Airplane mode on a phone is a standard option that every model is equipped with. It is also increasingly common in laptops and other mobile devices. Nowadays, the applications of this feature definitely go beyond its classic purpose. Find out what airplane mode is used for!
What is airplane mode?
Despite the ubiquity of this option, many people still do not know what Airplane Mode means. It’s a feature present in every cell phone, as well as on other mobile devices. It can be found on laptops, tablets, computers and even smartwatches, among others!
How does this option work? Simply put – it involves completely blocking all communication functions of the device.
It disables, among other things:
- phone calls,
- SMS and MMS,
- NFC contactless payments,
- data transmission,
- Wi-Fi,
- Bluetooth
This does not mean, however, that the latter two options become completely unavailable – we can restore them manually. Then we will get the ability to connect to an Internet source on board the plane (if the airline offers wi-fi), and we will also be able to pair wireless headphones with the device, for example.
What is airplane mode used for?
Have you ever wondered why it is necessary to turn on this mode just on an airplane? It will come as no surprise that it is from this mode of transport that the name for the described function is taken. It was created to enhance safety during flight.
Using the airplane mode on board it is designed to minimize the risk of a crash. Pilots have dozens of devices at their disposal to reach the airport safely, avoid collisions with other aircraft or operate the airplane correctly.
We are talking about radar, altimeters or radios.
Using airplane mode avoids complications. The use of all the services of the phone by passengers could seriously interfere with the operation of said devices.
Selected functions of the phone in airplane mode:
- saved multimedia (photos, videos, music, etc.),
- offline games,
- notepad,
- saved e-books,
- downloaded maps,
- e-mails (you will send them as soon as you land).
It’s a win-win situation – pilots can fully focus on their work, while passengers can enjoy the phone’s purely entertainment options.
What does airplane mode provide? There are other uses as well!
Turning on airplane mode is becoming an increasingly popular practice in everyday situations. What is this feature for, in a situation where sky travel is not one of our frequent activities?
Offline mode for greater productivity at work
Many people use it to increase their productivity in work that requires focus. Offline mode, as this option is otherwise called, allows us to completely mute ourselves from the outside world. We are then not “bombarded” with notifications and calls, and social media is simply not available.
Effective silencing in a variety of situations
Offline mode is a feature that is also useful during important business meetings, lectures, a church service or a movie show. Thus, we gain peace of mind and privacy, which will not be guaranteed by the classic muting of the phone.
Increase battery life
The benefits of airplane mode also apply to battery life. A cell phone set up this way will not waste energy on connecting to the network and using many internet-intensive applications. The charging of the device itself will also be definitely more efficient.
Recording without interference
Recording audio near active cell phones can generate electromagnetic interference. When the device receives a notification or answers a call, the recording will most likely be interrupted by a characteristic noise.
So it is worth using the offline mute option precisely to avoid such a situation.
How to enable airplane mode?
Enabling airplane mode on smartphones is very intuitive. However, the access path and the location of the corresponding tiles on the screen may vary depending on the phone model and operating system.
Enabling and disabling airplane mode on Android devices
To activate the feature, expand the top options bar on your screen (the one where you usually see the time, battery status and notifications, among other things). Then select the airplane mode symbol – you certainly won’t confuse it with anything else.
An alternative way is to enter the settings section, through the menu. Then go to the “mobile network” tab and start using the said function.
How to disable airplane mode on the phone? Do it all again and simply “unclick” the selected item!
Activating and deactivating airplane mode on iOS devices
iOS phones also come with an offline mode. How to enable it? Go to “control center” and then select the icon representing an airplane. To deactivate, simply click the tile again.
Airplane mode on a laptop – how to enable it?
As in the previous cases, enabling and disabling offline mode can be done a little differently. If our laptop has Windows, click the wi-fi network icon, which is located next to the battery status, volume and time bars. Then select the airplane mode symbol.
There is no offline mode as such on so-called MacBooks. To bring the device closer to its operation, you need to disable all network functions manually. You will do this via the “control center” or “system preferences” tabs.
What is airplane mode used for? FAQ
Are you about to go on a flight, or maybe you just want to know all the features of your phone? Learn the answers to the most frequently asked questions!
Is it possible to track the phone in airplane mode?
In theory, this possibility exists. Sometimes the offline mode disables only the communication functions, and not the GPS localization itself, using signals from the satellite. In most cases, however, tracking a phone in such a state is impossible.
What does airplane mode mean?
Airplane mode means completely disabling communication functions on a phone, tablet or laptop. It is impossible with it, for example, to receive calls, send text messages or use mobile data.
What does airplane mode provide?
Offline mode completely strips the phone of all communication functions. Thus, among other things, it enables increased productivity by eliminating distracting notifications. In addition, its use improves battery life.
What is airplane mode used for?
Airplane mode is designed for use mainly during air travel. The phone’s communication functions could interfere with many on-board devices, putting the machine at risk of disaster. Using offline mode avoids such a situation