What Is Airplane Mode?
Airplane mode is a built-in setting on smartphones, tablets, and laptops that disables all wireless communications on the device. When activated, it immediately switches off:
- Cellular: You won’t be able to make or receive calls or texts. Mobile data is also disabled.
- Wi-Fi: Turns off immediately but can be manually re-enabled while still in airplane mode.
- Bluetooth: Disconnected by default on some devices, but can also be manually turned back on.
Originally designed for use during flights to prevent potential interference with aircraft systems, airplane mode has become a practical tool for everyday scenarios where you want to disconnect quickly without powering off your device.
GPS, however, is not disabled. It continues to function because it only receives satellite signals and doesn’t transmit data.
Why Is Airplane Mode Important?
Airplane mode matters more than most people realize. While it started as a safety requirement during flights, it’s evolved into one of the most useful features on any phone; especially for travelers, commuters, and anyone trying to regain control over connectivity.
1. Prevents Interference During Flights
The original reason for airplane mode is still valid: to prevent your phone from constantly searching for signals at 35,000 feet, which can cause unnecessary radio interference with aircraft communication systems. Most airlines now allow Wi-Fi and Bluetooth in-flight, but cellular transmissions remain restricted during takeoff and landing. Airplane mode makes compliance effortless.
2. Protects You From Roaming Charges
If you've ever landed in another country and received a flood of roaming notifications, or worse, come home to a surprise bill, you know how fast international data can rack up. Turning on airplane mode keeps your device from automatically connecting to foreign cellular networks. This is especially important in countries with high data rates or poor roaming agreements. You can still stay connected by turning Wi-Fi back on or using a travel eSIM like Eskimo eSIM, which gives you prepaid local data and avoid roaming charges.
3. Extends Battery Life
Phones waste a lot of energy scanning for a signal when reception is poor. If you’re in the mountains, underground, or even just in a building with weak coverage, your battery drains faster. Airplane mode stops this constant signal search, significantly conserving power. It’s a reliable way to make your phone last longer in emergencies, during travel days, or when you’re off-grid.
4. Blocks Distractions When You Need Focus
Whether you're in a meeting, trying to sleep, or just need to focus, airplane mode is a one-tap solution to disconnect from the chaos. Unlike Do Not Disturb, which still allows some messages and calls through, airplane mode cuts off everything; texts, notifications, and app refreshes. It lets you use your phone for offline tools (camera, notes, timers) without any incoming noise.
5. Lets You Use Offline Tools Without Signal Drain
Offline navigation, downloaded playlists, reading apps, and offline games all work without an internet connection. With airplane mode, you can enjoy these without battery-draining background activity. This is ideal for subway rides, camping trips, flights, or simply conserving data during your commute.
6. Fixes Minor Connectivity Issues
Ever had flaky data, slow signal, or texts that won’t send? Toggling airplane mode off and on can refresh your phone’s connection to the network. It’s often faster than restarting and resolves minor bugs with cellular or Wi-Fi service.
What Happens When Your Phone Is on Airplane Mode and Someone Calls You?
When your phone is in airplane mode, traditional calls and texts are completely blocked. Incoming calls are either routed straight to voicemail (if your voicemail is active) or ring endlessly on the caller’s side before failing. Your device won’t show missed calls or receive queued texts until you turn airplane mode off and reconnect to a cellular or Wi-Fi network.
However, not all communication is shut down.
App-Based Calls (e.g. WhatsApp, FaceTime, Messenger)
If you manually re-enable Wi-Fi while still in airplane mode, internet-based calls and messages can still come through. That includes:
- WhatsApp voice and video calls
- iMessage (for Apple users)
- FaceTime
- Facebook Messenger
- Signal or Telegram calls and chats
These services only need an internet connection, not cellular service. That means you can stay reachable over Wi-Fi even when cellular is off. Many travelers, especially those using travel eSIMs like Eskimo eSIM, use this setup to avoid roaming charges while staying connected.
So if someone calls you using a regular phone number, the call won’t reach you in airplane mode. But if they try WhatsApp or another VoIP app, and you have Wi-Fi on, you’ll get the call just fine.
Where Is Airplane Mode on My Phone?
You can typically find airplane mode in your phone's quick settings menu:
- iPhone: Swipe down from the top-right corner and tap the airplane icon. Or go to Settings > Airplane Mode.
- Android: Swipe down from the top of the screen to access Quick Settings, then tap the airplane icon. You can also go to Settings > Network & Internet > Airplane Mode.
Does Airplane Mode Turn Off Location Services?
No. GPS remains active in airplane mode. While your phone won’t share location data without internet, it can still calculate your position using satellite signals.
