Will My Alarm Go Off in Airplane Mode?
Yes, your alarm will go off in airplane mode on both iPhone and Android. Alarms run locally on your phone’s clock system and don’t depend on Wi-Fi, mobile data, or cellular networks. That makes them perfect for when you need to conserve battery and some peace of mind, even when your phone is disconnected from the outside world.
What Happens to Alarms in Airplane Mode?
When you turn on airplane mode, your device disables:
- Cellular connection (calls, SMS, mobile data)
- Wi-Fi
- Bluetooth (optional on some phones)
But airplane mode does not disable your internal system clock or alarm functions. This is true for both iPhone and Android. The alarm app works entirely offline. As long as your phone is on and not muted or restricted by other settings.
Does iPhone Alarm Work in Airplane Mode?
Yes, iPhone alarms will ring in airplane mode. The built-in Clock app on iOS does not need an internet or cellular connection to work.
Key tips for iPhone users:
- Clock app alarms work reliably in airplane mode or even when “Do Not Disturb” is on, as long as the alarm is created using the default Clock app.
- Third-party alarm apps may not work the same way. Avoid relying on apps that require internet or push notifications.
- Alarm volume is tied to your ringer setting. If your phone is on silent or the volume is low, the alarm might be too quiet.
💡 Tip: Set the ringer volume under Settings > Sounds & Haptics to make sure your alarm is loud enough, even if your iPhone is muted.
Does Android Alarm Work in Airplane Mode?
Yes, Android alarms also function perfectly in airplane mode. The system clock continues running, and alarms are triggered locally.
Things to check on Android:
- Use your default clock app (Google Clock, Samsung Clock, etc.) for guaranteed reliability.
- Battery-saving modes may interfere. Some Android phones restrict background apps aggressively. Make sure your alarm app is not being “optimized” by battery settings.
- Do Not Disturb settings vary: Alarms usually bypass DND, but double-check under Settings > Sound > Do Not Disturb > Alarms to allow exceptions.
- Volume matters: Alarm volume is separate from media or notification volume on most Android phones.
✅ Best practice: Set a test alarm while in airplane mode before your actual trip or nap, just to confirm your phone behaves as expected.
Will My Alarm Work Without Wi-Fi or SIM?
Yes, your alarm will ring without Wi-Fi, without data, and even without a SIM card. It only depends on the phone’s local timekeeping system. Just keep your phone powered on.
What About Calendar Alerts or Reminders?
Unlike alarms, calendar events and reminders may be affected by airplane mode:
- If synced to the cloud (e.g. Google Calendar, iCloud), alerts might not show unless previously downloaded.
- If locally saved, they’ll still trigger offline.
To avoid missing a hotel checkout or boarding time:
- Enable offline calendar access
- Add a backup alarm alongside your reminder
- Sync calendars before boarding your flight
Better Travel Planning With Eskimo eSIM
While airplane mode helps you sleep and save battery, you’ll eventually want to reconnect, especially after landing in a new country. That’s where Eskimo eSIM makes things easier:
- Start your plan only when you connect
- Avoid roaming fees with prepaid travel data
- Keep alarms working offline and your itinerary synced once online
- Enjoy 2-year validity, unlimited speeds, and personal hotspot sharing
Claim your free 500MB global data with Eskimo eSIM—perfect for WhatsApp calls, Google Maps, and more.
FAQs
Will alarm go off in airplane mode on iPhone?
Yes. The Clock app on iPhone works completely offline, even in airplane mode or Do Not Disturb.
Will alarm go off in airplane mode on Android?
Yes. Android phones will still ring alarms in airplane mode, as long as the app isn’t restricted by battery settings.
Will alarm ring if my phone is off?
No. If your phone is fully shut down, the alarm will not sound. Use airplane mode instead if you want silence but still need an alarm.
Do alarms work if there’s no SIM card?
Yes. SIM cards only affect cellular service. Your alarm will still go off without one.
Can alarms interrupt FaceTime, WhatsApp, or Netflix?
Yes. Alarms will still ring during calls and video apps. On iPhone, the alarm may pause media and play over it. On Android, behavior varies by model.