Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Mobile
  3. Guides

How to use Airplane Mode on your iPhone or Android smartphone

Carlos Vega
By

Check Airplane Mode
glebstock/123RF
Airplane mode is a quick and handy way to turn off the cellular and data connections on your device. As the name suggests, you can toggle this mode when you fly in an airplane, but its uses can also extend to saving battery life, curbing data usage, and even fixing various connection issues.

For example, if you’re seeing temporary drops in your cellular connection, toggling Airplane mode on and off can sometimes reconnect your device to the internet.

Recommended Videos

The most important thing to understand is that Airplane mode will turn off connections on your device, including cellular data, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. That means you will not receive any calls, but you can turn Wi-Fi or Bluetooth back on again and connect to a Wi-Fi network or device while Airplane mode is enabled.

Related

How to turn on Airplane mode in Android

How to turn on Airplane Mode from the Quick Settings menu

android airplane mode
Image used with permission by copyright holder
  1. If you want to turn Airplane mode on or off while on the lock screen, swipe down from the notification area to reveal the Quick Settings menu.
  2. Toggle Airplane mode on.
1 of 2
android airplane mode
Image used with permission by copyright holder
android airplane mode
Image used with permission by copyright holder
  1. If you want to turn on Airplane mode while on the home screen, it works the same way. Swipe down from the notification area twice or swipe down once with two fingers to reveal the Quick Settings toggles.
  2. Toggle Airplane mode on.

How to turn on Airplane Mode from the Settings menu

1 of 2
android airplane mode
Image used with permission by copyright holder
android airplane mode
Image used with permission by copyright holder
  1. Go to Settings.
  2. Tap More in the Wireless & Networks section.
  3. Toggle Airplane Mode on.

When Airplane mode is on, you will see an airplane icon in the notification bar.

How to turn on Airplane mode in iOS

How to turn on Airplane mode from the Control Center

airplane mode ios
Image used with permission by copyright holder
  1. Swipe up from from the bottom of any screen.
  2. Tap the airplane icon in the upper-left corner.

How to turn on Airplane Mode from the Settings menu

1 of 3
airplane mode ios
Image used with permission by copyright holder
airplane mode ios
Image used with permission by copyright holder
airplane mode ios
Image used with permission by copyright holder
  1. Go to Settings.
  2. Toggle Airplane mode on.

When Airplane Mode is on, you will see an airplane icon in the notification bar.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Carlos Vega
Carlos Vega
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Carlos has been involved in computers since 2000, when he earned his MCSE and A+ certifications. A love for technology turned…
The most common iPhone 15 problems and how to solve them
The iPhone 5 and iPhone 15 Pro Max volume buttons.

Apple iPhone 15 Plus (left) and Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

You rely on your iPhone 15 for everything. That includes music, movie, and TV show streaming, banking, smart home controls, calendars, reminders, and timers — which is only scratching the surface. Apple’s iOS namesake is faster, more durable, and packed with plenty of power, but that doesn’t mean it can’t run into trouble now and then. Not to worry though: for when a smartphone presents an issue, there’s usually a way to fix it. 

Read more
The best iPhone keyboard apps in 2024: our 12 favorites
Typing on the iPhone 14 Plus.

The iPhone's default keyboard may not meet everyone's needs. Its limited features may leave some users wanting more variety and flexibility, especially on larger devices like the iPhone 15 Pro Max or smaller models like the iPhone SE (2022).

We have conducted research and compiled a comprehensive list of the best third-party keyboards for iPhone, that can significantly enhance your texting experience. These keyboards offer a wide range of features and customization options, such as adjustable key size, swipe typing, themes, and easier access to emojis. Most of these keyboards are available for free, while some offer premium subscription options. Either way, you'll easily be able to find a keyboard that suits your needs and preferences.

Read more
Your iPhone just got a new iOS update, and you should download it right now
iPhone 15 Pro display with iPhone 15 Pro Max in background.

Apple has just released a new security update, iOS 17.4.1. This comes a little over two weeks after iOS 17.4, which was a big update. iOS 17.4.1 doesn't add any new features, but it's still an important update you'll want to download as soon as you can.

With iOS 17.4.1, Apple states that the update “provides important bug fixes and security updates and is recommended for all users.” Apple doesn’t mention any specifics of these bug fixes, but more details on what this security update addresses may be revealed at a later date.

Read more