Airplane Mode disconnects your phone from cellular service. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth usually turn off at first, too, but on iPhone and Google Pixel you can turn them back on without disabling Airplane Mode. Wi-Fi apps can then work over a connected network, and Bluetooth accessories can work if Bluetooth is enabled.
What Airplane Mode turns off
The main effect is that the phone disconnects from cellular networks. Apple says cellular networks turn off when Airplane Mode is first enabled on iPhone; Google describes Android Airplane Mode as turning off mobile networks. Without that cellular connection, ordinary cellular calls, SMS and mobile data generally cannot use the disconnected network.
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Wi-Fi and Bluetooth usually turn off initially as well, but their behavior after that depends on the phone and its saved settings. Airplane Mode does not necessarily mean every wireless feature stays off.
What can still work in Airplane Mode
Wi-Fi internet
On iPhone and Pixel, you can turn Wi-Fi back on while Airplane Mode remains active. If the phone connects to a functioning Wi-Fi network, internet-based apps can communicate over that connection. Airplane Mode does not provide internet by itself; Wi-Fi must be enabled and connected. Google’s Android help explains how to turn on Wi-Fi and join a network.
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Bluetooth accessories
On iPhone and Pixel, Bluetooth can also be turned back on without leaving Airplane Mode. Accessories such as Bluetooth earbuds or a smartwatch can then work, provided Bluetooth is enabled and the accessory is available and connected.
Wi-Fi Calling
Wi-Fi Calling may let an iPhone make or receive calls over Wi-Fi when the feature is enabled and available. It depends on carrier and regional support; it is not a guarantee that calls will work in Airplane Mode. Apple says emergency calls may use Wi-Fi when cellular service is unavailable and Wi-Fi Calling is enabled, but location and alert details can vary. Do not rely on Airplane Mode as an emergency-calling strategy.
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How behavior differs by phone
| Phone guidance | When Airplane Mode is first enabled | Can Wi-Fi or Bluetooth be turned back on? | Can the choice persist? |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone | Cellular networks, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth turn off initially, according to Apple’s travel guide. | Yes. Apple says either can be turned back on in Control Center while Airplane Mode stays on. | Yes. Apple says the Wi-Fi or Bluetooth choice may remain in effect the next time Airplane Mode is used. |
| Google Pixel | Wi-Fi and Bluetooth turn off the first time the mode is enabled; mobile networks are turned off, according to Google’s Android guidance. | Yes. Pixel users can change the wireless settings while the mode is on. | Yes. Google Pixel Help says the phone remembers the prior choice. Some steps apply only to Pixel phones running Android 11 or later. |
| Other Android phones | Google’s general Android guidance says Wi-Fi and mobile networks turn off, but notes that settings vary by device. | Check the phone’s own settings or manufacturer help; identical behavior is not established for every Android model or software version. | Not stated for Android devices generally; Google’s persistence guidance is Pixel-oriented. |
For iPhone, Apple’s more specific travel instructions are the clearest guide to Bluetooth behavior: it turns off initially, can be switched back on, and the choice may persist. Do not assume that every phone will behave exactly like an iPhone or Pixel.
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Why Wi-Fi or Bluetooth may stay on next time
On iPhone and Pixel, a wireless setting changed during one Airplane Mode session may carry into the next activation. If you expect Airplane Mode to disconnect Wi-Fi or Bluetooth every time, check the phone’s status icons and settings rather than relying on the mode’s name alone.
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Using Airplane Mode on a flight
Follow the airline’s current instructions and the crew’s directions. Apple says some airlines allow a phone to remain on in Airplane Mode and permit Wi-Fi or Bluetooth when the airline allows it. That does not establish the rules for every airline, aircraft, route or jurisdiction. Check with your airline about onboard Wi-Fi and permitted wireless use.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Use Airplane Mode to refresh a connection
Toggling Airplane Mode can refresh a phone’s connection, though it is not a guaranteed fix for an outage, poor coverage, an account problem or a device fault. Google’s Android troubleshooting guidance recommends this sequence:
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- Turn Airplane Mode on.
- Wait 10 seconds.
- Turn Airplane Mode off and check the connection.
Apple also lists forcing a signal refresh as one use of the setting. If the connection remains unavailable, the cause may need a different fix.
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Quick Recap
Sources
- Apple Support: Choose iPhone settings for travel
- Google Pixel Help: Connect to Wi-Fi networks
- Google Android Help: Connect to Wi-Fi networks
- Apple Support: Make a call with Wi-Fi Calling
- Apple Support: Use Emergency SOS on your iPhone
- Apple Support: Choose iPhone settings for travel
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