once you move through that initial restlessness, something quieter opens up.
You may start to notice your breath. The soft pulsing of your heartbeat. The subtle tension in your shoulders that begins to melt. These are the moments where true recalibration begins—not just for your body, but for your mind.
Letting go of your phone, even for just 30 minutes, creates a container for clarity. It invites you back into your own rhythm.
Closing Thought
You can bring your phone into an infrared sauna—but the better question is, why would you want to?
Choosing to leave it behind is more than a tech decision. It’s a ritual. A gentle boundary. A space carved out not just for recovery, but for reconnection—with yourself, your breath, and the quiet healing heat around you.
Infrared saunas don’t just support wellness. They offer you the rare chance to be unreachable—for just a little while. And sometimes, that’s exactly what we need.
