Some features like live traffic won’t work in flight mode, even though offline maps may work without WiFi or cellular connections. GPS is different though, because it doesn’t transmit radio frequencies, but whether or not airplane mode disables GPS will depend on your phone or tablet. On iPhones, for instance, airplane disables cellular voice and data, Bluetooth, WiFi, GPS, and location-based services. However, the functions affected when airplane mode is enabled vary from one device to another. What Airplane Mode Does To a Smartphone Or TabletĪirplane mode disables your phone or tablet’s wireless functions including the cellular connection, Bluetooth, GPS and WiFi, disconnecting you from all of them so they won’t work properly.įor low-battery situations, airplane mode comes in handy as it helps you save on the little battery you have left, though you can also use your device’s Low Power Mode instead, as that still lets you use your wireless connections. Plus, it also saves you cash, especially if you leave your gadget with kids who tend to download or purchase stuff, most times by mistake. Other uses for Airplane mode include helping you focus on the task at hand by disabling constant notifications from games, social media, or texts and other apps.
You can do this by switching it on and off again in the same way you would when restarting your phone or tablet. If you’re having problems with your mobile internet or finding a WiFi signal, airplane mode can help you regain carrier settings. It’s also useful when you want your phone or tablet to charge faster, or save on battery life by preventing your device from looking for signal connections thereby saving energy.