How to: Enable Airplane Mode on your iPhone or iPad


Instructions

Airplane Mode disables the wireless features of iPhone and iPad to reduce potential interference with aircraft operation and other electrical equipment. When you turn on Airplane Mode, the following wireless connections/receivers are turned off:

  • Cellular (voice & data)
  • Wi-Fi
  • Bluetooth
  • GPS

Jump to Method B: Enable Airplane Mode through Control Center

Method A: Enable Airplane Mode through Settings

A1) Open the Settings app.

example screenshot

A2) Next to "Airplane Mode", slide the switch to the "on" position (to the right).

example screenshot

The green color on the switch indicates that Airplane Mode is enabled. You may notice that Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular all turn off.

Jump to Outcome

Method B: Enable Airplane Mode through Control Center

B1) Open Control Center.

B2) Tap the Airplane Mode icon.

example screenshot

The orange color on the icon indicates that Airplane Mode is enabled.


OUTCOME

While Airplane Mode is on, an airplane icon appears in the status bar at the top of the screen.

While Airplane Mode is enabled, you won't be able to:

  • Make or receive phone calls
  • Make or receive FaceTime video calls
  • Get Visual Voicemail
  • Send or receive email
  • Browse the Internet
  • Sync your contacts, calendars, or bookmarks with iCloud, Microsoft Exchange, Google, or other services
  • Send or receive text (SMS or MMS) messages
  • Stream or upload YouTube videos
  • Get stock quotes
  • Get map locations
  • Get weather reports
  • Use the iTunes Store or the App Store

If allowed by the aircraft operator and applicable laws and regulations, you can continue to use your device to:

  • Listen to music and watch videos
  • Listen to Visual Voicemail previously received
  • Check your calendar
  • Take or view photos or video
  • Hear alarms
  • Use the stopwatch or timer
  • Use the calculator
  • Take notes
  • Record voice memos
  • Use Compass
  • Read text messages and email messages stored on your device

If Wi-Fi is available and allowed by the aircraft operator and applicable laws and regulations, you can turn Wi-Fi back on and:

  • Make or receive FaceTime, Skype for Business, and other Internet-based voice & video calls
  • Send and receive email
  • Browse the Web
  • Sync your contacts, calendars, and bookmarks with iCloud, Microsoft Exchange, Google, and other similar services
  • Stream or upload YouTube videos
  • Get stock quotes
  • Get map locations
  • Get weather reports
  • Use the iTunes Store or the App Store

You may also be allowed to turn on Bluetooth and use Bluetooth devices with your iPhone or iPad.