Airplane Mode disconnects your phone from cellular networks. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth usually turn off when you first enable it, but on iPhone and Google Pixel you can switch them back on without leaving Airplane Mode. That means Wi-Fi apps and Bluetooth accessories may still work, provided you reconnect to a network or accessory. Android behavior can vary by device.
What Airplane Mode turns off
The main change is that your phone disconnects from cellular service. 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.
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth typically turn off initially too, but the exact behavior depends on the phone and its saved settings. Airplane Mode does not erase downloaded content or disable every feature on the device; it changes wireless connections.
What still works in Airplane Mode
Wi-Fi internet, if you reconnect
On iPhone and Pixel, you can turn Wi-Fi back on while Airplane Mode remains active. If Wi-Fi is on and connected to a working network, internet-based apps can communicate over that connection. Airplane Mode does not provide internet by itself; you still need an available Wi-Fi network.
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Bluetooth accessories, if Bluetooth is on
On iPhone and Pixel, Bluetooth can be turned back on while Airplane Mode stays active. You can then use compatible accessories, such as Bluetooth earbuds or a smartwatch, if they are available and connected.
Offline features and stored content
Features that do not need a network connection can remain usable, including content already stored on your phone. Network-dependent services need an available connection, such as Wi-Fi re-enabled in Airplane Mode.
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How behavior differs between iPhone and Android
| Phone guidance | When Airplane Mode is first enabled | Can Wi-Fi or Bluetooth be turned back on? | Can the choice persist? |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone, according to Apple’s travel guide | Cellular networks, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth turn off. | Yes. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth can be switched on in Control Center while Airplane Mode remains on. | Yes. Apple says a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth choice may remain in effect the next time Airplane Mode is used. |
| Google Pixel, according to Google Pixel Help | Wi-Fi and Bluetooth turn off; mobile networks are disconnected. | Yes. You can change the wireless settings while Airplane Mode is on. | Yes. Pixel remembers the prior choice for the next activation. |
| Other Android phones | Settings vary by device. | Not established uniformly; check your phone’s settings or manufacturer help. | Not established uniformly; behavior depends on the device. |
On iPhone, use Control Center to restore Wi-Fi or Bluetooth after enabling Airplane Mode. On Pixel, use the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth controls in Settings or Quick Settings. Because iPhone and Pixel can remember wireless choices, check the status icons or settings each time rather than assuming Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are off. Google’s Pixel instructions note that some steps apply only to Pixel phones running Android 11 or later.
Can you make calls or send messages?
Ordinary cellular calls, SMS, and mobile data generally will not work over the cellular network while Airplane Mode has disconnected it. Messaging and calling apps can still communicate over Wi-Fi if you turn Wi-Fi back on and connect to a network.
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Wi-Fi Calling is a separate option, not a guarantee. Apple says iPhone can make and receive calls over Wi-Fi when Wi-Fi Calling is enabled and available; support depends on carrier and region. Emergency-call handling and location details can vary, so do not rely on Airplane Mode as an emergency-calling strategy.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Should you use Airplane Mode during a flight?
Follow the airline’s current instructions and the crew’s directions. Some airlines permit a phone to remain on in Airplane Mode and allow Wi-Fi or Bluetooth when permitted, but rules are not established here for any particular airline, aircraft, route, or jurisdiction. Use onboard Wi-Fi only if it is available and allowed.
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Use Airplane Mode to refresh a connection
Toggling Airplane Mode can force a signal refresh, but it is not a guaranteed fix for an outage, poor coverage, an account problem, or a device fault. For Android connectivity troubleshooting, Google recommends turning Airplane Mode on, waiting 10 seconds, then turning it off.
- Turn Airplane Mode on.
- Wait 10 seconds.
- Turn Airplane Mode off and check whether the connection returns.
Apple also lists forcing a signal refresh as one use for Airplane Mode. If service still does not return, the cause may require a different fix.
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