Airplane mode on cell phone: meaning as well as activation & deactivation

Every smartphone has an airplane mode. But what exactly is it and why is this special mode named after the airplane? We explain everything there is to know about the flight mode on the cell phone!

What is the flight mode on the cell phone?

Flight mode, also called offline mode on some devices, cuts all communication connections of the device. If you activate it, the phone is disconnected from the mobile network as well as from all WLAN, Bluetooth and NFC connections. Thus, communication is neither possible from nor to the outside. Flight mode thus offers a way to disconnect the device from the network without turning it off completely.

The flight mode is named after its original purpose. For example, most airlines require electronic devices to be switched off during takeoff and landing. Since this is costly, smartphone manufacturers have introduced flight mode. With this, all signals can be switched off with a single hand movement. The electronic devices have to be switched off because they could interfere with the radio links in the cockpit of the aircraft with interference signals. With modern smartphones, the likelihood of this happening is low, but for aircrew, such interference, should it occur, is unpleasant.

When does flight mode make sense?

Most people board airplanes only extremely rarely. Nevertheless, flight mode enjoys great popularity. So are there other reasons to use it? In fact, many arguments can be found for using flight mode on a cell phone.
Especially in situations that require concentration, flight mode is a great relief. Unlike other do-not-disturb modes, it reliably disables any connection. This means that neither messages nor calls get through. This is extremely advantageous when studying, at work or at night. Compared to switching off the cell phone, the primary advantage of flight mode is that it eliminates a lot of handling. The device does not have to be switched off or switched on again later by entering a PIN.

It also makes sense to use this mode in airplanes and on ships. Since roaming regulations do not apply here and the signal is usually established via a satellite connection, very high charges are incurred for data usage. Prices of 30 euros per megabyte are not uncommon, according to Verbraucherzentrale Bundesverband.

Incidentally, activating flight mode significantly reduces radiation from the cell phone. Since the transmitter antenna is deactivated, no more cell phone radiation emanates from it. WLAN, Bluetooth and NFC signals are also deactivated, which further reduces radiation. Only electromagnetic radiation is still generated – but to a much lesser extent than before. Users who want to reduce their exposure to radiation would therefore be well advised to activate flight mode from time to time. However, the radiation can only be completely switched off if the device is turned off.

How do I activate flight mode on a cell phone?

The activation of the flight mode succeeds both with the iPhone and with Android devices very easily. In both cases, you first need to open the so-called control center. On the iPhone, you do this by placing your finger on the bottom edge of the screen and dragging it upwards. The control center will then appear, in which an airplane icon is displayed. If you tap this, you activate flight mode. On Android devices, on the other hand, you have to swipe down from the top edge of the screen. Here, too, a control center will open up, in which you will find an airplane icon.