Airplane Mode can be described as an option available on iPhone and iPad, which can be used to quickly switch-off or disable Wi-Fi, cellular, GPS and bluetooth networks.
In the case of stock Android Phones and Samsung phones, the option that can be used to disable Wi-Fi, Cellular and Bluetooth networks is known as Flight Mode.
Here is what happens, when Airplane mode is enabled on iPhone or an Android phone is put in Flight mode.
Wi-Fi: Is completely disabled and your phone will no longer scan for Wi-Fi Networks. You won’t be able to browse the internet, chat or make calls over a Wi-Fi Network.
Cellular: Your Phone will no longer try to establish connection with cell towers. This means that you won’t be receiving Messages or Calls on your phone and you won’t be able to make any calls from your phone using cellular network.
Bluetooth: Flight Mode disables Bluetooth on your device and this will prevent you from using wireless mouse, headset and keyboard.
Airplane Mode is not just meant for use on Airplanes, it can also be used to conserving battery life and troubleshoot many problems on iPhone and Android Phones.
Why Do Airlines Ask Passengers to Enable Airplane Mode
The reason for asking passengers to switch their phones into Airplane or Flight Mode during takeoff and landing is to prevent passenger cell phone signals from interfering with cellular networks on the ground.
As the Airplane is going up in air and travelling quickly, passenger cell phone signals can bounce off multiple towers on the ground, causing interference and network congestion.
If this happens repeatedly and at a bigger level due to multiple cellular devices, it increases the possibility of flight crew missing or even misunderstand critical radio calls from Air Traffic Controllers on the ground.
How to Enable Airplane Mode on iPhone
All that is required to Enable Airplane mode on your iPhone is to open the Settings App on your iPhone and toggle on the Airplane Mode option.
Once you are done, you can disable Airplane Mode on your iPhone by moving the toggle to OFF position.
Enable Flight Mode on Android Phone
The steps to Enable Flight Mode on Android Phone can vary a bit, depending on the make and model of your iPhone.
1. Open Settings > tap on Connections.
2. On the next screen, move the toggle next to Flight Mode to ON position.
In other models, you may find the Flight Mode toggle right on the first screen of the Settings.