While your smartphone has temperature sensors, they do not measure the temperature of the room. Instead, these sensors perform a vital function for your phone, preventing damage to your battery and other components from overheating.
To measure ambient temperature with your iPhone, you’ll need to use a separate device. Using an external sensor prevents the heat generated by your smartphone from affecting your temperature readings. We recommend several different remote temperature monitors, which we’ll review a little later. But first, let’s answer a few questions you might have in more detail about iPhones and temperature sensors.
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Does the iPhone Have a Thermometer?
The iPhone has temperature sensors within it, but like other smartphones, Apple uses the sensors to monitor the battery and processor’s temperature. In extreme temperatures (hot or cold), these sensors shut down the device to prevent damage.
To successfully measure air temperature, you’d need a sensor on the outside of the device, as far away from the internal components as possible. This setup wouldn’t be easy to construct without disrupting the design of the phone itself. But even if Apple did design a phone with a sensor on the outside, temperature readings would still not be accurate because your device radiates heat.
Is There a Room Temperature App for iPhone?
Some app developers have produced room temperature apps for the iPhone. They are still using the data from these internal temperature sensors and plugging them into an algorithm to estimate outside ambient temperature.
As you know, these temperature sensors aren’t intended for such use, and any readings the apps offer are only estimates and will have a high margin of error. We recommend that you steer clear of these types of apps and instead purchase an external temperature sensor such as a WiFi temperature monitor that can be viewed through a companion app on your smartphone for the most accurate readings.
A remote temperature monitor can connect to your phone via WiFi or Bluetooth, so you can leave the sensor in a room and monitor the temperature and humidity remotely at any time on your iPhone. You’ll even be able to see historical data and set custom alerts for when the temperature or humidity exceeds your ideal range.
Best Devices to Measure Room Temperature With Your iPhone
There are several excellent sensors for measuring ambient temperature with an iPhone, all of which include a companion app to monitor readings remotely. The three devices below get the best reviews from our readers and are our top recommendations.
1. Temp Stick WiFi Temperature and Humidity Sensor
The Temp Stick is, by far, one of our favorite WiFi thermometers to use with a smartphone. It’s accurate, reliable, and the intuitive app makes it very easy to use. Powered by 2 ‘AA’ batteries, you’ll get up to a year of use without having to change the batteries, and with a WiFi connection, placement of the Temp Stick is only constrained by the range of your wireless network.
Setting up the device is a breeze, with most buyers reporting it takes them less than five minutes to install the app and connect the sensor to their WiFi network. You can view current and historical temperature and humidity readings, set custom alerts, and change settings through the app. The Temp Stick can even store up to 100 readings in its internal memory should you lose connectivity, and best of all, there are zero subscription fees to use the service.
Another great feature is the capability to alert up to ten contacts when the temperature exceeds a preset threshold. This alert functionality makes it an excellent option for businesses that may sell temperature-sensitive goods. You could also easily use it at home to notify the entire family of a potential issue too.
2. SensorPush Wireless Thermometer and Hygrometer
Much like the Temp Stick, the SensorPush also allows you to measure room temperature with your smartphone. However, the SensorPush only includes Bluetooth connectivity, so you’d need to be close to the sensor to access data. The sensor has a range of 325 feet line of sight. However, if the connection to your phone is lost, the sensor can store up to 20 days of data onboard. Like the Temp Stick, it also has a battery life of approximately one year.
There is a positive to no WiFi. It allows the company to sell the SensorPush for much less than its competitors. You can also purchase an optional WiFi gateway to connect your sensor to the internet and view data when you’re not at home. Don’t mistake the SensorPush’s lower price for lack of quality. Swiss-made sensing components ensure the readings you get are accurate and dependable.
Despite the limitations, the SensorPush is one of the top-rated thermometers on Amazon, with more than 2,200 five-star reviews. If you’re on a budget, this is an option to consider.
3. Ambient Weather WS-8482-X3
If you want to get serious about temperature monitoring around your home, choose the Ambient Weather WS-8482-X3. This model can support seven sensors, including additional thermo-hygrometers, optional soil moisture, or floating water temperature sensors. It’s one of the most versatile remote temperature monitors on the market.
The setup includes a WiFi-enabled base station/console that allows you to view data without logging into an app, plus three temperature and humidity sensors. If you want to monitor multiple rooms or areas around your property, then the WS-8482-X3 is our top recommendation.
The WS-8482-X3 uploads its data to AmbientWeather.net, the company’s online web and app-based portal where you can view readings and set custom alerts. The price is also very reasonable, and it offers the most value for money for those needing to track temperatures in more than one area.
Final Thoughts
If you need to measure room temperature with your iPhone, don’t use an app. Instead, choose any one of the external sensors above, as you’ll get far more accurate (and useful) readings. We found the Temp Stick to be the best model overall because it’s accurate, reliable, and easy to setup. However, both the SensorPush and the WS-8482-X3 are great alternatives.
