Most people are familiar with airplane mode and have used it when flying but there are other times when airplane mode can be useful. So, what exactly is airplane mode and aside from air travel when might you want to use it?

What Is Airplane Mode

Smartphones, tablets and laptops have airplane mode. When enabled all wireless radio-frequency transmitters are turned off including cellular, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. It was designed to prevent interference with navigation and communication systems on airplanes. The Federal Communications Commission prohibited the airborne use of most cell phones and wireless devices in 1991 to prevent potential problems onboard aircraft.

Most major US Airlines do offer onboard Wi-Fi. When traveling check ahead for availability. There is often an additional charge for the service.

How to Enable Airplane Mode on an iPhone

On an iPhone open Control Center and then tap the airplane icon, tap it again to turn airplane mode off.

How to Enable Airplane Mode on an Android Device

You can enable airplane mode on most Android devices by swiping down on the screen to display the quick settings menu then tap the airplane icon, tap again to turn it off. You can also open the Settings Menu and then Connections to turn airplane mode on and off.

Other Times to Use Airplane Mode

There are other times aside from traveling when you may want to use airplane mode.

Enabling airplane mode can conserve your phones battery since phones use more battery power when connected to mobile networks.

It is also useful when sleeping, during meetings, and while at the movies or other venues when you don’t want to be disturbed. Some families use airplane mode during mealtimes or other family gatherings to quiet their devices.

Airplane mode is also useful when you want to charge your phone quickly. Studies show that phones charge about 4 times faster in Airplane Mode.

If you are in an area with poor cellular reception turning on airplane mode can prevent your phone for constantly searching for a signal which can drain the battery.

If you’re on a limited data plan, turning on airplane mode can help you manage your data usage.