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What is Airplane Mode, what is it for, and how to activate it?
Do you know what Airplane Mode does? Discover the wonders of Airplane Mode along with its essential functions and additional uses.
October 9, 2023
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If you have traveled by plane, you have undoubtedly heard more than once from the flight attendants: “Please activate the Airplane Mode on your electronic devices.” But do you know what airplane mode does?
If your answer is no, don’t worry. Here, we will explain everything you need to know about why it is essential to activate the airplane mode. What does airplane mode do, and what other exciting uses will significantly help you.
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What is Airplane Mode? – Definition and Function
Also known as “Flight Mode,” it is a setting that disables all wireless connections on your device, including cellular network, wifi, Bluetooth, and NFC (Near Field Communication).
This means that your device isolates all wireless signals by activating the function. This prevents electromagnetic signals from electronic devices from interfering with aircraft systems.
Some examples of interference are:
- Interference with the aircraft’s navigation system could interfere with the navigation system, even leading to an accident.
- In the case of interference with the aircraft’s communication system. Such signals could affect the system, thus hindering communication between the crew and the control tower.
- In an accident, the electromagnetic signals produced by the electronic devices could cause a fire.
When should you use Airplane Mode?
This is mandatory during domestic and international flights, but do you know of any other situation in which you should use this feature? Here are the most common ones.
During the flight
The most frequent use of this function is logical during a flight because airlines require electronic devices to be in Airplane Mode during takeoff and landing to avoid interference with the aircraft’s electronic signals.
Battery Saving
This function could also help you save battery life if you don’t need to stay connected. By turning off all wireless connections, your device will decrease power consumption, which can be helpful if you’re in an area without coverage and need your battery to last longer.
Privacy Enhancement
Enabling this functionality can help protect or improve your privacy because, this way, you will prevent your device from connecting to unsecured public Wi-Fi networks or unknown Bluetooth devices.
This way, you can protect your data and reduce the risk of cyber attacks, identity theft, and malware.
Interference Reduction
This functionality can also be used in other locations, such as hospitals, laboratories, or military installations, as in these places, it could help to avoid interference with sensitive digital equipment, thus eliminating any unwanted interruptions.
What happens when you activate the Airplane Mode?
As mentioned above, when you activate this function on your device, several automatic actions are performed:
- Mobile Network Disconnection: Your device will be disconnected from the cellular network, so you cannot make calls or send text messages. This works the same for those using a Asia SIM card or any other service.
- Disabling WiFi and Bluetooth: All WiFi and Bluetooth connections will be automatically turned off, including searching for and connecting to nearby WiFi networks or Bluetooth devices.
- Disabling NFC: The NFC function, used for short-distance data transfer, will also be completely disabled while NFC is active.
- Use of Offline Functions: In this case, you will still be able to use offline functions, such as the camera, locally stored music, and applications that do not require an Internet connection, as they will not generate interference.
How do you activate and deactivate the Airplane Mode?
Now, the time has come to know how to enable and disable this mode because although it seems simple, it can vary depending on the device and operating system. Therefore, we will show you how to do it depending on your Android or Apple device.
Enabling Airplane Mode on Android
- Open the notification bar ⇾ swipe down from the top of the screen.
- Tap the “Airplane Mode” icon to turn it on or off.
Enabling Airplane Mode on iOS (iPhone/iPad)
- Enter the Control Center by swiping up from the bottom of the screen.
- Tap the “Airplane Mode” icon to enable or disable the feature.
Note: When we talk about sliding the screen to the top or bottom, we mean to perform the same action as when we enter to preview the Smartphone or cell phone notifications.
Frequently asked questions about Airplane Mode
While the function is active, you cannot receive calls or messages or surf the Internet, no matter what application it is. You will not be able to use wireless devices such as your headphones, as they can also generate interference.
When you activate this feature, WiFi and Bluetooth will be disabled, but you can turn on Bluetooth or WiFi whenever you want to use the airplane network, for example.
No. Do Not Disturb mode means that we can choose between “Silent Mode” or “Alarms Only”, thus avoiding any sound or vibration, but it never disables network access or full functionality.
Airplane mode is required on local and international flights because of the security it represents. Signals from your phone and other devices can affect the aircraft’s navigation and communication instruments. Airplane Mode turns off all signals from your device.
When someone tries to call you while your device is in this Mode, they cannot reach you because it will be as if your device is disconnected or turned off. You will only be able to receive calls after deactivating this function.
