noun
airplane mode
AIR-playn mohd
Airplane mode (noun) means a setting on a phone, tablet or laptop that switches off all wireless transmission — mobile signal, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth — so the device can be used safely on an aircraft. Example: “Please put your phone in airplane mode before we push back from the gate.”
noun
1
A setting on a phone, tablet or laptop that switches off all wireless transmission — mobile signal, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth — so the device can be used safely on an aircraft.
"Please put your phone in airplane mode before we push back from the gate."
"I left it on airplane mode all weekend and got the best sleep in months."
How to use airplane mode
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA phone setting that turns off all the signals so you can use it on a plane.
When to use it
Neutral. American spelling; British and Australian devices usually say flight mode or aeroplane mode.
Memory tip
Do not confuse it with Do Not Disturb, which only silences alerts — the phone stays fully connected.
Easily confused with
airplane mode / do not disturb
airplane mode / silent mode
Common pairings
put it in airplane mode
turn on airplane mode
airplane mode toggle
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Please put your phone in _____ before we push back from the gate.
Synonyms
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flight mode
aeroplane mode
offline mode
Rhymes for airplane mode
See all rhymes for airplane mode →Frequently asked questions
Can I use Wi-Fi in airplane mode?
Yes. Airplane mode turns Wi-Fi off initially, but on modern phones you can switch Wi-Fi and Bluetooth back on afterwards while leaving the mobile radio off. That is how in-flight internet and wireless headphones work on a plane.
What is the difference between airplane mode and flight mode?
None — they are the same setting under different names. Airplane mode is the American label, flight mode or aeroplane mode the British and Australian one, and manufacturers vary by region.
Does airplane mode save battery?
Noticeably, yes. A phone hunting for a weak signal drains power fast, so cutting the radios is one of the quickest ways to make a charge last, which is why people use it in areas with poor coverage.
Can I still be tracked in airplane mode?
Your phone stops transmitting to networks, but GPS receiving may still work and location can be logged locally, then uploaded once you reconnect. Airplane mode reduces tracking but is not a guarantee of privacy.
