The possibility of measure temperature with your mobile phone It's one of the most in-demand features today, both for everyday use at home, in healthcare, and in professional or industrial settings. The mobile phone has become a true control and monitoring center, but understanding how and how accurately you can measure temperature It's essential to avoid mistakes and false expectations, and learn how to get the most out of today's technologies. Here, we explore in detail the different options, real limitations, recommended apps, essential accessories, and best practices for transforming your smartphone into a reliable and advanced thermometer for a variety of situations.
Can your phone really measure ambient temperature?
The belief that any mobile phone can accurately measure the ambient temperature of a room or body temperature is widespread, but the technical reality is differentThe vast majority of general-use smartphones They do not have dedicated thermal sensors capable of measuring ambient temperature. They do incorporate sensors (such as internal thermistors) to monitor the temperature of the battery, processor, or motherboard, aimed exclusively at preventing the device from overheating. However, these do not reflect external or body temperature in any way and should not be used as a reference for these purposes.
Why don't cell phones have built-in sensors to measure ambient temperature? There are several key reasons:
- Economic and space costs: Including a thermal probe would make the device more expensive and bulky, and the industry prioritizes cameras, displays, and battery life over thermal sensors.
- Thermal insulation problems: The heat generated by the components themselves (processor, battery) makes it difficult to obtain a reliable reading of the ambient temperature due to the lack of insulation of the sensor.
- Low demand: The real need for native ambient temperature measurement on a mobile phone is limited for most users, so manufacturers reserve this technology for rugged phones or professional devices.
There are exceptions: some rugged phones (designed for industrial, technical or outdoor work) do include advanced thermal sensors or thermal imaging camerasIn conventional models, any thermometer app uses external information (GPS, weather databases) instead of direct measurements. The data displayed by the weather app installed on your phone, or by weather widgets, are not direct measurements of the space you're in, but rather estimated values from nearby weather stations.
Some specific models, such as the latest generations of certain Pixels, do integrate a infrared sensor for measuring the surface temperature of objectsThis technology is still rare and limited to specific terminals aimed at professionals who require such measurement for very specific uses.
How reliable are mobile temperature measurement apps?
The number of apps that promise turn your smartphone into a thermometer has grown enormously, but their reliability depends entirely on the hardware and the data collection method. They can be classified into several categories based on their operation:
- Applications that use internal mobile sensors: They only offer reliable results if the device actually has a dedicated thermal sensor, which is very rare. Even in these cases, it is recommended to leave the phone alone for several minutes, away from hands, pockets, or sunlight, to avoid changes in internal heat. Apps with a thermal sensor function calibration They allow the measurement to be adjusted with a reference thermometer, although the margin of error is usually high under daily use.
- Applications based on meteorological data: These are the most common. They use GPS location and access weather station databases to display estimated outdoor temperature, humidity, and other variables. They don't show the exact temperature of your room, car, or specific area, although they can serve as a general reference. Their accuracy depends on the proximity of weather stations and the combination of data sources.
- Applications for external thermometers: Some apps work exclusively in sync with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or wired sensors, offering maximum accuracy in measuring the actual ambient temperature, humidity, and often air pressure or quality.
The best apps usually provide a clear interface, data export options and offer graphs showing temperature evolution. However, if the phone doesn't have specific hardware or an external accessory, you'll only be able to obtain an approximate reference, never a direct and precise measurement.
Top recommended apps for measuring temperature with your mobile phone
The app ecosystem is extensive, and their usefulness varies depending on the type of phone and the presence of specific accessories or sensors. We've highlighted the most relevant apps, both for Android and iOS:
- Thermometer (Intelligent System): Displays temperature internal and external, along with ambient humidity. Accuracy depends on whether your phone has an appropriate sensor, but it is useful for quick orientation. Its cross-calibration with thermometers offers better results when comparing readings.
- Body Temperature App: One of the best to carry a body temperature diary or basal, allowing you to manually record and store measurements, with graphs, trends, and data export, ideal for fever monitoring or medical control.
- Thermometer++: Simple and efficient, it combines data from multiple weather stations using artificial intelligence, displaying updated ambient temperature, humidity, and pressure based on the exact location.
