Airplane Mode: What It Turns Off and What Still Works

What airplane mode does

Airplane mode is a setting that changes how a phone, tablet, laptop, or other wireless device uses its radios. Its central effect is to stop the device from transmitting to cellular networks. Depending on the device, activating it may also disable Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and other wireless connections, such as near-field communication (NFC).

The name comes from air travel: the setting makes it easier to disable radio transmissions that could be restricted during a flight. It does not shut down the device. The screen, processor, storage, camera, and many apps keep working, and offline features remain available.

What exactly switches off is not identical on every device. Operating systems and manufacturers can handle Wi-Fi and Bluetooth differently, and users may be able to re-enable them individually. Check the device’s current status indicators rather than relying on the name of the setting alone.

How the wireless connections work

A mobile device contains separate radio systems for different kinds of connections. Cellular radio communicates with nearby cell sites, while Wi-Fi connects to a wireless local network. Bluetooth is intended for nearby devices such as headphones, keyboards, and watches. These systems use radio waves, but turning off one does not necessarily turn off all the others.

When cellular service is on, the device communicates with the mobile network to register and maintain service, and it may send or receive calls, texts, and data. Airplane mode disables that cellular communication. A phone may show “No Service” or an airplane icon; it cannot use ordinary mobile data or connect to the carrier for regular calls and SMS texts while cellular radio remains off.

Airplane mode does not erase a SIM or eSIM, cancel a mobile plan, or permanently change a device’s settings. It is a temporary operating mode, and switching it off allows the device to reconnect, provided service is available and the account and settings permit it.

What still works—and what may not

Because airplane mode leaves the device powered on, many functions that do not need a live network continue to work. You can typically read downloaded books, view photos stored on the device, use a calculator, write notes, take pictures, or play downloaded media. An app that needs an internet connection may open but fail to refresh or load new information.

Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are the main exceptions to the simple idea that “airplane mode turns off everything wireless.” Many devices initially disable both, but allow you to turn either back on. For example, you might use airplane mode with Wi-Fi enabled to connect to an onboard network, or with Bluetooth enabled to use wireless headphones. Whether a particular service is allowed during a flight is a separate matter: follow the crew’s instructions and the airline’s requirements.

Usually available offline: stored files, camera functions, downloaded media, and apps that do not rely on a connection.
Unavailable with cellular off: mobile data, ordinary carrier calls, and carrier SMS texting.
Available only if re-enabled and supported: Wi-Fi internet access and Bluetooth accessories.

Some devices can still use location features in airplane mode. GPS reception is different from cellular communication: a receiver can determine location from satellite signals without sending a signal to a cell tower. However, a map may need an internet connection to download map tiles, and location behavior varies by device and app. Airplane mode is not a guarantee that every location-related feature is disabled.

Using it on a flight

Airplane mode is useful on a flight because it disables cellular transmission without requiring you to turn off your whole device. If an airline offers onboard Wi-Fi, you may be able to switch Wi-Fi back on after enabling airplane mode. Bluetooth accessories may also be usable when permitted. The device setting itself does not decide what a specific airline or crew allows.

Follow instructions from the flight crew, including directions about when devices must be put away or disconnected. In particular, do not assume that enabling airplane mode automatically makes every wireless feature acceptable under all circumstances. The mode also does not guarantee that a phone has no radio emissions if you manually re-enable Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

How to turn it on and check connections

On most phones and tablets, airplane mode is available in quick settings or the main Settings app. The exact labels and paths can differ slightly by device and software version. Look for an airplane symbol, turn the setting on, and check the status bar or connection controls to confirm which radios are active.

Open quick settings: Swipe down from the top of a phone or tablet, or open the relevant system controls on a laptop.
Enable airplane mode: Tap or select the airplane icon. Cellular service should disconnect.
Check Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: If you need either connection, turn it back on separately if your device permits it.
Confirm the result: Check the connection indicators and, if needed, verify that cellular data is unavailable.

To return to normal service, switch airplane mode off and allow the device to reconnect. It may take a short time to find a network. If it does not reconnect, check that cellular service is enabled and that coverage is available.

Airplane mode versus turning a device off

Turning a device off stops its normal operation; airplane mode leaves it running while disabling selected radios. That difference matters if you want to use a downloaded movie, take photos, or work on a document without cellular service. Airplane mode is also not the same as disabling mobile data: mobile data can be off while the phone remains registered for calls and texts, whereas airplane mode disables cellular communication more broadly.

Nor is airplane mode a privacy or security guarantee. It can prevent cellular connections while active, but settings may allow other radios to be restored, and it does not remove information already stored on the device. For a particular privacy or connectivity need, check the individual wireless settings and the device documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Wi-Fi in airplane mode?

Usually, yes. Enable airplane mode first, then turn Wi-Fi back on if your device allows it. Internet access will work only when you can connect to a functioning Wi-Fi network.

Can I use Bluetooth headphones in airplane mode?

Often, yes. Bluetooth may switch off when airplane mode is enabled, but many devices let you turn it back on. Follow any instructions from the airline or flight crew.

Can people call or text me in airplane mode?

Ordinary calls and SMS texts through your mobile carrier will not reach the phone while its cellular radio is off. Internet-based messaging or calling may work if you reconnect to Wi-Fi and the relevant service supports it.

Does airplane mode turn off GPS?

Not necessarily. GPS can receive satellite signals without a cellular connection, though map downloads and some location services may need internet access. Device and app behavior varies.

Does airplane mode save battery?

It can reduce power used by cellular communication, especially where a device is searching for service, but the amount varies. The screen, apps, and any Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connections you leave active still use power.

Further reading: Apple Support. Details can change, so check the official page for anything that matters to you. Spotted a mistake? Tell us. How we write an answer.