What is airplane mode and why do they ask for it?

Airplane mode is a phone setting that cuts the connection to the cellular network: no calls, no texts, no mobile data. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth can be turned back on if the airline allows it, and GPS transmits nothing. You're asked to use it for two reasons: to protect the plane's systems from possible interference, and because US rules ban airborne cell phone use to protect networks on the ground.

What it turns off and what it leaves on

It varies a bit by phone, but the idea is the same: everything that talks to the cellular network is cut.

iPhone: Apple explains that airplane mode turns off cellular and Wi-Fi, and that you can turn Wi-Fi and Bluetooth back on if the airline allows it.
Android: Google explains that when you first turn it on, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth switch off, that you can turn them back on, and that the phone remembers your choice next time.

GPS is different: it only receives signals from satellites, which according to GPS.gov transmit one-way. That's why it can keep working. More in does GPS work in airplane mode?.

Reason 1: the airplane

In the United States, the FAA rule (14 CFR 91.21) bans portable electronic devices on airline flights, except those that the airline itself has determined won't interfere with the aircraft's navigation or communication systems.

In 2013 the FAA reviewed the issue with a committee of airlines, manufacturers, pilots and flight attendants. When announcing the outcome, the Administrator said most commercial airplanes can tolerate radio interference from these devices, but that in some low-visibility conditions, about one percent of flights, some landing systems may not be proven to tolerate it. In those cases you may be asked to switch your phone off.

Reason 2: the cell network on the ground

The other rule isn't about aviation, it's about telecom. The US FCC rule (47 CFR 22.925) says cellular phones must not be operated while the aircraft is airborne.

Why? In a 2013 statement, the FCC put it this way: the rule dates from the analog era of cell phones and exists because of the potential to interfere with terrestrial networks below. A phone high in the air can 'see' many towers at once, which the network isn't designed for.

What changed in 2013 and 2014

FAA, October 31, 2013: airlines can allow device use during all phases of flight. The announcement made clear you still can't talk on the phone, devices should be in airplane mode, and you can use the plane's Wi-Fi if available and Bluetooth accessories.
EASA, December 2013: allowed use through almost all stages of flight in airplane mode.
EASA, September 26, 2014: airlines can let devices stay on without airplane mode, after assessing that aircraft systems aren't affected. Each airline decides.

Bottom line: your airline applies the rule. It can differ from one carrier to another, and crew instructions always come first.

What if I forget to turn it on?

No exaggerating, no downplaying: the rule exists and you should follow it. If you notice mid-flight, turn it on and that's it. Also, without airplane mode your phone spends the whole trip hunting for a signal, which drains the battery. Apple mentions that turning it on can help save battery.

Airplane mode doesn't mean a useless phone

In airplane mode you still have your camera, your music and everything you downloaded. And GPS. Modo Avión is an Android app that makes use of that: with no signal, it shows where you are, what's below, nearby airports, how much is left, which airspace you're in, and the weather you downloaded before leaving. Free, no accounts, no ads. It requires Android 8 or newer; it isn't on Play Store yet and you get it from mdavion.com/bajar.

See where your flight goes in routes. It is not a flight instrument: it's for making sense of the view.

Follow the route offline in airplane mode

All of this on board and with no signal: with your phone in airplane mode, Modo Avión shows where you are, what's below and how long is left. GPS still works, because it only listens to satellites.

Get Modo Avión for Android

Free · no account · no ads · 28.4 MB · Android 8 or newer

How to install it (Spanish)

FAQ

Does airplane mode turn off GPS?

Not necessarily. GPS only receives satellite signals and doesn't transmit, so it can keep working with airplane mode on.

Can I use Wi-Fi in airplane mode?

Yes, if the airline allows it. Both Apple and Google explain how to turn Wi-Fi and Bluetooth back on while in airplane mode.

Why can't I make phone calls on a plane?

In the US, FCC rule 47 CFR 22.925 bans using cell phones while the aircraft is airborne, because of possible interference with networks on the ground.

Is the rule the same on every airline?

No. The FAA and EASA let airlines allow device use, but each one decides based on its own assessment, and the crew always has the final word.

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Sources

Checked on 19/09/2026 against these sources.