Airplane mode (also known asaeroplane mode,flight mode,offline mode, orstandalone mode) is a setting available onsmartphones and other portable devices. When activated, this mode suspends the device'sradio-frequency (RF)signal transmission technologies (i.e.,Bluetooth,telephony andWi-Fi), effectively disabling all analog voice, and digital data services, when implemented correctly by the electronic device software author.
The mode is so named because most airlines prohibit the use ofequipment that transmit RF signals while in flight. TheFederal Communications Commission banned using most cell phones and wireless devices in 1991 because of interference concerns,[clarification needed] although there is no scientific evidence of such.[1][2]
Typically, it is not possible to make phone calls or send messages in airplane mode, but somesmartphones allow calls toemergency services. Most devices allow continued use ofemail clients and othermobile apps to writetext oremail messages. Messages are stored in memory to transmit later, once airplane mode is disabled. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth may be enabled separately while the device is in airplane mode, as allowed by the operator of the aircraft.[3][4] Receiving RF signals (as byradio receivers andsatellite navigation services) may not be inhibited by airplane mode; however, both transmitters and receivers are needed to receive calls and messages, even when not responding to them.
Since a device's transmitters are shut down when in airplane mode, the mode reducespower consumption and increasesbattery life.
 | This section needs to beupdated. Please help update this article to reflect recent events or newly available information.(January 2018) |
If allowed by the aircraft operator and applicable laws and regulations, you can re-enable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth while in airplane mode
A comma separated list of radios that need to be disabled when airplane mode is on. This overrides WIFI_ON and BLUETOOTH_ON, if Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are included in the comma separated list.
Cell phones should be in airplane mode or with cellular service disabled—i.e., no signal bars displayed—and cannot be used for voice communications based on FCC regulations that prohibit any airborne calls using cell phones. If your air carrier provides Wi-Fi service during flight, you may use those services. You can also continue to use short-range Bluetooth accessories, like wireless keyboards. [...] The PED Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC) concluded most commercial airplanes can tolerate radio interference signals from PEDs. In a recent report, they recommended that the FAA provide airlines with new procedures to assess if their airplanes can tolerate radio interference from PEDs. Once an airline verifies the tolerance of its fleet, it can allow passengers to use handheld, lightweight electronic devices—such as tablets, e-readers, and smartphones—at all altitudes
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