Airplane Mode is a standard feature on all modern smartphones, including the iPhone. When activated, Airplane Mode disables all the wireless radios on your device simultaneously. This includes cellular voice connections, cellular data (4G/5G), Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. As the name suggests, it is primarily designed to comply with airline regulations during flights to prevent radio interference. However, Airplane Mode is also incredibly useful for saving battery life when you have no signal, or for quickly resetting your network connection if your phone is struggling to find cell service. Apple makes it very easy to toggle this mode on and off.
Method 1: Use the Control Center
The Control Center is the quickest way to access Airplane Mode from any screen, even when your iPhone is locked.
- First, open the Control Center:
- On iPhones with Face ID (no Home button): Swipe down from the top-right corner of your screen (where the battery icon is).
- On iPhones with Touch ID (Home button): Swipe up from the very bottom edge of your screen.
- Look at the square block of network icons in the top-left corner of the Control Center.
- Tap the icon that looks like an Airplane.
- The icon will turn orange, indicating Airplane Mode is active. You will also notice that your cellular signal bars at the top of the screen are replaced by a small airplane symbol.
Method 2: Use the Settings App
You can also enable Airplane Mode directly through your iPhone’s main settings menu.
- Unlock your iPhone and find the Settings app on your Home Screen (the grey gear icon).
- Tap to open Settings.
- Look at the very first option at the top of the list, immediately below your Apple ID name. It is labeled Airplane Mode.
- Tap the toggle switch next to Airplane Mode so that it turns green.
- Your wireless connections will immediately drop. To turn it off, simply tap the switch again.
A Note About Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
It is important to note that while Airplane Mode turns off all radios initially, you are allowed to turn Wi-Fi and Bluetooth back on independently while still keeping your cellular connection disabled.
If you are on a flight that offers in-flight Wi-Fi, simply turn on Airplane Mode first. Then, open the Control Center and tap the grey Wi-Fi icon to turn only Wi-Fi back on. Your phone will remain in Airplane Mode (no cell service), but you can connect to the plane’s network. The same applies to Bluetooth if you want to use wireless headphones.