Thankfully, you can turn Bluetooth and Wi-Fi back on without exiting Airplane Mode.

It also means that you can use Wi-Fi on flights, assuming it’s supported on the plane. This means that you can always use Bluetooth, which is short-range, on a flight to connect to devices like headphones. In 2013, the United States Federal Aviation Administration updated its guidelines to allow for the expanded use of personal electronics. With Airplane Mode turned on, you’ll still be able to use some apps and games, take photos with your camera, and play both videos and music stored locally on your device. If you turn on Airplane Mode on an iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, or Apple Watch, it will also disable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. There are sometimes slight differences in what Airplane Mode does between devices, but the main thing it always does is disconnect your cellular voice and data connection.

Typically, you’ll be prompted to turn it on after boarding a flight, directly before your plane takes off. You should always see an airplane icon in your notification bar at the top of your screen when you have Airplane Mode switched on. We have a guide on how to turn on Airplane Mode for both Android phones and iPhones, but it’s generally easy to implement - just look for an Airplane icon and tap it. If you’ve ever placed your smartphone next to a speaker and heard a loud buzzing or another strange interference sound, then you’ll understand why Airplane Mode exists. It’s designed to turn off all the Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, cellular, and data connections on your mobile device, which might otherwise interfere with the various sensors and equipment on commercial airplanes. Smartphones, cell phones, and most other mobile devices are equipped with a setting called Airplane Mode (sometimes known as Flight mode). What is Airplane Mode? Allow us to explain.

Desktop stuck in airplane mode