iOS: Understanding airplane mode

Summary

Airplane mode disables the wireless features of your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch to comply with airline regulations.

Products Affected

iPad, iPhone, iPod touch

When you enable airplane mode from the Settings screen, an airplane icon () appears in the status bar at the top of the screen and the following wireless connections and services are turned off:

  • Cellular (voice and data)
  • Wi-Fi
  • Bluetooth
  • GPS
  • Location services

If allowed by the aircraft operator and applicable laws and regulations, you can re-enable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth while in airplane mode:

  • Wi-Fi: While airplane mode is on, tap Settings > Wi-Fi, then turn Wi-Fi on and choose a Wi-Fi network.
  • Bluetooth: While airplane mode is on, tap Settings > Bluetooth, then turn Bluetooth on.

For additional information on airplane mode, see the User Guide for your iOS device. Not all wireless features are available on all iOS devices.

Additional Information

When you use certain accessories with some iOS devices, you may see a prompt recommending the use of airplane mode. For more information, see About iPhone, iPad, and iPod Accessories.

Not helpful Somewhat helpful Helpful Very helpful Solved my problem
Ask other users about this article
in Apple Support Communities
See all questions on this article See all questions I have asked