What is the purpose of airplane mode?

Airplane mode is a setting on cell phones, smartphones and other mobile devices that prevents the device from sending or receiving calls and text messages. Airplane mode is also known as offline mode, standalone mode and flight mode. Airplane mode varies from one device to another.



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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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When do you switch Airplane mode on / off? Put your phone in Airplane mode as soon as the cabin crew indicates this. Airplane mode must remain on during the entire flight. Some people choose to leave their phones in Airplane mode for the entire vacation.

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In flight, this means the cell radio is using full-power to attempt the connection… therefore draining precious battery power. So, the next time you're in the air, save yourself some headaches…and battery power. Just switch your device to airplane mode and then turn it off for takeoff and landing.

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Can I text on an airplane? Yes, but only using a Wi-Fi connection. The ban on using a cellular connection means passengers can't send SMS texts. Any communication has to be over Wi-Fi with a messaging app that provides similar functionality like iMessage, WhatsApp, or Viber.

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In situations where a power source isn't available, turn airplane mode on to stretch your device's precious battery life. Just remember that airplane mode disables your access to cellular data, so don't expect to be able to send text messages or make cell phone calls in this battery-saving mode.

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Do pilots know if your phone isn't on airplane mode? Well, sort of. “The flight attendants or the pilots are not going to get an indicator that says 13A has their cell phone on,” Laurie says. “But if there's enough people that they still have it on, and they're encountering that interference, then, yes.”

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For now, switching to airplane mode is a federal requirement on U.S. domestic flights. You must disable wireless transmission functions such as cellular voice and data.

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Not only will the signals cause interference with airplane navigation, but the effort it takes your cell phone to keep scanning and tower hopping at fly-by speeds will also drain your battery and still not maintain a constant signal.

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By default, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth® are disabled in airplane mode—you can't make or receive FaceTime calls or use features or accessories that require wireless communication, but you can listen to music, play games, watch videos, and use other apps that don't require internet access.

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Airplane Mode turns off your device's ability to connect to cellular networks (meaning it can no longer send or receive calls or texts, or use data). As it is no longer accessing local cellular networks, it will not be charged roaming fees (caused by your device connecting to networks outside its home region).

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An international trip doesn't have to break your budget when it comes to your cell phone.
  1. Before You Go, Talk to Your Provider. First things first. ...
  2. Turn off Roaming. In order to stop cellular data use, you should turn off roaming. ...
  3. Set Email to Fetch. ...
  4. Shut Down Non-Vital Apps. ...
  5. Deactivate Texting. ...
  6. Check Your Usage.


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For the moment, the range of activities is still pretty limited. You can use your personal electronics — music players, tablets, e-readers and so on — during all phases of flight, but that comes with several caveats.

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