How to use Airplane Mode on your iPhone or Android smartphone

By Carlos Vega Updated August 20, 2021

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.

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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.

How to turn on Airplane mode in Android

How to turn on Airplane Mode from the Quick Settings menu

android airplane mode — Digital Trends

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.
Toggle Airplane mode on.

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android airplane mode — Image used with permission by copyright holder

android airplane mode — Digital Trends

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.
Toggle Airplane mode on.

How to turn on Airplane Mode from the Settings menu

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android airplane mode — Image used with permission by copyright holder

android airplane mode — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Go to Settings.
Tap More in the Wireless & Networks section.
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

Swipe up from from the bottom of any screen.
Tap the airplane icon in the upper-left corner.

How to turn on Airplane Mode from the Settings menu

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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

Go to Settings.
Toggle Airplane mode on.

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

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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…

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