Yes, Bluetooth can be used in flight mode. Flight mode disables cellular, Wi-Fi, and GPS, but you can manually enable Bluetooth to use it. The content of this article takes you to learn more about Bluetooth mode on airplanes. This includes the current concern about whether you can continue to use the item finder in Airplane mode.
What Does Airplane Mode Do
Flight Mode is a setting to disable the wireless communication capabilities of a device during takeoff and landing of an airplane. Its main purpose is to prevent device wireless signals from interfering with the airplane's navigation and communication systems and also to help conserve device battery life.
When you enable Flight Mode, the device automatically disables the following features:
- Cellular: Disables the device from communicating with cellular towers, preventing calls and text messages.
- Wi-Fi: Disables the device's Wi-Fi connection, preventing access to wireless networks.
- GPS: Disables the device's Global Positioning System, so the GPS tracker will briefly stop tracking location.
Although Airplane Mode turns off these features, you can still manually turn on Bluetooth to use Bluetooth devices, such as wireless headphones or keyboards.
Related read: How does a GPS tracker work?
Does Flight Mode Turn Off the Bluetooth Tracker?
Yes, flight mode stops Bluetooth tracking. This is a common problem, especially for people using Bluetooth trackers such as Seinxon.
However, you can still turn Bluetooth back on during the flight. This feature allows you to continue to use it to track the location of your luggage while on the airplane. With the Seinxon Bluetooth tracker, you can check if your valuables are still in their original location at Find My Network on your Apple device.
How to Turn Off Airplane Mode on iPhone
When the staff on the airplane asks us to turn off the flight mode, you can do it simply by following this method.
- Open Control Center:
- Swipe down from the top right corner of the screen (iPhone X or later).
- Swipe up from the bottom of the screen (iPhone 8 or earlier).
- Tap the Airplane Icon:
- Find the airplane icon. The icon should be highlighted when Airplane mode is on.
- Tap the airplane icon to turn off Airplane Mode. The icon will no longer be highlighted.
- Confirm:
- You will see that the cellular, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth connections are being restored.
- Alternatively, you can turn off Airplane Mode through the Settings application:
- Open Settings. Locate the Flight Mode switch at the top. Toggle it to off.
Does Bluetooth Work in Airplane Mode on iPhone?
Yes, as mentioned earlier, the phone needs to be on Airplane Mode on airplanes. However, Bluetooth will still work in the iPhone's Airplane Mode. Here's how to use it:
- Open the Control Center or go to Settings.
- Tap the airplane icon or toggle switch to turn on Airplane Mode.
- Open Control Center. Tap the Bluetooth icon to enable Bluetooth.
- Or, go to Settings > Bluetooth and turn it on.
- Once Bluetooth is turned on, you can connect your Bluetooth device as usual.
How to Use Bluetooth Headphones on a Plane
The same using a Bluetooth headset on an airplane is very simple. Here is a step-by-step guide:
- Turn on Flight Mode on your device and turn off your cellular network and Wi-Fi connection.
- Turn on Bluetooth. Manually enable Bluetooth through the Control Center or Settings.
- Pair the headset. If the headset is not already paired, put it in pairing mode.
- Go to Settings > Bluetooth on your device. Select the headset from the list of available devices.
- Once connected, you can use the Bluetooth headset to listen to onboard entertainment or your media.
Similarly, if you have an Android, it's just as easy to manually turn on Bluetooth in Airplane Mode.
What Are the Disadvantages of Airplane Mode?
While airplane mode has its advantages, it also has some disadvantages that may affect the device's functionality and user experience. Here are some of the main disadvantages:
- Airplane mode disables cellular service, which means you can't make or receive calls, send text messages, or use mobile data.
- Initially, airplane mode also turns off Wi-Fi. If you want to use a Wi-Fi network, you'll need to manually turn it back on, and the network may not always be available, especially during flights.
- Airplane mode turns off GPS, which affects location-based services and apps such as maps and navigation. This can be inconvenient if you need directions or use an app that relies on your location.
- When Airplane Mode is turned on, you won't receive push notifications from emails, messages, social media updates, or other apps.
- If you don't enable Wi-Fi manually, you won't be able to access the Internet.
- While you can manually turn Wi-Fi and Bluetooth back on, this adds an extra step.
- While in airplane mode, you may miss emergency calls or notifications, making it harder for others to reach you in a critical situation.
Conclusion
In summary, Bluetooth does work in airplane mode, allowing you to use wireless headphones and other devices while flying. Airplane mode helps prevent interference with aircraft systems, saves battery life, and offers other benefits like reducing distractions and improving privacy. Understanding how to manage airplane mode and Bluetooth settings on your iPhone ensures a smooth and enjoyable travel experience.
Airplane Mode FAQs
Does Airplane Mode Save Battery
Yes, Airplane Mode saves battery. When cellular, Wi-Fi, and GPS are disabled, your device uses less power. This is useful when you need to save battery during a flight or in areas with poor signal reception.
Why Do I Have to Put Airplane Mode on a Plane?
You have to put airplane mode on an airplane to prevent your device from interfering with the airplane's communication and navigation systems. It also helps maintain safety regulations and ensures a smooth flying experience for everyone on board.
Does Bluetooth Use Data
No, Bluetooth does not use data. Bluetooth is a wireless technology used for short-range communication between devices, such as headphones, keyboards, mice, and other peripherals. It operates independently of your cellular data plan and Wi-Fi connections. Therefore, using Bluetooth to connect devices will not consume your mobile data or affect your data usage.
Can You Use Wi-Fi on Airplane Mode on iPhone?
Yes, you can use Wi-Fi while in airplane mode on an iPhone. Here’s how you can enable it:
Enable Airplane Mode:
- Open Control Center by swiping down from the upper-right corner (iPhone X or later) or swiping up from the bottom (iPhone 8 or earlier).
- Tap the airplane icon to enable airplane mode. This will disable all wireless communications, including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
Turn on Wi-Fi:
While still in the Control Center, tap the Wi-Fi icon to turn it back on.
- Alternatively, go to Settings > Wi-Fi and toggle the Wi-Fi switch to the on position.
- Once Wi-Fi is enabled, your iPhone will search for available networks, and you can connect to in-flight Wi-Fi services if available. This allows you to browse the internet, check emails, and use other Wi-Fi-enabled applications while keeping cellular communication turned off.