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• Airplane mode is an element that turns off the connectivity of your wireless device, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular data, and GPS. 

• Airplane mode, when turned on, can help conserve power by switching off power-hungry features. 

• When airplane mode is toggled on, some of your device’s features, such as offline apps, locally stored content, and the camera, are still accessible. 
   

Airplane or flight mode is a common feature on most electronic wireless devices, such as smartphones, laptops, and tablets. But what does airplane mode even do? When activated, this feature suspends the device’s wireless functions that rely on a transmission signal. This option is beneficial during air travel, so the device does not interfere with the aircraft’s navigation and communication, hence the name. However, this feature can also be useful in other contexts. 
 

Why is Airplane Mode Required & How It Works 

The Federal Aviation Administration in the United States requires electronic devices to operate in airplane mode during flights. Although modern aircraft are shielded from occurrences of interference, safety regulations for air travel are still in place. 

Let’s look at how the ‘airplane mode’ feature works to prevent interference with the aircraft’s sensitive equipment. When you enable airplane mode, it deactivates the options that rely on wireless networks, which means that your device: 

• Can’t connect to cellular towers, you stop receiving calls and SMS, and you can’t use mobile data. 

• Automatically disconnect from Bluetooth and other wireless networks or Wi-Fi. 

• Can’t be located through satellite signals. 
   

You might wonder why this feature exists when you can simply turn off your device- well, here’s the reason. Government regulations are in place to prevent signals from your device from interfering and not to ban its use entirely. Airplane mode is an essential tool that allows you to have a safer flying experience. 

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What You Can Do With Your Device in Airplane Mode 

While airplane mode disables cellular activities that rely on wireless communication, it does not render your device totally unusable. Here are some core functionalities of the device you can still use when airplane mode is toggled on. 

Airplane mode does not affect offline apps, so you can enjoy locally stored content nonstop without interruptions. Your device’s camera is another option you can still access. This means you can take endless photos and videos. Other wireless options, such as alarms and timers, can still be accessed, too. In fact, you can also turn on your Bluetooth connectivity manually after enabling the airplane mode. 

Most airlines have packages that offer in-flight internet services for you to access even when your device is in airplane mode. This means that while your device’s cellular activity is turned off, you can manually access the aircraft’s internal Wi-Fi services, if available.  

This connectivity enables you to surf the web, check emails, or stream entertainment without violating any regulations. Furthermore, it allows you to access your important travel information on your device and efficiently report any delays and emergencies to the airline or travel insurer on board. 

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Best Practices for Secure Device Usage While Travel 

While traveling with your device is convenient, it can also expose you to several risks. So, make sure that your device and information stay safe during your travels. Let’s have a look at some of the practices to secure your device. 

• Keep your device’s data protected: Before hitting the road, ensure you back up your data- important files, photos, and contacts- to cloud storage or an external device. 

• Install security software or tools:  You must download tools or apps that offer remote locking, tracking, or wiping features. These can help prevent sensitive information from being shared if your phone is lost or stolen during travel. 

• Device’s physical and digital safety: Lock and secure your device using biometric identification or strong passwords. When combined with the basic airplane mode feature, these features protect your personal data against potential breaches. 

• Strategic Use of Airplane Mode: When you find yourself in crowded areas, you must enable airplane mode to restrict your device’s visibility to unauthorized public networks. This way, you significantly reduce the chances of cyber threats and other digital frauds. 
   

FAQs 

1. Can I send text messages or make calls in airplane mode? 

Communication through calls or texts is not possible in airplane mode as it turns off the device’s ability to connect to cellular networks. 

2. Is it possible to track my location in airplane mode? 

No, you cannot track the location as the GPS services are disabled when airplane mode is turned on. 

3. While in airplane mode, can I still use my device’s music player? 

Yes, offline features that do not require a network connection will work normally when airplane mode is turned on. So, you can still access offline apps like the music player, games, camera, and other apps.