All modern smartphones come with a setting called "flight mode" or more commonly known as airplane mode. Have you ever wondered about the functionality of Airplane Mode and why you are asked to enable it when on an airplane?
WHAT IS AIRPLANE MODE?
An airplane mode (or flight mode) is an offline mode of your electronic device, but with a wide range of functions remaining available: camera, games, music player, folders with files, and so on.
Today, all new mobile phones, communicators and smartphones have this feature. Different mobile devices enable "airplane mode" in diverse ways. Some can do this "on the go", while others need to be rebooted.
WHY WAS AIRPLANE MODE DESIGNED?
Airplane mode is designed to automatically turn off the radio function of the smartphone in order to avoid interference with sensitive electronic devices, such as in a hospital or on board an aircraft. In this mode, the phone cannot receive or make calls, however, all other phone functions that do not require network operation are available.
WHY AM I ASKED TO ENABLE IT ON ARPLANE?
The very name of this function comes from its main purpose – turning off the phone module responsible for connecting to the cellular network (transceiver) before the plane takes off, so that the radiation from the mobile phone cannot affect the readings of navigation devices.
HOW AIRPLANE MODE WORKS?
Airplane mode temporarily disables your phone or laptop's data transmitter and receiver, which means you stop sending or receiving any data to your device. You will not be able to make calls, send or receive text messages or email while in Airplane Mode. At the same time, the flight mode allows you to use Bluetooth and Wi-Fi functions.
HOW TO ENABLE AIRPLANE MODE?
Enabling Airplane Mode on both Android devices and iPhones is quite simple:
TWO WAYS TO ACTIVATE AIRPLANE MODE ON ANDROID:
Quick Settings
Step 1: Swipe down on the notification bar.
Step 2: Among the list of options, find the airplane icon and click on it to turn it on.
Step 4: An airplane icon will be displayed at the top of the screen instead of the network indicator.
Settings menu
Step 1: Go to Settings on your smartphone.
Step 2: Select the Connections / Wireless & Network option.
Step 3: Tap on the Airplane Mode option.
After turning it on, you will find that the network symbols have been replaced with an airplane sign.
TWO WAYS TO ACTIVATE AIRPLANE MODE IN IOS:
Control center
Step 1: Swipe up from the bottom of the screen or vice versa from top to bottom on your iPhone to open the Control Panel.
Step 2: Among other features, look for Airplane Mode. Click on the airplane icon located in the top left corner.
Settings menu
Step 1. Go to the "Settings" menu and find the airplane mode option at the very beginning.
Step 2. Move the slider to the right to activate it.
WHY SHOULD YOU USE AN AIRPLANE MODE IN THE AIR?
- For security reasons
The radio frequencies allowed by mobile phones and similar devices can interfere with aircraft navigation and communications systems.
Despite rare modern airlines with Wi-Fi on board, most air carriers still require you to turn off wireless interfaces of your smartphone.
- For ethical reasons
Many people do not want to sit next to a person who is on the phone for the entire flight, which would inevitably happen if calls were allowed.
Airplane mode is usually offered to be turned on after boarding a flight or just before your plane takes off. At the same time, the flight mode allows you to use your Bluetooth and Wi-Fi functions.
WHY SHOULD YOU USE FLIGHT MODE ON THE GROUND?
1. Battery saving
When you need more of your phone's battery life, Airplane mode is also an enjoyable way to increase it: it will automatically turn off background activities on your device and help you save battery.
2. Restoring network connection
If you are having trouble getting a signal, you do not have to turn your phone off and on, wasting a lot of time. To establish a reliable connection on your phone, it is useful to turn on airplane mode for a few seconds and then turn it off. This will restart the wireless modules on your smartphone.
3. Turn off phone calls and alerts
When you do not want to be bothered by calls, messages, and other network notifications, you can activate the airplane mode. You can do it before bed so that annoying signals will not disturb your peace of mind.
4. Cellular restrictions during international travel
If you have not enabled international roaming, your cellular operator may charge a lot of money for using cellular communications when crossing borders. Airplane mode will help you avoid writing off unnecessary mobile expenses. To stay connected after turning on airplane mode, you can use a Wi-Fi connection and not be afraid that you will be charged extra.
5. “No ads” mode
When you turn on airplane mode, due to the lack of a mobile connection, advertisements stop loading. Useful for those who love mobile games but are tired of annoying ads.
IN A NUTSHELL
Airplane mode is a useful function that you should use on board airplanes both for security and ethical reasons. Surprisingly enough, while on the ground it also provides us with a bunch of benefits.
