Do I need to turn airplane mode off to use WiFi?

If the airline allows it, you can use Wi-Fi and Bluetooth while in Airplane Mode. You just need to turn them on separately.



No, you do not need to turn Airplane Mode off to use Wi-Fi. In fact, most modern smartphones and tablets are designed to allow you to manually re-enable Wi-Fi while Airplane Mode is still active. When you first toggle on Airplane Mode, it typically shuts off all wireless signals (Cellular, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth). However, you can simply go into your settings or control center and turn the Wi-Fi icon back on. This is the standard procedure for using inflight Wi-Fi in 2026, as it allows you to browse the internet, use messaging apps, or stream movies while keeping your cellular radio disabled to comply with aviation safety regulations. Keeping Airplane Mode "On" while using Wi-Fi is also a great way to save battery life, as your phone won't waste energy constantly searching for a cell tower signal that it can't reach at 35,000 feet. Most airlines now encourage this "Mode On / Wi-Fi On" configuration as the preferred way to stay connected during the flight.

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When you first turn on your Android phone's Airplane mode, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are turned off. You can change this setting to keep your wireless connections on, so you stay connected to devices like your smartwatch or Bluetooth earbuds. You can also turn your wireless connections off again.

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It's safer to have it on your phone when you fly, experts say. It's safer for everyone if you put your phone in airplane mode when you're flying. Cell phone signals can interfere with some of an airplane's crucial systems.

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Airplane mode allows travelers to continue to use their devices unless airline rules require that the devices be turned off altogether. In airplane mode, only functions that require a transmission signal are disabled; the user can still access the device's camera, games, Mp3 player and so on.

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Why are airplane passengers asked to put their phones in airplane mode? Per the FAA website's Safety Information page, “The FCC and FAA ban cell phones for airborne use because its signals could interfere with critical aircraft instruments. Devices must be used in airplane mode or with the cellular connection disabled.

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The way this works is that your phone stops all forms of communication with the mobile network when you enter airplane mode. This includes incoming SMS messages, but the network will still queue all messages that are sent to you and deliver them once you turn the phone back on.

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When your phone is in Airplane mode, callers will hear the phone ringing, although it's not ringing on your end because your phone is not active. If the caller hangs up without leaving a voice mail, no notification will be generated as it would if your phone were in an active state.

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