This distinction is important: airplane mode stops network-based sharing but doesn’t stop your device from knowing where it is. For full privacy, you must turn off Location Services manually.
For more details, check our full guide: Does Airplane Mode Turn Off Location?
Can I Use Wi-Fi or Bluetooth in Airplane Mode?
Yes. Turning on airplane mode disables all wireless communication by default, but you can manually turn Wi-Fi and Bluetooth back on without reactivating mobile data or voice services.
Using Wi-Fi in Airplane Mode
Airplane mode blocks your phone from connecting to cellular towers, but Wi-Fi can be re-enabled for internet access. This is useful in several situations:
- On planes with Wi-Fi: Many airlines offer in-flight Wi-Fi for messaging, browsing, or even video streaming. You can stay offline from cellular networks while staying online via Wi-Fi.
- While traveling abroad: If you want to avoid roaming charges, airplane mode keeps mobile data off. Re-enabling Wi-Fi lets you use internet-based apps—like WhatsApp, Google Maps, or email—on hotel or café networks.
- At home or work: Even on the ground, airplane mode with Wi-Fi on can be useful for saving battery while staying connected.
Using Bluetooth in Airplane Mode
Bluetooth is also disabled when airplane mode is activated, but it can be switched back on without affecting your cellular signal status. This allows you to:
- Use wireless headphones, earbuds, or Bluetooth speakers
- Stay synced with fitness trackers or smartwatches
- Connect to in-flight entertainment systems or car audio
Some phones, like iPhones or Samsung Galaxy models, may even auto-reconnect to Bluetooth devices you were recently using—without turning airplane mode off.
Why This Matters
The ability to manually control Wi-Fi and Bluetooth inside airplane mode gives you flexibility. You can stay disconnected from cellular networks while continuing to use devices and services that rely on short-range wireless or internet-only features.
Just remember: if Wi-Fi and Bluetooth stay off, your phone will be completely isolated from both internet and accessories.
Final Tip: Pair Airplane Mode with a Travel eSIM
If you're trying to avoid roaming fees while traveling but still want to use your maps or share location, airplane mode alone isn’t enough. Install a travel eSIM like Eskimo eSIM to stay connected affordably without swapping physical SIM cards on your iPhone or Android. Simply disable airplane mode and use your eSIM data plan to share your location, use online apps, or make VoIP calls without the roaming surcharge.
What's more, you can get a free 500MB Global eSIM if you register with an eSIM compatible device. Limited-time only!
FAQs
What is airplane mode and why is it important?
Airplane mode disables your phone's wireless signals to comply with flight regulations and help conserve battery, avoid distractions, and prevent roaming charges. It gives you control over how and when your phone connects.
What happens if someone calls me when my phone is on airplane mode?
Calls will go straight to voicemail or fail to connect. You won’t receive a missed call alert until you reconnect to a cellular or Wi-Fi network.
Can I still use Wi-Fi in airplane mode?
Yes. You can manually turn Wi-Fi back on while still in airplane mode. This is useful for in-flight internet or using a travel eSIM.
Does airplane mode block GPS?
No. GPS still works because it only receives signals. You can still track your location offline using compatible apps.
Why should I use airplane mode when I’m not flying?
It’s useful for saving battery, fixing network issues, avoiding interruptions, or staying off-grid while using offline tools like maps or music.
Does airplane mode block SIM card access?
No. Airplane mode disables all network communication, but it doesn’t deactivate your SIM. The phone simply doesn’t use the SIM while airplane mode is on. Once you disable airplane mode, the SIM connects as usual.
Can I use mobile hotspot in airplane mode?
Only if Wi-Fi is turned back on and you're connected to a network that allows sharing (like Eskimo eSIM). Most phones won’t allow hotspot use in airplane mode unless cellular data is re-enabled.
Does airplane mode work without a SIM card?
Yes. Airplane mode functions independently of your SIM card. Even if your phone doesn’t have a SIM inserted, airplane mode will still disable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth and block all network transmissions.
Will alarms still go off in airplane mode?
Yes. Alarms and timers set through your device's clock app will still go off as scheduled. Airplane mode doesn’t interfere with offline features like your alarm clock, calendar reminders, or downloaded apps.
Can airplane mode be used to avoid distractions while studying?
Absolutely. It’s a great way to disconnect from messages, calls, and app notifications while still using tools like your camera, notes, offline music, or flashcard apps.
Can I use airplane mode to limit my child’s phone use?
You can. Airplane mode can block calls, texts, and internet access, making it useful for limiting distractions or sleep disruptions. However, kids can manually re-enable Wi-Fi, so it’s not a full parental control solution.