- Oblumi tapp: Designed to be used connected to a external infrared sensor, allows precise measurements of body temperature, objects and liquids, recording a history, alarms and medical recommendations.
- Electronic thermometer: Apps that can function as widgets on the home screen, allowing immediate visual control. They are especially recommended after performing calibrations with physical thermometers.
- Thermometer (Mobital): It offers temperature, wind chill, wind speed, and battery temperature, along with an advanced interface with visual customization options.
- Sensor Blue: Essential for those who have external Bluetooth sensors, ideal for monitoring temperature and humidity in different spaces, synchronizing data in real time and generating historical data to analyze the environment of the home, office, or greenhouse.
- Thermometer Room Temperature: It allows you to view and store the temperature detected by external sensors on your mobile phone, making it excellent for multi-point monitoring and analyzing variations throughout the day or week.
- @Thermometer (iOS): Free app for iPhone and iPad that uses multiple weather sources to provide fast and accurate measurements from a simple yet advanced interface.
- Real Thermometer (iOS): Designed for Apple devices, it displays real-time temperature, wind chill, and weather, allowing you to visually customize information and schedule alerts.
- Hygrometer (iOS): Specialized in recording the humidity, combining geolocation information and meteorological services, ideal for use alongside thermal applications.
- Thermometer-hydrometer (Android): It allows you to monitor both temperature and humidity in real time, based on external data, useful for quick references and alerts.
- Humidity: A practical solution that displays relative humidity without an internet connection, calculating humidity based on the temperature or pressure entered manually by the user.
- Sensor Box for Android: A real panel to check all sensors installed on the mobile device. In addition to humidity, it displays pressure, light, magnetic field, acceleration, orientation, and sound. It allows you to test and calibrate the available sensors.
As a general rule, the Accuracy depends on the hardware and accessories usedApps that promise to turn your phone into a thermometer without a dedicated sensor use estimates based on weather data or other sensors on the device, so they are not a substitute for real thermometers for medical, industrial, or scientific uses.
Real limitations of mobile phones for measuring indoor temperature
The technical restrictions are evident:
- They do not have a dedicated thermal probe: Virtually all conventional mobile phones lack ambient thermal sensors, making them a rarity restricted to niche devices.
- Lack of thermal insulation: Heat generated by normal use, body proximity, sun, or charging makes it difficult to obtain reliable readings indoors without a properly designed external accessory.
- Influence of external factors: Body temperature, solar radiation, sweat, movement and other factors make it difficult to obtain a direct and realistic measurement under any circumstances.
- Priority of other technologies: Brands prioritize hardware such as the camera, battery, and computing power over the inclusion of low-demand thermal sensors.
If you need to know exactly the actual room temperature of a room or a specific area, it is best to use certified external accessories such as wireless Bluetooth thermometers, digital probes or smart weather stations, synchronizable with specific apps.
Accessories and external sensors, the key to precision
If you are looking for maximum accuracy and real-time control, the only reliable way is to use specific external accessories, as the following:
- Bluetooth Thermometers: Wireless devices, for example those from the ORIA brand, that synchronize the ambient temperature and humidity with your mobile phone using the app Blue Sensor, displaying accurate data and storing it on your device.
- Connected weather stations: They are the most professional option, as they measure temperature, humidity, pressure, pollution, air quality, and can be integrated into home automation systems or virtual assistants like Alexa or Google Home.
- External humidity sensors: Many modern sensors combine temperature and humidity measurement, essential for health, food preservation, animal and plant well-being, and mold prevention.
- Sanitary thermometers: Wearables, external infrared thermometers, and baby wristbands that send accurate and reliable information to your phone are especially important for monitoring the body temperature of adults and children.
- Connectable probes: Some accessories connect via cable (USB-C, jack) to record the temperature of the environment, liquids, or objects, and are usually accompanied by a specific app for detailed data control and analysis.
The key is that the app used is fully compatible with external hardware, allowing you to export, graph, and analyze information. Many devices allow you to monitor multiple rooms and schedule alerts for temperatures outside the comfort range.
