Airplane mode (or Flight mode) on your smartphone turns off all wireless connections - the mobile network, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and GPS. This is a requirement of airlines for flight safety. However, sometimes users need to connect to the internet via Wi-Fi even in this mode—for example, to use instant messengers, work remotely, or download files. Fortunately, on most modern smartphones, you can enable Wi-Fi separately, without leaving the Flight mode.
In this article we will look at how to do this on devices running Android (including Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei and others) and iPhone, and we'll also talk about possible limitations and nuances. You'll learn why sometimes Wi-Fi in Airplane mode only works for certain networks. (for example, on-board Internet on an airplane) and how to avoid typical errors.
Why does Wi-Fi turn off in Airplane mode, and can it be turned on?
Airplane mode was designed to comply with airline regulations prohibiting the use of radio transmitters on board. This is because mobile phone signals could theoretically interfere with an aircraft's navigation equipment. However, Wi-Fi In this regard, it is considered less dangerous—its waves have a different frequency and power. Therefore, many airlines allow the use of Wi-Fi on board, if it is included separately.
Modern smartphones allow you to activate Wi-Fi even in Flight mode, but with some caveats:
- 📱 On Android usually you can turn it on Wi-Fi manually, but some manufacturers (for example, Huawei) block this feature to comply with local regulations.
- 🍎 On iPhone Wi-Fi turns on automatically if you have connected to the network before, or requires confirmation in the settings.
- ✈️ On the plane Wi-Fi can only work for the on-board network — external networks (for example, a router at an airport) may be unavailable.
- 🔒 Some applications (for example, banking ones) block work through Wi-Fi in Airplane mode due to security policy.
It is important to understand that even if you have turned on Wi-Fi, Mobile communications and Bluetooth will remain disabledThis means that you can make calls or use a headset Bluetooth It won't work. Also, some features (such as GPS geolocation) may not work correctly.
How to enable Wi-Fi in Airplane mode on Android
On most devices running Android (version 9 and above) inclusion Wi-Fi In Flight mode, it takes just 2-3 taps. However, the interface may vary depending on the manufacturer. Below, we'll cover the universal method and features for popular brands.
Universal instructions:
- Activate Airplane mode via the notification panel (swipe down from the top and tap the airplane icon) or in Settings:
Settings → Networks & Internet → Airplane Mode. - After activating the mode, open the notification panel again.
- Find the icon Wi-Fi (usually it's gray) and tap it. If the icon is inactive, hold it with your finger for 1-2 seconds - this will open the settings. Wi-Fi.
- Select the desired network and connect to it.
If the icon Wi-Fi inactive, try an alternative method:
- Go to
Settings → Networks & Internet → Wi-Fi. - Turn on the slider Wi-Fi (even if Flight mode is active).
- Connect to the network manually.
Make sure Airplane mode is on|
Check that Wi-Fi is not blocked by the manufacturer|
Connect to a network with a known password|
Disable your VPN if it's interfering with your connection-->
On some devices (eg. Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 or Samsung Galaxy A52) after switching on Wi-Fi In Airplane mode, you may see a warning: "Some features may be limited." This is normal—just confirm the action.
⚠️ Attention: On phones Huawei And Honor (especially with firmware EMUI 10 and below) inclusion Wi-Fi It may be blocked in Airplane mode. In this case, try updating the firmware or use alternative methods (see the section "If Wi-Fi won't turn on").
How to enable Wi-Fi on iPhone (iOS)
On iPhone the process is a little different from AndroidApple allows you to turn it on Wi-Fi in Flight mode, but with some nuances:
- If you have previously connected to the network, iPhone can automatically connect to it after turning on Wi-Fi.
- In some versions iOS (14 and below) requires connection confirmation via a pop-up window.
- On iPhone 12 and newer Wi-Fi In Flight mode it works more stably than on older models.
Step by step instructions for iPhone:
- Turn on Airplane mode: Swipe down from the top-right corner (on models with Face ID) or from bottom to top (on models with a button Home), then click on the airplane icon.
- Open again Control Center (with the same gesture).
- Press and hold the icon Wi-Fi (in the upper left corner of the network block). A menu with available networks will open.
- Select the desired network and enter the password (if required).
If Wi-Fi it doesn't turn on, try:
- 🔄 Reboot iPhone in Flight mode.
- 📱 Log in
Settings → Wi-Fiand turn it on manually. - 🔧 Reset network settings:
Settings → General → Transfer or reset iPhone → Reset → Reset Network Settings.
On iPhone With iOS 16 and newer after connecting to Wi-Fi In Airplane mode, you may see a notification that says, "Some features are limited." This means that your mobile connection and Bluetooth will remain disabled.
Why Wi-Fi might not work in Airplane mode even after being turned on
Sometimes Wi-Fi turns on, but the internet isn't working. There could be various reasons:
| Problem | Possible cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi connects, but pages don't load. | DNS servers are not responding | Change DNS in network settings to 8.8.8.8 (Google) or 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare) |
| The network is visible, but the connection is reset. | Router restrictions (MAC filtering) | Add your phone's MAC address to the list of allowed devices on your router. |
| Wi-Fi turns on, but the speed is very slow | Network congestion (especially at airports) | Connect to a 5GHz network (if supported) |
| Wi-Fi cannot be turned on in Airplane mode. | Firmware limitation (for example, on Huawei) | Update your software or use Airplane mode without Wi-Fi. |
Another common problem is The aircraft's onboard network requires authorization.For example, on airplanes Aeroflot or S7 Airlines after connecting to Wi-Fi You need to open your browser and register (sometimes for a fee). If the authorization page doesn't open:
- 🌐 Try entering the address manually
captive.apple.com(For iPhone) orconnectivitycheck.gstatic.com(For Android). - 🔄 Restart your phone in Airplane mode.
