Pay 
Language 
Currency 
No results found
Does airplane mode turn off location?
Putting your phone in airplane mode will not turn off its location settings. However, it disconnects connection services, which disables location sharing.
Whenever you turn on airplane mode, your cell service, mobile data, WiFi, and Bluetooth all shut down. But what does that do to your location services?
Follow along to learn everything you need to know about the location services on your phone and what happens to them on airplane mode.
Avoid excessive roaming fees
Don't get caught out by data roaming charges. Use local networks at local rates.
Does airplane mode turn off location?
The short answer is no, airplane mode doesn’t turn off the location on your phone. While it does shut down all of your communication systems such as WiFi, mobile data, and Bluetooth, it doesn’t affect the GPS system, which your phone uses to pinpoint your exact GPS location.
GPS tracking systems communicate directly with satellites and don’t require contact with cell towers like communication services do. This means that you can still see your location on your phone when airplane mode is activated through map apps like Google Maps or Apple maps.
Does airplane mode turn off location sharing services?
Yes, using airplane mode does turn off your location sharing services. This is where things can sound confusing. How does airplane mode not turn off your phone’s location but does shut down its sharing services? Well, while location is tracked via GPS, it’s typically shared over the internet. And since cellular data and WiFi shut off on airplane mode, you won’t be able to share your location.
So, if you’re using apps like Find My on iOS or Find My Device on Android, they won’t function properly. So, you can turn on airplane mode if you’re going for a sneaky cheat meal at McDonald’s and don’t want your partner to find out. However, it won’t completely shut off all location services on your phone.
Can my phone be tracked in airplane mode?
Even though airplane mode disables communication settings and turns off data sharing, it is still possible to track your device when airplane mode is turned on.
If you turn on WiFi during a flight with airplane mode on to use airplane internet, it will also turn location sharing services back on, as they use internet connection to work.
When airplane mode is turned on and location services are turned off, typical tracking measures won’t work. However, certain types of spyware, malware, or physical trackers installed on a phone can be used to track the device.
How to shut off location services on your phone
So, if airplane mode doesn’t turn off your location, what do you do if you’re on a Secret Service mission and having your location on can be the difference between life or death?
Honestly, you should probably get in touch with a reputable cybersecurity expert instead of looking for information on an online blog. But since you’re here, find the instructions for turning off the location services on your iPhone or Android device below:
How to turn off location services on an iPhone
- Go to Settings.
- Open the Privacy & Security settings menu.
- Tap on the Location Services option.
- Toggle Location Services to the off position and tap Turn Off to confirm the action.
How to turn off location services on an Android
- Go to Settings.
- Open the Privacy and Safety settings menu.
- Select the Location option.
- Toggle the Location button to the off position to disable location services.
The exact steps may differ slightly depending on the make of your Android phone and the version of your operating system, but they should be pretty close to the steps above
GPS spoofing apps are also available on Android, allowing you to change your GPS location to a different place. That said, unless you really need someone to think you’re in a different location, it’s better to simply shut off the location when you need to.
How to restart your location after landing
Restarting your location settings and location sharing is usually as easy as turning off the airplane mode. As soon as you do so, your phone will automatically look for a cellular network and WiFi to connect to. If you’ve disabled your location manually, go back to the settings to turn it back on.
When you fly abroad, your phone might default to data roaming for an internet connection, which can be pretty expensive. Make sure that data roaming on your primary SIM card is turned off before disabling data roaming unless you’ve purchased a roaming plan before your trip.
Some travelers will even keep their phones in airplane mode throughout their holiday to avoid roaming fees. With Holafly eSIMs, you can switch off airplane mode and share your location with friends and family or use mobile internet as much as you wish while avoiding any hidden roaming fees.
Stay online with Holafly
Holafly offers eSIM plans in 200+ destinations worldwide, so you’re sure to find one to suit your needs no matter where you go. All Holafly plans include unlimited data, hotspot sharing, and 24/7 customer support, so you’ll never lose connection and will be able to keep multiple devices connected at once when needed.
Avoid excessive roaming fees
Don't get caught out by data roaming charges. Use local networks at local rates.
Plans that may interest you
A senior SEO writer from Lithuania, combining my passion for writing and travel at Holafly. With years of experience in technical fields, I'm here to answer all of your questions about staying connected. I specialize in turning even the most complicated topics into something everyone can understand.
