Airplane Mode

Airplane mode disables all wireless transmissions: mobile data, calls, SMS, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. Under aviation law, devices must not transmit radio signals during takeoff and landing to prevent potential interference with aircraft instruments, so passengers switch to airplane mode or power off.

After enabling airplane mode, you can individually re-enable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for in-flight Wi-Fi or wireless earphones.

Beyond planes, it's useful for focusing on study or work (blocks all calls and notifications), and for saving battery (wireless transmission is a major power drain). Charging is faster with airplane mode on.

Important: emergency calls (110/119) cannot be made in airplane mode. Disable it before calling for help.

Was this article helpful?

A short-range wireless communication standard used to connect devices like earphones and speakers.

SMS (Short Message Service)

A service for sending and receiving short text messages to phone numbers.

Emergency Number

Special numbers for emergencies including police (110), fire/ambulance (119), and coast guard (118).

A feature that enables mobile voice calls over a Wi-Fi network. Useful indoors where cellular signal is weak.

A smartphone setting that disables all ringtones, notification sounds, and vibration for complete silence.

A phone setting that silences the ringtone and notification sounds, signalling incoming calls by vibration alone. The term itself is unique to Japan.

How to Make Phone Calls During Disasters - Using the 171 Message Dial What to Do First When You Lose Your Smartphone Virtual Phone Numbers - The New Standard for the Remote Work Era

Back to Glossary