- 📱 Disable VPN or proxy in settings.
⚠️ Attention: In some countries (for example, in the USA or UAE) the rules of use Wi-Fi On planes, it's stricter. Even if the network is available, the speed may be artificially limited, and access to some websites may be blocked.
How to enable Wi-Fi in Airplane mode on Huawei and Honor phones
Devices Huawei And Honor (especially with firmware EMUI or Magic UI) often block inclusion Wi-Fi in Airplane mode due to local regulations in China. However, there are workarounds:
Method 1: Using Wi-Fi Only mode (for newer models):
- Turn on Airplane mode.
- Go to
Settings → Mobile Network → Airplane Mode. - Activate the option Allow Wi-Fi (if there is one).
Method 2: Turning on via the control panel (for EMUI 11+):
- Turn on Airplane mode.
- Expand the notification panel and hold the icon Wi-Fi.
- In the menu that opens, click Turn on (may require confirmation).
If these methods don't work, try:
- 🔄 Update firmware to the latest version (in new versions EMUI restrictions have been relaxed).
- 📱 Use Do Not Disturb mode instead of "Flight" - it turns off notifications, but leaves Wi-Fi active.
- 🔧 Reset network settings:
Settings → System → Reset → Reset network settings.
Why does Huawei block Wi-Fi in Airplane mode?
China has strict regulations regarding the use of radio transmitters, and manufacturers are required to comply with them even in export models. New firmware versions (starting with EMUI 12) have relaxed this restriction, but older devices may require a manual software update.
Alternative ways to connect to the internet in Airplane mode
If you turn it on Wi-Fi If it doesn't work, there are several alternative methods:
1. Usage USB modem (For Android):
- 📱 Connect your phone to your laptop or tablet via USB cable.
- 🖥️ Turn on your laptop Internet sharing via USB (in network settings).
- 📶 On the phone in Flight mode, the Internet will work through USB, and not Wi-Fi.
2. Connection via Bluetooth (if allowed):
- 🔵 Some airlines allow the use of Bluetooth in Flight mode.
- 🎧 Connect your phone to your laptop or tablet via Bluetooth and use it as a modem.
3. Offline mode with preloading:
- 📥 Download movies, music, or documents offline in advance (for example, in YouTube Premium or Google Drive).
- 📖 Use offline maps (Google Maps or 2GIS) for navigation.
4. Special applications for offline work:
- 📧 Gmail And Outlook allow you to read emails without the Internet.
- 📝 Notion or Evernote sync notes the next time you connect.
⚠️ Attention: In some aircraft (for example, Boeing 787) is allowed to use Wi-Fi Only at altitudes above 3 km. If the network doesn't connect immediately after takeoff, wait 10–15 minutes.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
When turned on Wi-Fi In Airplane mode, users often encounter typical errors. Here are the most common ones and how to fix them:
1. Wi-Fi turns on but immediately turns off:
- 🔄 Restart your phone in Airplane mode.
- 📶 Check if power saving mode is enabled - it can turn off Wi-Fi to save battery power.
2. Unable to connect to the on-board network:
- 🛫 Make sure the plane has reached a safe altitude (usually announced over the loudspeaker).
- 💳 Check if there is a fee for access (sometimes you need to enter a ticket number).
3. Apps don't work over Wi-Fi:
- 🔒 Some apps (such as banking apps) block access in Airplane mode. Try using the browser version.
- 🌍 Check your settings VPN - it may conflict with the on-board network.
4. Wi-Fi works, but it's very slow.:
- ⚡ Turn off automatic app updates in Google Play or App Store.
- 📵 Close background apps that may consume data.
5. There is no option to turn on Wi-Fi on Huawei or Xiaomi:
- 📲 Check your firmware version - update it via
Settings → System → Software Update. - 🔧 Use Do Not Disturb mode instead of "Flight".
FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions
Can I make calls over Wi-Fi in Airplane mode?
No, even if Wi-Fi is on, mobile communication remains disabled. However, you can make calls via instant messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram, Skype), if they support VoIP calls.
Why does Wi-Fi on airplanes only work for certain websites?
Airlines often restrict access to websites through DNS filtering or proxy. For example, torrents, streaming services, or social networks may be blocked. To bypass this, try using VPN (if it is allowed).
Will mobile data be used if Wi-Fi is turned on in Airplane mode?
No, in Flight Mode, your mobile data is completely disabled, so your data plan won't consume any data. However, be careful not to accidentally exit Flight Mode, as this could cause your phone to reconnect to the cellular network.
Is it possible to turn on Bluetooth in Airplane mode?
On most smartphones Bluetooth is switched off along with other radio modules. However, some airlines allow the use Bluetooth-headsets or keyboards. In this case Bluetooth can be enabled separately (similarly Wi-Fi).
Why doesn't Wi-Fi work after exiting Airplane mode?
Sometimes after disabling the Flight mode Wi-Fi It doesn't restore automatically. To fix this, restart your phone or turn it on manually. Wi-Fi in the settings. Also, check if the network settings have been reset after the reboot.