If you bring your phone in the shower, you might not immediately notice any damage. However, over time the continued exposure to steam could cause the electronics within your phone to short-circuit - killing your device due to the steam settling inside.

In this guide, we will take you through everything you need to know about the impact shower steam has on mobile devices, whether a steam shower is a safe place for your phone, and give you some tips on protecting it from steam damage. It's always good to be prepared.

Will Shower Steam Damage Your Phone?

Shower steam can cause SERIOUS damage to your phone if you're not careful. While it may appear harmless, the humidity and warmth of a shower can CAUSE the electronics within your device to corrode and COMPROMISE its water resistant capabilities over time [2].

Pro Tip: A steam room is even worse than shower steam, and taking your phone in there effectively kills it using water vapour as it cannot withstand ambient moisture.

It's IMPORTANT to remember that even though your phone may seem okay after exposure to steam once or twice, continued exposure can do MORE harm than good in the long run. Ensuring plenty of VENTILATION in your bathroom can also help prevent steam building up.

Can You Take a Phone into a Steam Shower?

It's a common misconception that it's SAFE to take your phone into the shower with you, especially if you're in a steam shower. While it may seem HARMLESS at first, exposing your phone to the humidity and WARMTH of a steam shower can cause serious damage over time.

The electronics within your device COULD corrode and compromise its water resistant capabilities due to long-term exposure. This causes the system to short-circuit, KILLING the device in the process.

Pro Tip: Leave your phone out of the shower and use a waterproof speaker instead.

Can You Take an iPhone into a Steam Shower?

Unfortunately, taking an iPhone into a steam shower is NOT recommended due to long-term exposure resulting in CORROSION of electronics within the device and compromising its water RESISTANT capabilities [1].

This could ultimately lead to short-circuiting the SYSTEM and killing your phone. It’s best practice to leave iPhones out of ANY type of steamy environment, including saunas or hot tubs and showers.

If you want music while showering, CONSIDER using waterproof speakers instead that are DESIGNED for wet environments such as bathrooms and pools.

Can a Water Resistant Phone be Used in a Shower?

Water resistant phones are DESIGNED to be waterproof and splash-resistant. However, they are not designed to withstand steamy environments like SHOWERS or saunas.

The HUMIDITY and warmth of a steam shower can cause the electronics within your device to corrode and compromise its water resistant capabilities over TIME due to long-term exposure.

Pro Tip: The water resistance rating of a phone can be misleading, and it is not recommended to take a water resistant phone into a steamy environment as it cannot necessarily withstand water.

What Happens to a Phone When Steams Gets Inside it?

When steam gets inside a phone, it can cause serious DAMAGE to the device. Steam is filled with moisture and heat, both of which can wreak HAVOC on delicate devices and damage electronics.

The humidity and warmth from steam can CORRODE internal components, compromising its water resistant CAPABILITIES. This causes the system to short-circuit, killing your device in the process.

The way this works is that the steam CONDENSES and settles inside the phone, resulting in a buildup of MOISTURE which can corrode internal components or damage delicate circuitry.

Pro Tip: In extreme cases, this could even lead to fire hazards due to overheated electronic parts and circuitry.

As such, it's important to take PRECAUTIONS when using phones around steamy environments like showers or SAUNAS.

How Can You Protect Your Phone from Shower Steam?

Ultimately, it’s best to steer CLEAR of taking your phone into steamy environments, including showers and hot tubs. Taking the time to take PREVENTIVE measures can help ensure your device remains in GOOD condition for years to come.

1. Keep your phone away from the shower at all times: Make sure to keep your phone out of the bathroom, or any other steamy environment, when taking a shower. This includes leaving it in a separate room or another part of the house to avoid potential damage from humidity and heat.

2. Use waterproof cases/bags for phones around water: If you must take your phone into areas with moisture, use a waterproof case or bag that can protect it from any accidents (including if you accidentally drop it) while still allowing access to its features.

3. Invest in a waterproof speaker: Consider investing in a waterproof speaker so you can enjoy music without bringing your device anywhere near steamy environments like showers and hot tubs.

4. Place electronics away from sources of heat and humidity: Keeping electronics far away from sources of excessive heat and dampness (at least 1 meter away) is key for protecting them from short-circuiting due to condensation buildup inside their circuits over time.

5. Be mindful when using phones around steamy environments: Always remember not to expose devices to extreme temperatures or humid conditions. This could severely damage their internal components over time, leading to eventual failure after multiple exposures.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Ambient Moisture Can a Phone Withstand?

Most water resistant phones can withstand a certain level of ambient moisture. Depending on the device, this could range from 1 meter underwater for 30 minutes to be completely submerged in shallow depths for short periods of time.

However, it is not recommended that you submerge your phone for extended periods of time or in deep waters.

What is the Maximum Storage Temperature for a Phone?

Most electronic devices should not be stored in temperatures over 35C. This is to prevent any damage to the internal components of the device due to excessive heat. Also, ensure your phone is not exposed to direct sunlight or extreme temperature changes while in storage.

Is the iPhone 12 Waterproof?

The iPhone 12 is water resistant up to 6 meters for 30 minutes. However, it is important to note that this water resistance may degrade over time due to long-term exposure to steam and other moisture. Always take precautions when using the device in wet environments.

To Conclude

In conclusion, it is essential to take precautions when using a smartphone in steamy environments like showers and saunas. Keeping electronics AWAY from sources of heat and humidity can help protect them from short-circuiting due to condensation buildup INSIDE their circuits over time.

Furthermore, investing in waterproof CASES or bags for phones around water can also be beneficial. By following these steps, you will ENSURE that your device remains safe and secure while ALLOWING access to its features.

Ultimately, being MINDFUL of the environment where you use your phone is key for protecting it against any potential HAZARDS caused by moisture or heat exposure.

Sources:

[1] Apple. About splash, water, and dust resistance of iPhone 7 and later. Apple Support. Published November 28, 2022. Accessed March 9, 2023. https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT207043

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[2] Will steam (in the shower) damage a phone? Quora. Published 2022. Accessed March 9, 2023. https://www.quora.com/Will-steam-in-the-shower-damage-a-phone

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