Can you use mobile internet while your smartphone is on airplane mode?

Debate has raged around the need for airplane mode on modern aircraft, but regardless of which side you’re on, we are expected to follow the rules while on board an aircraft and if we’re asked to put our devices into airplane mode then that is what we must do.

What is Airplane mode?

Airplane mode exists as a simplified toggle that preps your phone for air travel. Enabling airplane mode disables wireless radios on your smartphones, laptops, tablets, and other devices. This includes Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and cellular or mobile data connections.

All wireless communications operate in pre-established radio frequency bands using various protocols. The problem when travelling in an aircraft is that in some rare instances, these radio signals can interfere with the aircraft’s own radio and electronic systems.

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 It’s to avoid even the smallest of risks to passengers (you) and crew that many airlines still request travellers to enable airplane mode.

Can you use mobile internet while in airplane mode?

No. Airplane mode specifically disables your cellular radio and any voice or data connections. Enabling mobile data directly from settings while airplane mode is on will simply not be allowed, or will disable airplane mode entirely.

How can you access the internet while in airplane mode?

The only option is to use Wi-Fi. While AirPlane mode disables all wireless radios by default, the primary objective is still only your cellular connection. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are relatively low power networks and are far less likely to interfere with an aircraft’s electronics. You can simply enable Wi-Fi or Bluetooth by hitting the toggle in your control panel or by hearing to Settings and enabling them from there. This will not usually disable airplane mode.

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Do note that you can only access the internet in this manner if there is an internet enabled Wi-Fi network that you can connect to. Many airlines offer in-flight Wi-Fi these days, so that shouldn’t be a problem.

Whether we like it or not, enabling airplane mode is still a requirement for many airlines and there’s no way to bypass airplane and still use mobile data.