How to enable or disable Airplane Mode

Flight mode, commonly referred to as aeroplane mode, is a setting that prevents any wireless communications from taking place without turning off a device (such as a smartphones and tablet). To prevent disruption of the aircraft's communication systems during a flight, airlines may ask passengers to turn off or put their electronic devices in airplane mode. A cell phone cannot access the Internet, make or receive calls, send or receive texts, or send or receive texts when in airplane mode. Additionally, tablets that are in airplane mode also cannot access the Internet. This mode prevents other devices from using any wireless communication signals.

The Wi-Fi and cellular communications on your computer, smartphone, tablet, or e-reader are disabled when you put the device in flight mode or airplane mode. The reason it's called "Airplane Mode" is because airlines frequently demand that customers turn off their computers, phones, tablets, and other electronic devices before take-off. This precaution is taken to stop device signals from interfering with the airplane's instruments.

However, Airplane Mode can also be helpful when you want to preserve the battery life of your device. It can prolong your battery life if you're engaged in an activity that doesn't require Internet or cellular access, like taking notes or playing an offline game. To re-join a wireless or cellular network later, make sure to turn off Airplane Mode.

Use the instructions below that are appropriate for your device to toggle Airplane Mode.

Windows computer

These instructions explain how to activate Airplane Mode on a laptop.

1. Right-click the Wi-Fi in Windows icon located in the Windows notification area at the bottom right of the desktop. Right-clicking the Airplane mode icon in Windows will work if your laptop is already in airplane mode.
2. Choosing Open Network & Internet settings from the pop-up menu will bring up a window.
3. Selecting Airplane mode in the left navigation pane of the Settings window will enable it.
4. Toggle the Airplane mode switch to the on or off position in the section titled "Airplane mode."

Apple computer

Airplane Mode is not a feature available on Apple laptops. Instead, you need to turn off Wi-Fi on the laptop if it has a macOS operating system.

A Wi-Fi connection switch or button is sometimes present on laptops. Typically, it is located above the keyboard or on the front edge of a laptop. Make sure it is turned on by locating the button or switch. Ensure that the switch is turned "On", or the button should be blue-illuminated to indicate that it is functional.

Android-based tablet or smartphone

You can learn how to in the following steps activate Airplane Mode on an Android smartphone or tablet.

1. Swipe down the screen with two fingers starting at the top, starting at the home screen of the device.
2. Tap the Airplane Mode option to turn it on or off on the Quick Settings screen.

OR

1. Open the Settings tool.
2. A network and internet option will appear on the Settings screen.
3. Toggle the Airplane Mode option on or off by turning the corresponding toggle switch on the Network & Internet screen. When enabled, the icon changes to blue (or the color of your theme), and when disabled, it reverts to its standard grey color.

iPad or iPhone

The methods below will show you how to activate Airplane Mode on an iPhone or iPad (an iOS device).

1. You can swipe up from the screen's bottom or down from the top-right of the device's home screen.
2. Toggle Airplane Mode on or off by tapping the aeroplane symbol. The symbol changes to orange when it is active and goes back to its original color when it is disabled.

OR

1. Open the Settings tool.
2. Toggle the Airplane Mode option on or off by turning the corresponding toggle switch on the Settings screen.

Any other e-reader or a Kindle

These instructions will show you how to activate Airplane Mode on a Kindle or other e-reader device.

1. Obtain the home page of the e-reader.
2. Select the Settings option or icon that resembles a gear-shaped icon by searching for it.
3. Locate and tap the airplane icon or the Airplane Mode option. The Airplane Mode option does not have a slash through it while it is active or turned on. The Airplane Mode option has a slash through it when it is turned off or disabled.