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If you need to utilize airplane mode sometime soon, likely on your next flight where it’s FAA-mandated, there are a few important things to know.
For one, you can’t send or receive emergency calls or texts because the setting disables all cellular and WiFi networks. “Airplane mode turns off the cellular radio, WiFi and Bluetooth on an iPhone,” Chad Taylor, technology expert with Abt Electronics tells us.
Secondly, there are some apps that you shouldn’t use while the mode is enabled. What are they?
Apps That Allow Your Family To Locate You
“The one app you should never use when switching your phone to airplane mode is Bugle,” says Al Niemuth of Wine Country Gift Baskets. “Bugle is an app that keeps track of where you have been and your loved ones can use to help find you if you don't check in when expected to. If you turn on airplane mode, your tracks will stop from where you last had connectivity.” Yikes!
Luckily, the work around is to simply text your family before boarding the airplane to let them know that you will be offline for a couple hours, but that you’ll contact them upon landing. Additionally, depending on your plane model, you can connect to WiFi on board and re-establish connection to Bugle then.
Streaming Apps
There’s no danger in connecting to streaming apps like Netflix while on airplane mode—but there certainly are frustrations associated with it.
“Streaming services like Netflix, Spotify, Apple Music and Prime video,” won’t work, Chad explains, so “I recommend downloading music or movies prior to your flight if you want to guarantee to be able to watch/listen to your own entertainment during the flight.” Good tips!
“In most cases you are able to turn Airplane mode off once you are in the air,” Chad explains. So—fingers crossed—any interruptions are just temporary!
So there you have if—the apps you should never use when airplane mode is enabled on your iPhone. Leave a comment below: what’s the one thing you can’t travel without?
