Can You Wear AirPods in a Sauna?

Is it safe to wear AirPods inside a sauna? A question on many people’s minds who want to wear AirPods to enjoy listening to music, podcasts, or audiobooks while relaxing in a sauna. 

Everyone knows that saunas have high temperatures inside. Many wonder if the heat in the sauna can cause damage to AirPods. 

It is not recommended to wear AirPods inside a sauna for a number of reasons. First and foremost, using a sauna involves being exposed to extremely hot temperatures, which can be harmful to your AirPods. 

Additionally, the high humidity inside a sauna can contribute to potential damage to your AirPods. 

The sauna is typically maintained at a temperature of 150°F to create a warm environment conducive to inducing sweating. 

However, according to Apple tech experts, the maximum temperature that AirPods can handle is 113 °F. 

If the temperature goes above it, the AirPods may get damaged.

Ideally, you should avoid wearing AirPods in the sauna, as they are not heatproof and waterproof. 

The high temperature and moist air can damage the internal components of your AirPods.

Airpods have a rating called IPX4, which makes them water- and sweat-resistant but not waterproof. 

With over 100 million users globally, it’s clear why many are curious about how much water AirPods can handle. 

AirPods (3rd generation) and AirPods Pro (1st and 2nd generation) come with an IPX4 rating, making them splash-resistant but not fully waterproof or dustproof.

However, AirPods Max and older models like the 1st and 2nd generation don’t have any water resistance rating. 

This means they’re more vulnerable to moisture, so extra care is needed to avoid damage. 

For example, you can wear AirPods with IPX4 ratings, such as the 3rd generation AirPods or AirPods Pro models, during workouts at the gym or while walking in light rain.

However, it’s crucial to avoid exposing them to high-velocity water sources, such as showering, water jets from a hose, or water sports like jet skiing or kayaking. 

To give you a better idea of their water resistance, a YouTuber conducted several tests to see just how much water exposure AirPods can handle, going beyond their official IPX4 rating.

The YouTuber tested their limits by leaving AirPods outside during a rainstorm overnight. 

Despite being completely soaked, the AirPods worked perfectly the next day.

He also dropped one AirPod into a bowl of water while doing dishes, and after quickly drying it off, it still performed fine.

Additionally, he submerged an AirPod in a hot tub for a short period, and it still functioned without issue.

These tests prove that AirPods can handle more than just light splashes or sweat, challenging the expectations of their IPX4 rating.

However, saunas are a different story. The extreme heat in a sauna can cause significant damage to your AirPods, even though they can handle moisture. 

So, while AirPods can manage more water exposure than expected, the high temperatures in a sauna can be far more damaging.

According to Apple, water damage isn’t covered by the standard warranty for AirPods, so it’s important to be cautious when exposing them to moisture in environments like saunas.

"At the moment, we can say that sauna use is recommended, and it seems that more is beneficial," says Dr. Jari Laukkanen, a cardiologist and professor of medicine known for his extensive research on the health benefits of sauna bathing.

While regular sauna sessions may offer positive effects for your health, it’s important to separate the benefits to your body from the potential risks to your devices. 

While there are no laws against taking an AirPod in a dry sauna, it’s not a good idea.

Not only could the dry sauna potentially harm your AirPods, given its typically higher temperature compared to a wet sauna, but your AirPods might also cause discomfort during the session as the arid air, due to dry heat, may result in a slight zap sensation in your ears.

According to Apple, their support page clearly states, “Don’t wear AirPods in a sauna or steam room.” 

The intense heat and steam can damage the delicate components and compromise their sweat and water resistance. 

To keep your AirPods safe and working properly, avoid exposing them to such environments altogether.

Not being able to wear AirPods in saunas doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy your favorite music. 

While there aren’t earphones specifically made for saunas, you can use portable waterproof speakers or earphones with a high IPX rating to relish music, podcasts, or audiobooks while relaxing in the sauna.

Look for buying IPX6 to IPX8 earphones as they are waterproof and not damaged in the sauna.

To remove water from your AirPods, gently wipe them with a towel or tissue. Avoid using high heat. 

For drying, let your AirPods air dry slowly, or use a hair dryer on the lowest settings for quicker results. 

Ensure they are completely dry before charging, as charging when wet may damage your AirPods.

In conclusion, wearing AirPods in a sauna is not advisable due to the risk of damage from high temperatures and humidity. 

The sauna environment can exceed the AirPods’ recommended limits, potentially affecting their functionality. 

To enjoy audio in the sauna, consider alternatives like waterproof speakers or earphones with a high IPX rating. If AirPods get wet, gently wipe and air-dry them before charging.