Can You Wear AirPods in a Sauna or Steam Room? The Definitive Guide

If you’re an AirPods user who loves to relax in a sauna or steam room, you may have wondered if it’s safe to wear your wireless earbuds in such extreme conditions. The short answer is no, it’s not recommended to wear AirPods in a sauna or steam room.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive deep into the reasons why and explore some safer alternatives for enjoying your favorite tunes or podcasts while unwinding in these high-heat, high-humidity environments.

Table of Contents

Why You Shouldn’t Wear AirPods in a Sauna or Steam Room

AirPods are not designed to withstand the harsh conditions of a sauna or steam room. Here are the main reasons why wearing them in these environments is a big no-no:

AirPods are Not Waterproof or Sweatproof

While AirPods are advertised as water and sweat-resistant, they are not entirely waterproof or sweatproof. This means that while they can handle a little moisture from your sweat or light rain, they are not equipped to withstand the intense humidity and steam found in saunas and steam rooms.

The moisture can seep into the delicate internal components of your AirPods, causing corrosion and potentially leading to malfunctions or complete failure. In fact, Apple explicitly warns against wearing AirPods in saunas or steam rooms, as doing so can void your warranty.

Extreme Heat Can Cause AirPods to Overheat and Malfunction

Another significant risk of wearing AirPods in a sauna or steam room is overheating. AirPods are designed to operate within a temperature range of 32°F to 95°F (0°C to 35°C). However, saunas can reach temperatures up to 185°F (85°C) or even higher, which is well beyond the recommended operating temperature for AirPods.

Exposing your AirPods to such extreme heat can cause them to overheat, leading to shutdowns, malfunctions, or even permanent damage to internal components like batteries and circuits. In some cases, overheating can also pose a fire hazard if the AirPods catch fire or explode due to the excessive heat.

Water Damage and Potential Ear Infections

If you accidentally get your AirPods wet in a sauna or steam room, the moisture can cause water damage and potentially render them unusable. While there are steps you can take to try and save water-damaged AirPods (more on that later), there’s no guarantee that they will work properly after being exposed to such extreme moisture.

Additionally, wearing AirPods in a sauna can increase your risk of ear infections or other ear-related problems. The combination of heat, humidity, and moisture can create an ideal environment for bacteria and fungi to thrive, potentially leading to infections if the AirPods transfer these microorganisms into your ears.

More Post:
How Hot Is a Sauna? The Complete Guide To The Best Sauna Temperature

What If You Accidentally Get Your AirPods Wet in a Sauna?

If you make the mistake of wearing your AirPods in a sauna or steam room and they get wet, don’t panic. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you try and save your water-damaged AirPods:

Dry them off: Use a soft, dry, lint-free cloth (like a microfiber cloth) to gently remove any excess moisture and dirt from the surface of your AirPods.
Force water out of the speaker grills: Use cotton swabs or a shortcut app like “Shortcuts” or “Water Eject” to play a low-frequency sound that can help push out any water droplets from the speaker grills.
Absorb remaining moisture: Place your AirPods and their charging case in an airtight container with silica gel packets or uncooked rice. These materials will help absorb any remaining moisture inside the AirPods and case.
Allow time to dry thoroughly: Wait at least 24 hours before attempting to use your AirPods again. This will give them enough time to dry out completely and potentially avoid any short circuits or corrosion.

Keep in mind that even after following these steps, there’s no guarantee that your water-damaged AirPods will function properly. If they still don’t work or sound distorted, you may need to contact Apple for repair or replacement options.

Safe Alternatives for Listening to Music in a Sauna

While wearing AirPods in a sauna or steam room is a definite no-no, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy your favorite tunes or podcasts while relaxing in these environments. Here are some safer alternatives to consider:

Waterproof Headphones

Waterproof headphones are designed to withstand exposure to water and moisture, making them a better option for use in saunas and steam rooms than regular headphones or AirPods. Some popular waterproof headphone models include:

Sony WF-SP800N: With an IP55 rating, these true wireless earbuds can withstand water jets and are designed for active use.
Jabra Elite Active 75t: With an IP57 rating, these earbuds can handle immersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes.
Jaybird Vista 2: With an IP68 rating, these earbuds are dust-tight and can withstand immersion in water up to 2 meters for extended periods.

It’s important to note that while waterproof headphones are more resistant to moisture, they may still struggle with the extreme heat and steam found in saunas and steam rooms. Use them at your own risk, and be sure to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for safe use.

Bone Conduction Headphones

Bone conduction headphones are a unique alternative that transmit sound through your cheekbones instead of your ear canals. This design eliminates the need for earbuds or speakers that could be damaged by moisture or heat. Some popular bone conduction headphone models include:

AfterShokz Aeropex: These lightweight headphones are IP67 rated, meaning they’re dust-tight and can withstand immersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes.
AfterShokz OpenMove: With an IP55 rating, these headphones can withstand water jets and are designed for active use.
Vidonn F1: These budget-friendly bone conduction headphones are sweatproof and water-resistant, making them a decent option for sauna use.

One advantage of bone conduction headphones is that they allow you to hear your surroundings better, which can be safer and more relaxing in a sauna environment. However, they may not offer the same sound quality or noise cancellation as traditional headphones.

Portable Waterproof Bluetooth Speakers

If you prefer to listen to music without having anything on or near your ears, a portable waterproof Bluetooth speaker can be a great option for sauna use. You can place the speaker outside the sauna door or window and connect it to your phone or music player via Bluetooth. Some popular waterproof speaker models include:

JBL GO2: With an IPX7 rating, this compact speaker can withstand immersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes.
Anker Soundcore Mini: With an IPX7 rating and a durable design, this small speaker is a great option for outdoor or sauna use.
Bose SoundLink Micro: With an IPX7 rating and impressive sound quality, this speaker is a bit pricier but offers excellent performance in wet environments.

When choosing a portable speaker for sauna use, look for one with a long battery life, good sound quality, and a durable, waterproof design. Keep in mind that the speaker should be placed outside the sauna to avoid exposure to extreme heat and steam.

FAQs

Does sauna drain AirPod battery?

Yes, the extreme heat in a sauna can drain and potentially damage the AirPods’ battery faster than normal use. The high temperatures can cause the battery to degrade more quickly, reducing its overall lifespan and capacity.

Can you wear earphones in the sauna?

It’s generally not recommended to wear regular earphones or headphones in a sauna due to the risk of moisture damage and overheating. Most standard earphones and headphones are not designed to withstand the high humidity and temperatures found in saunas and steam rooms.

Can I wear AirPods Pro in sauna reddit?

According to multiple Reddit threads, users strongly advise against wearing any AirPods model (including AirPods Pro) in a sauna. The heat and moisture can quickly damage the delicate electronics and potentially cause permanent failure or safety hazards.