Airplane mode is explained in detail. A how-to guide explaining how to enable and deactivate iPhone’s airplane mode is included with screenshots.
What is iPhone Airplane Mode?
At the top of the setup menu, the iPhone has the option to “airplane mode.” If you’re wondering what that means, then you’ve come to the right place for answers. iPhone airplane mode was designed to be a quick option to disable all wireless features of the phone. But why did Apple have that option available? The answer may seem obvious: for when you’re on a plane. While airlines generally prohibit the use of a cell phone, the iPhone has many uses besides the wireless phone. Those of us who are dependent iPhone to use our phone as an iPod, to play, to write notes and many other mundane tasks that need no phone, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or radio signals. To help us be able to use our phones for these purposes, while on a flight from Apple set to airplane mode to quickly disable all wireless features that airlines may prohibit, while giving access to features that do not use any such signals.
Turning iPhone’s Airplane Mode On and Off
Apple made it very simple to turn iPhone’s airplane mode on and off. Locate your settings menu on your phone. When opened, Airplane Mode is the option at the top of the settings menu. As shown on the picture to the far left, Airplane Mode has a slide bar showing it to be OFF. Press the slide bar to switch Airplane Mode ON. Notice a small airplane shows up in the top left corner of the status bar when airplane mode is on. To turn airplane mode back off, simply press the slide bar button again.
Features Disabled While in Airplane Mode
When the iPhone airplane mode is activated, the following services are automatically disabled:
- Cellular voice services (phone calls, voicemail, etc)
- Cellular data services (text messaging, MMS, safari, etc)
- Wi-Fi
- Bluetooth
- GPS services
Some services that are disabled can be manually re-enabled while still in airplane mode. Wi-Fi and Blue-tooth can be enabled from the settings menu. Be sure that your airline allows these features to be used in-flight before manually enabling them.
Features Available While in Airplane Mode
The following services remain available when airplane mode is activated on iPhone:
- Clock
- Photos
- Settings Menu
- Calendar
- Notes
- Calculator
- Voice Memos
- Contacts
- iPod
- Games and other apps that do not require internet access
As noted above, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities can be re-enabled after airplane mode is enacted. This can be done from the settings menu.
Using Your iPhone on an Airplane
Even though airplane mode was designed to be used when you’re on a flight, use caution. Check with your airline before using your iPhone on a plane. To avoid any confusion or misunderstandings, explain to your flight attendant that you plan to use your iPhone with all wireless features disabled. This can prevent you from being told to turn your device off.
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