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What can you do on airplane mode?
What can you do on airplane mode? Find out ways to pass the time on your phone and why airplane mode is necessary for flights.
“Please activate airplane mode on your devices.” It’s a phrase we’ve all heard during takeoff. The most conscious of us won’t deactivate airplane mode until we are back home.
Just like that, all wireless signals are cut off from your phone. No texting, no calls, no social media for the remainder of your flight. This begs the question: “What can you do on airplane mode?”
Our guide covers the best ways to use your phone on airplane mode, whether stuck on a flight or saving data in a foreign country.
What is airplane mode?
Airplane mode mode is a setting on your phone that disables any and all wireless communication capabilities, such as cellular and mobile data. In other words, the phone has zero contact with the outside world.
Still, this doesn’t mean your device will turn into a clipboard, as there are still numerous ways to spend time on your phone in airplane mode.
What does airplane mode do?
Airplane mode deactivates your mobile data, WiFi, and cellular connection.This means you won’t be able to use apps that require the internet, such as WhatsApp, Instagram, YouTube, and even games like Call of Duty. You also won’t be able to receive text messages or make phone calls until your phone airplane mode is turned off.
But this doesn’t affect devices connected via Bluetooth, meaning you can connect wireless devices like headphones or headsets to listen to music or watch some series while you save battery life.
How do I activate airplane mode?
Activating airplane mode will depend on which device you’re using.
If you’re an iPhone user, you’ll have two options to activate the airplane mode:
- Use the drop-down menu and press the airplane icon to activate this option.
- Go to “Settings” and then toggle on the option “Airplane mode.”
If you’re an Android user, the process is fairly similar:
- Use the drop-down menu and press the airplane icon to activate this option.
Go to “Settings” and then “More connectivity options” and toggle on the airplane mode.
Lastly, if you’re taking your laptop, here’s what you need to do:
- Go to the menu in the lower right corner and press “Airplane mode” to activate this option.
What can you do on your phone in airplane mode?
Even though airplane mode disables your mobile data, you can still listen to music, watch downloaded movies and series on your preferred streaming platforms, take photos and videos, read e-books, and play games.
Let’s talk about these things and how they can help you survive a long-haul flight.
1. Watch downloaded videos
Before traveling, install and download series or movies from your favorite streaming services, like Netflix or HBO.
The good news is that these apps are available for mobiles, tablets, and laptops, so you won’t have to worry about entertainment while on the flight.
2. Listen to offline music or podcasts
If you’re paying for Spotify, YouTube Music, or Apple Music, you can download and listen to your favorite playlists while flying.
Tip: Before leaving a WiFi connection, open the app to update your downloaded playlists.
3. Read e-books or articles
If you’re into reading e-books, an iOS or Android device can help you read a good old classic from Stephen King or Brandon Sanderson while on a long flight.
You can also download articles or your preferred reading material to enjoy it on your mobile, tablet, or laptop.
4. Take photos and videos
You can capture photos and videos while flying. When you’re up in the sky, sunsets and sunrises hit differently, and you can get a photo worth uploading to Instagram, but make sure you avoid roaming charges when doing so.
You could also try taking photos and videos of cities, mountains, and everything you see below or on the horizon!
5. Use offline navigation
Some mobile apps, like Google Maps or Apple Maps, allow users to use offline navigation. Make sure you download the maps or information you want to view while offline to avoid issues during the flight.
6. Play games
Whether you’re using a tablet, mobile, or laptop, you’ll find many games you can play without a cellular connection.
Depending on what you like, you could download Candy Crush or Subway Surfers if you’re a classic mobile gamer. Alternatively, if you have a good laptop, games like Metaphor: ReFantazio or The Witcher 3 will keep you entertained even without an internet connection.
Why do I need to use airplane mode during a flight?
Turning the airplane mode on is mandatory when on a flight. However, an Allianz Travel Insurance survey shows that nearly 40% of American travelers don’t use airplane mode when traveling because they don’t consider it dangerous.
Truthfully, airplane mode aims to avoid issues for pilots. Mobiles can and will send background noise and might interfere with cabin communications, especially when departing or close to landing, as that’s when mobiles tend to get cell service again.
So, use airplane mode, save your device’s battery, and connect your wireless headphones to chill during the journey.
Can I use WiFi on a flight?
Many airlines are considering including WiFi connections during flights in the near future, thanks to modern internet solutions like Starlink.
This is an ideal solution for all travelers who need to stay connected to airplane internet. This said, major airlines are still working on improving this feature to make it a safe option and allow you to disable flight mode in the future.
Is it worth using airplane mode to avoid roaming fees?
When traveling abroad, airplane mode is a useful tool for avoiding high roaming fees. You can activate it whenever you want to stay offline for a bit, but there’s a better option for staying connected for as long as needed.
With a Holafly eSIM, you won’t be limited once you land at your destination, as high roaming fees won’t be a part of your trip. With Holafly, you’ll get unlimited data in over 200+ destinations with data plans costing as cheap as $1.39/day.
You can easily purchase a Holafly eSIM before traveling and add it to your preferred iOS or Android device. Some laptops are compatible with an eSIM, in case you need to work while abroad.
Here are some additional features you’ll have with the Holafly eSIM:
- Unlimited data plans ranging from 1 to 90 days
- 24/7 customer support through different channels
- Up to 5G connectivity when available on most destinations
- Up to 1 GB of data sharing from your phone to other devices
- Easy installation and activation process using a QR code for Android and older iOS devices
Unlimited data. Peace of mind.
Make sure you have travel data that's there when you need it most.
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I first started my content creation journey as a freelancer in 2019, before connecting with Holafly in 2021. At Holafly, my travel and tech interests come together in one place as I craft high-quality articles about the eSIM and related markets. My content aims to help travelers stay connected, wherever they are.