How to effectively monitor indoor temperature and humidity?
monitor the temperature and humidity Air quality is crucial if you have pets, delicate plants, babies, sensitive people, or simply want to keep your rooms in optimal condition. There are two main options:
- External Bluetooth or WiFi sensors: They allow remote, real-time monitoring from anywhere. There are affordable models compatible with Android and iOS, and even products designed for advanced home automation.
- Applications with graphical monitoring: Apps allow you to view data in real time, set alerts and notifications if certain thresholds are exceeded, and export information for further analysis. Integration with virtual assistants expands control and automation options.
When external sensors are not available, only rough estimates based on local weather data or values predicted by the software, which can serve as a general reference but do not replace a direct measurement in the room.
Measuring body temperature with a mobile phone: accuracy and limitations
The taking of body temperature Mobile phone use is one of the most sensitive uses where reliability is essential. Except in cases where infrared thermometers or certified sanitary accessories connected to a mobile phone, the phone cannot replace an approved thermometer. Reliable methods include:
- Oblumi tapp: External infrared sensor compatible with most mobile devices that accurately measures forehead, ear, and fluid temperatures, storing records and providing health reminders.
- iThermonitor: App for monitoring fever in adults and children, generates graphs, automatic alerts, and allows data sharing with medical professionals.
- Tempdrop: Wearable device designed to track basal body temperature, very useful for monitoring fertility and hormonal changes, with minute-by-minute recording.
- Baby Fever Aid and BabyThermo: Solutions for monitoring children's fever using wristbands and sensors, enabling immediate alerts and remote monitoring of multiple patients.
- Body Temperature App: For manual recording and trend analysis, generating exportable reports and facilitating long-term monitoring.
Remember: No conventional mobile phone can directly measure body temperature. without an external sensor. Apps are used to store, analyze, and monitor data collected with real thermometers.
Temperature sensors in special mobile devices: operation and restrictions
Some very specific generations of phones, such as recent Pixel models, have incorporated infrared temperature sensors to measure the surface temperature of nearby objects. Use and operation are based on:
- Detection in close contact: The sensor should be placed very close to the object (approximately five centimeters), selecting the material to adjust the emissivity and obtain more accurate results.
- Specific measuring range: These sensors operate within specific limits (such as -20°C to 200°C) and may display “not available” outside that range or on misidentified materials.
- Pay attention to emissivity: La emissivity of the object (how much energy it radiates) influences accuracy. Choosing the right material helps improve reading reliability.
- Limitations: Only applicable to surfaces (food, beverages, technical objects) and not to ambient or body temperatures. Accuracy decreases if there is steam, moisture, or the object is too cold or hot relative to the sensor.
This functionality remains reserved for minority devices, focused on industrial, technical, or culinary uses.
Advantages of controlling temperature and humidity from your mobile phone
- Improved health and comfort: Maintaining optimal temperature and humidity levels prevents disease, prevents mold growth, and improves the well-being of people, animals, and plants.
- Energy efficiency: Monitoring the indoor climate allows for smarter use of heating and cooling systems, reducing consumption and costs.
- Integration into home automation: Connectivity with virtual assistants and automation systems simplifies air conditioning and ventilation control, maintaining comfort without constant intervention.
- Historical data analysis: Having detailed records makes it easier to detect patterns, set alerts, and better plan maintenance for your home, business, or office.
Tips for getting the most accurate readings possible
- Place the external sensor in the desired location for measurement, away from heat sources, radiators or drafts.
- Avoid direct heat sources and hand contact before and during data collection to minimize errors.
- Allow the sensor or mobile phone to rest in the area for several minutes. before recording the temperature to acclimatize it to the environment.
- Perform periodic calibrations of the sensors using traditional thermometers as a reference to adjust for possible deviations.
- Always keep your apps up to date to take advantage of improvements in reliability, compatibility and new features.
Mobile phones have revolutionized the way we access and manage environmental and health information, but the accurate measurement of temperature and humidity Currently, it depends on using certified external accessories and integrating them with advanced apps. Apps that run exclusively on software or meteorological data are useful for approximations, but they're no substitute for a professional measurement system if you're looking for accuracy. Leveraging your mobile phone as an environmental "command center" is simple, convenient, and increasingly affordable thanks to the wide range of gadgets and sensors available for any home, professional, or healthcare need.