Short answer
No. Apple says not to wear AirPods in a sauna or steam room. Apple’s operating range is 0–35°C (32–95°F); steam rooms usually run hotter than that and saunas far hotter. Water resistance (IPX4, IP54 or IP57 depending on model) is for sweat and splashes, not steam or heat. Leave them in your locker.
Music or a podcast can make a sauna session feel shorter, so it is tempting to keep your AirPods in. Apple is clear that you should not. Here is why, with the numbers from Apple’s own support pages.
What Apple says
On its sweat and water resistance page, Apple lists tips to avoid damage to AirPods, including “Don’t wear AirPods in a sauna or steam room.” The same page says not to put AirPods under running water like a shower, not to swim with them and not to expose them to high-velocity water.
Apple’s operating temperature page says to use AirPods where the ambient temperature is between 0 and 35°C (32 to 95°F). Using them in very hot conditions can permanently shorten battery life. Apple recommends storing them between -10 and 45°C (14 to 113°F).
How hot are saunas and steam rooms?
| Typical temperature | Within Apple’s 32–95°F range? | |
|---|---|---|
| Steam room | 80–120°F, default 110°F (MrSteam iTempo) | No (at most settings) |
| Infrared sauna | 110–135°F (Cleveland Clinic) | No |
| Traditional sauna | 150–195°F (Cleveland Clinic) | No |
Even the mildest steam room setting is at the very top of Apple’s range, and a sauna is well above it. For more about heat levels see what is a good sauna temperature.
Are AirPods waterproof?
No. Apple calls them sweat and water resistant for non-water sports and exercise. According to Apple, the rating depends on the model:
- IPX4: AirPods Pro 1, AirPods Pro 2 (Lightning) and AirPods 3.
- IP54: AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C) and AirPods 4.
- IP57: AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods 5.
Apple adds that sweat and water resistance are not permanent and can decrease over time with normal wear. Lotions, oils and sunscreen can also harm the water seals and acoustic membranes, and those often end up on your skin in a spa.
What about the dry heat of a sauna?
Very dry air can build up static electricity. Apple’s page on earbuds and static electricity explains that you might get a small electrostatic shock from earbuds in very dry air. It is harmless, but in a sauna the bigger issue is the heat itself.
If your AirPods got wet or steamy
- Wipe them with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth (Apple).
- Let them dry completely, for at least two hours, before using them or putting them in the case.
- Do not use cleaning products or compressed air on them.
- If they were in a hot sauna, let them cool to room temperature before charging.
If they stop working properly, contact Apple Support.
Better ways to enjoy sound in a sauna
Leave your earbuds and phone outside. For music, use a speaker or system that the maker rates for sauna heat, installed where the maker allows. We explain the options in can you use a speaker in a sauna and relaxing music in the sauna. For other headphones see can you wear headphones in the sauna, and for phones see can you bring your phone in the sauna or steam room. Apple Watch has its own rules: Apple Watch in the sauna.
Or enjoy the quiet. Our list of ways to pass the time in a sauna has ideas that need no gadgets.
Frequently asked questions
Can you wear AirPods in a sauna?
No. Apple’s support page lists ‘Don’t wear AirPods in a sauna or steam room’ among its tips to avoid damage. Apple also says to use AirPods in ambient temperatures between 0 and 35°C (32 to 95°F).
Can you wear AirPods in a steam room?
No, for the same reason. Steam rooms usually run warmer than Apple’s operating range, and Apple’s water resistance is for non-water sports and exercise, not for steam.
Are AirPods waterproof?
No. Apple calls them sweat and water resistant. Depending on the model the rating is IPX4, IP54 or IP57, and Apple says water resistance is not permanent and can decrease with normal wear.
What does heat do to AirPods?
Apple says using AirPods in very hot conditions can permanently shorten battery life. It recommends storing them between -10 and 45°C (14 to 113°F) and not leaving them in a hot car.
What should I do if my AirPods got wet or steamy?
Apple says to wipe them with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth and let them dry completely, for at least two hours, before using them or putting them in the charging case.
How can I listen to music in a sauna?
Use a speaker or sound system rated for sauna heat and placed where the maker allows, or play music from outside the sauna. Our speaker guide explains what to look for.
Sources
- Apple Support, Sweat and water resistance of AirPods Pro, AirPods 3, AirPods 4 and AirPods 5 (accessed 17.10.2026)
- Apple Support, Keeping AirPods within acceptable operating temperatures
- Apple Support, Apple earbuds and static electricity
- MrSteam iTempo control manual
- Cleveland Clinic, Infrared sauna benefits (temperatures)