Does Airplane Mode Turn Off Location?
No, airplane mode does not turn off your phone’s GPS.
GPS works by receiving satellite signals, which is a passive activity that doesn’t require a data or Wi-Fi connection. That means your phone can still calculate its location even when it’s offline. However, without internet, most apps cannot update or share your location in real time.
Does GPS Work in Airplane Mode?
Yes. GPS still functions. It uses satellites, not mobile data, and doesn’t require an internet connection.
Apps that can still use GPS data offline:
- Offline maps (Google Maps, Maps.me, Gaia GPS)
- Workout trackers
- GPS speedometers
- Camera geotagging
You won’t get real-time traffic or directions unless you’re online.
Does Airplane Mode Turn Off Location Sharing?
Airplane mode stops location sharing if your phone has no active internet connection. GPS still works, but your location can’t be sent to apps like:
- Find My
- Google Maps (live sharing)
- WhatsApp Location (live sharing)
- Life360
- Facebook Messenger
Apps will either freeze your last known location or mark you as offline.
Does Airplane Mode Pause Location?
Ever waited for an Uber or food delivery, your driver wasn't moving for minutes, and then suddenly they're at your door? That's because their location is always tracked, but their location information can't be shared to you due to no internet connection. So, yes, it effectively pauses live location updates between two parties or.
In short:
- Your phone continues to detect its GPS position.
- But location data doesn’t leave your device unless Wi-Fi is restored.
Apps requiring location syncing won’t reflect new movements.
Does Airplane Mode Turn Off Location on Find My Friends?
Yes. If Wi-Fi and data are off, your iPhone cannot share updated GPS info. Apple’s Find My app will:
- Show your last known location
- Mark you as offline
- Or display “location not available”
To continue sharing, you’d need to manually turn Wi-Fi back on while in airplane mode.
Does Airplane Mode Turn Off Location on Life360?
Yes, Life360 will stop receiving your location if there’s no internet connection.
- Wi-Fi off: You appear offline or paused.
- Wi-Fi on: Location will be updated properly, as long as your connection to the Wi-Fi is strong.
Life360 may also notify other group members that location tracking is interrupted.
Can Someone Still See My Location in Airplane Mode?
Only if you're connected to Wi-Fi.
- If both Wi-Fi and cellular data are off, your location won’t update.
- Your contacts will see your last known position or a message like “Location Unavailable.”
You may appear offline or static even if you’re on the move.
What Does Your Location Show When in Airplane Mode?
It varies by app:
- Find My: “Offline” or “No location found”
- Life360: “Location paused” or shows last pinged location
- Google Maps Sharing: May show old position or drop visibility
Most platforms don’t clearly state that airplane mode is the cause, but the outcome is the same; no live updates.
How to Turn Off Location Without Notifying Others
If you want to hide your location without triggering alerts or notifications, especially in apps like Find My or Life360:
On iPhone:
- Find My:
- Go to Settings > [Your Name] > Find My > Find My iPhone
- Turn off Share My Location
- No notification is sent, but your contacts will see “Location Not Available”
- Airplane Mode:
- Enable airplane mode and keep Wi-Fi off. Your phone won’t update its location, and most apps won’t be notified.
- Remove the person from sharing list:
- Go to Find My, select the person, and tap Stop Sharing My Location
On Android:
- Disable app permissions silently:
- Go to Settings > Location > App permissions
- Set location to Deny for apps like Google Maps or WhatsApp
- No alert is sent to others
- Airplane mode works similarly as a quick method to pause location syncing.
Can My Phone Still Log My Location in Airplane Mode?
Yes. Your phone can continue to log GPS data locally, which may later be synced once you reconnect to the internet. This is true for:
- Fitness tracking apps
- Location history features (if enabled)
- Timestamped camera photos
How to Turn Off Location on iPhone
To fully disable location tracking on your iPhone:
- Go to Settings
- Tap Privacy & Security
- Select Location Services
- Toggle Location Services off at the top
This will stop all apps and system services from accessing your location. You can also scroll down and disable location access app-by-app if you want more control.
How to Turn Off Location on Android
Steps may vary slightly by device, but generally:
- Open the Settings app
- Tap Location
- Toggle the Use location switch off
To disable location for individual apps:
- Tap App location permissions
- Choose the app, then select Deny or Don't allow
Some phones may show additional options like “Use Wi-Fi for location” or “Location Accuracy” which you can also disable.
Stay Visible When It Matters with Eskimo eSIM
Airplane mode is a powerful tool for blocking interruptions and saving battery, but it also limits your ability to share your location in real time. Whether you’re traveling alone, coordinating with friends, or using apps like Find My or Life360, keeping location services active without roaming charges can be tricky.
That’s where a travel eSIM like Eskimo eSIM makes the difference. Instead of juggling SIM cards or relying solely on Wi-Fi, you can stay connected with affordable global data. It's perfect for enabling real-time location sharing even while abroad.
If you're using a compatible device, Eskimo offers new users a free global eSIM with 500MB of data to get started. Just activate, connect, and you’re ready to share your location, use WhatsApp, and navigate with maps; no roaming fees, no surprises.
Find out how to get your free eSIM here.
FAQs
Can I still use Google Maps in airplane mode?
Yes, with offline maps downloaded. Live traffic, directions, and search won’t work.
Will Find My iPhone still work in airplane mode?
Not unless Wi-Fi is manually turned back on. Otherwise, it will show your last known location.
Does putting a phone on airplane mode hide your location?
Yes, from others. It prevents sharing location data via apps, though GPS itself still works.
Can someone still track you if GPS is on but data is off?
Only if you’re connected to Wi-Fi. GPS alone doesn’t transmit anything.