When it comes to airplane mode, what comes to your mind? What does it actually do? Does Bluetooth work in airplane mode? Here’s what you need to know about this phone feature.
There are many more things to know about using Bluetooth on airplanes. So, in this article, I will answer some of the most frequently asked questions, like what Bluetooth devices you can use, and more.
What Does Airplane Mode Do?
Airplane mode, sometimes called flight mode, is a setting available on almost all laptops, smartphones, and alike devices.
Activating airplane mode stops all signal transmissions from your device. When turned on, you will see an airplane icon in your phone’s status bar.
Airplane mode turns off all wireless features on your phone or laptop like cellular connection, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi.
If you have a flight, you might think does Bluetooth work in airplane mode? Yes, it will work in airplane mode, but you have to turn it on manually once you have activated the airplane mode.
Does Bluetooth Work In Airplane Mode On iPhone & Android Phones?
Bluetooth actually works in airplane mode on both iPhone and Android devices.
For iPhone:
- First, open the control center on your iPhone
- Then tap the airplane mode button
- Again, open control center
- And tap the Bluetooth icon
For Android:
- First, scroll down from the top of the screen to access the settings
- Then tap the airplane mode button
- And lastly, tap the Bluetooth button
Which Bluetooth Devices Can Be Used Onboard?
Airpods – While onboard you are allowed to use AirPods.
Headphones – Bluetooth headphones are allowed to use on a plane.
Phones – The phone’s Bluetooth is also allowed to be used on a plane but you should switch off the cellular data.
Mouse Or Keyboards – You are allowed to use Bluetooth keyboards and mouse on a plane.
Laptops – You can use the laptop’s Bluetooth on a plane but your laptop should be in airplane mode.
As you see, you can use any Bluetooth device on the plane. However, each airline has its own guidelines on which phases of a flight Bluetooth can be enabled. Not all airlines will permit you to use Bluetooth during all phases of the flight.
Why Should Bluetooth Be Turned Off During Takeoff & Landing?
Most airlines command Bluetooth to be turned off during takeoff and landing as it can interfere with the radio frequencies used for communication between aircraft and control towers.
If you turn off Bluetooth, you will not be able to use your Bluetooth headphones and will likely hear announcements from pilots and flight attendants.
Can I Use Bluetooth On International Flights?
Depending on your flight destination, there may be different rules regarding whether or not you can use Bluetooth. All major US airlines have stood the use of Bluetooth on board. However, in other countries, especially in Europe, the use of Bluetooth during takeoff and landing is rarely allowed.
FAA: Since 2013, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which regulates all aspects of civil aviation in the United States, has approved the use of Bluetooth devices on planes.
TCCA: The Transport Canada Civil Aviation, states that you should check with the airline to see if Bluetooth is allowed on a plane when flying.
IATA: The International Air Transport Association (IATA), which consists of 290 airlines in over 115 countries, doesn’t allow Bluetooth usage during takeoff and landing.
Can I Use Bluetooth With The Inflight Entertainment System?
It’s unlikely that you’ll be able to use Bluetooth headphones with an aircraft’s in-flight entertainment system. This has nothing to do with security. This is due to most in-flight entertainment systems do not support Bluetooth.
In the US, United’s Boeing 737 Max 8 supports Bluetooth. Globally, Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways support Bluetooth pairing with their inflight entertainment systems.
Does Bluetooth Work Without The Internet?
The simple answer is yes. Bluetooth works without the internet because it needs an internet connection to work or to transfer files from one phone to another.
As for Bluetooth, trying to pair Bluetooth headphones or smartwatches doesn’t require an internet connection at all because the internet has nothing to do with Bluetooth.
Simply turn on Bluetooth on your phone to transfer files from one phone to another or pair wireless devices.
Can I Use Text Messages In Airplane Mode?
Airplane mode does not allow cell phone texts, but you can receive text messages from WhatsApp, Skype, Facebook Messenger, iMessage, and Telegram only when Wi-Fi is enabled in Airplane mode.
Airplane mode turns off cellular network services, so you won’t be able to receive standard SMS text messages on your phone until you turn off airplane mode on the phone.
Even if your internet connection is cellular data, you will not be able to receive WhatsApp, Skype, Facebook Messenger, iMessage, etc. unless you have active WiFi in airplane mode.
Final Word
Yes, Bluetooth does work in airplane mode. And it actually works on both Android and iPhone devices. You can even use Bluetooth devices such as Airpods, headphones, laptops, and phones while onboard. But there are airlines that need Bluetooth to be turned off during takeoff and landing. We hope we are able to help you regarding this matter.
