Updated: April 19, 2025

iPhone Airplane Mode: What It Does & When to Use It 2025

Airplane Mode is one of the most useful—but misunderstood—features on your iPhone. Whether you’re boarding a flight, saving battery, or just need a break from constant notifications, this guide will explain everything you need to know about Airplane Mode in 2025. Let’s get started!

What Is Airplane Mode?

Airplane Mode is a setting that temporarily disables your iPhone’s wireless signals. When turned on, it stops your phone from connecting to:

Cellular networks (no calls, texts, or mobile data).
Wi-Fi (no internet browsing).
Bluetooth (disconnects wireless headphones or speakers).

Why use it?
Airlines require it during flights to prevent interference with airplane systems. But it’s also handy for saving battery life, avoiding distractions, or fixing connection issues.

How to Turn Airplane Mode On/Off

There are two easy ways to toggle Airplane Mode:

1. Using the Settings App

Open the Settings app (the gray gear icon).
Tap Airplane Mode at the top of the menu.
Flip the switch:
- Orange = On (all wireless signals off).
- Gray = Off (connections restored).

This method is perfect if you’re already exploring your iPhone’s settings. For more ways to customize your device, check out our Ultimate iPhone Settings Guide.

2. Using Control Center

The Control Center is a shortcut menu for quick settings:

iPhones with Face ID: Swipe down from the top-right corner.
iPhones with a Home Button: Swipe up from the bottom.

Look for the airplane icon. If it’s orange, Airplane Mode is active. Tap it to turn it off (gray).
(Want to customize your Control Center? Learn how to add or remove shortcuts here.)

When Should You Use Airplane Mode?

Flying: Follow airline rules and avoid roaming charges.
Low Battery Mode: Wireless signals drain battery. Use Airplane Mode in areas with weak cellular reception.
Focus Time: Block calls and alerts while studying, sleeping, or watching movies.
Fix Connection Issues: Resetting your network settings can solve Wi-Fi or cellular problems (more on this later!).

Airplane Mode Isn’t All-or-Nothing

You can still use certain features while in Airplane Mode:

Re-enable Wi-Fi or Bluetooth: After turning on Airplane Mode, manually reactivate Wi-Fi or Bluetooth in Control Center or Settings.
- Struggling with Wi-Fi? Our iPhone Wi-Fi Settings guideexplains how to troubleshoot.
- For Bluetooth devices, check out our step-by-step Bluetooth guide.
Offline Apps: Play games, take photos, or use downloaded music and podcasts.

Troubleshooting Airplane Mode Issues

If Airplane Mode gets stuck or won’t turn off, try these fixes:

1. Restart Your iPhone

A simple restart often solves minor glitches:

Press Volume Up → Volume Down.
Hold the Side Button until the Apple logo appears.

2. Reset Network Settings

This clears saved Wi-Fi passwords and cellular preferences:

Go to Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Reset.
Tap Reset Network Settings.

For more tips on managing connections, visit our complete guide to iPhone connectivity.

3. Remove Your SIM Card (Older Models Only)

iPhones before 2022 use physical SIM cards:

Eject the SIM tray with a paperclip.
Wait 10 seconds, then reinsert it.

4. Update iOS

Software updates fix bugs. Go to Settings → General → Software Update(connect to Wi-Fi first!).

Need to Block Calls Without Airplane Mode? Use Focus

Want to silence calls but keep Wi-Fi active? Try Focus Mode:

Open Settings → Focus → Do Not Disturb.
Under Allow Calls From, select Favorites (leave this list empty to block all calls).
Toggle off Repeated Calls.

Activate Do Not Disturb via Control Center to stay connected to apps while avoiding interruptions.

FAQ: iPhone Airplane Mode (2025)

1. Can I use GPS or maps in Airplane Mode?

Yes! GPS works in Airplane Mode because it uses satellite signals, not cellular data. Apps like Apple Maps or Google Maps can still show your location if you download offline maps beforehand. Just remember: Turn on Wi-Fi or cellular data if you need real-time traffic updates or directions.

2. Why can’t I make calls after turning off Airplane Mode?

Your iPhone might need time to reconnect to your carrier. Wait 10–20 seconds. If it still doesn’t work:

Toggle Airplane Mode on/off again.
Restart your iPhone.
Check for carrier outages in your area.
If issues persist, visit our connectivity troubleshooting guide for more help.

3. Do alarms and timers work in Airplane Mode?

Yes! Alarms, timers, and the Clock app work even without an internet connection. Your phone doesn’t need Wi-Fi or cellular data to alert you.

4. Can I listen to downloaded music or podcasts?

Absolutely! Offline content like downloaded Spotify playlists, Apple Music, or podcasts will play normally in Airplane Mode. Just make sure to download them before turning it on.

5. What’s the difference between Airplane Mode and Do Not Disturb?

Airplane Mode disables all wireless signals (cellular, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth).
Do Not Disturb silences notifications and calls but keeps connections active.
Use Airplane Mode for flights or saving battery; use Do Not Disturb to avoid distractions while staying online. Learn how to customize both in our Ultimate iPhone Settings Guide.

Conclusion

Airplane Mode is your iPhone’s Swiss Army knife for managing connectivity—whether you’re flying, focusing, or fixing a stubborn network glitch. Remember: