More important than you think: Why you should put your phone on airplane mode

When you activate airplane mode on your mobile phone, all wireless connections are disconnected.

This includes cellular networks, mobile data, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and GPS.

The phone then functions as an offline device where the screen, camera and offline apps still work, but constant connectivity to networks and signals is turned off.

Airplane mode was originally developed for use during air travel to avoid interference with aircraft communication systems.

Today, however, it has a much wider application and can be useful in many other contexts.

It is typically activated with a single tap at the top of the screen or in the phone’s settings.

Airplane mode saves power and improves charging

One of the most tangible benefits of airplane mode is the power savings.

When network search and background data are turned off, the phone’s power consumption drops significantly.

This is because the phone is usually constantly searching for networks, especially in areas with bad coverage.

By activating airplane mode, the phone avoids using energy for these tasks.

This effect is clearly seen in specific situations.

During train journeys, in basements with thick walls or other places with a weak signal, the phone will typically use unnecessary power trying to find a connection.

Enabling airplane mode instead will significantly reduce power consumption and extend the battery life.

Airplane mode can also improve charging speed.

When the phone doesn’t have to handle network activity and synchronization while charging, more power goes directly to the battery.

If you’re short on time to charge your phone, some extra percentages can be achieved by turning on Airplane Mode and dimming the screen brightness while charging.

Reconnect and provide peace of mind

In addition to saving power and improving charging, airplane mode can be used as a quick way to restore mobile connectivity.

If your phone is having trouble connecting to the network or retrieving data, a quick activation and deactivation of airplane mode can often solve the problem.

It acts as a quick connection reset without having to restart the entire phone.

Airplane mode also has a more human benefit.

It provides peace of mind.

Muting connections prevents notifications and calls from interrupting.

This can be useful during meetings, at bedtime, during concentrated work or while studying.

The phone’s other functions, such as calendar and notes, remain available, but without the distractions that come with constant connectivity.

Although airplane mode has many uses, there are also situations where it should not be used.

If you are expecting important calls, need active navigation with live traffic, or use apps that require internet, you should leave connections active.

The same goes for security features that depend on network access or location.