Question
OS OdditiesSeptember 22, 2026Why can you still turn Wi‑Fi or Bluetooth on in Airplane Mode?
Details
What Airplane Mode actually turns off
On iPhone, turning on Airplane Mode disables cellular. Depending on device and OS version, Wi‑Fi and Bluetooth often go off too. They are not locked forever: if the airline allows it, you can re-enable Wi‑Fi or Bluetooth from Control Center while Airplane Mode stays on (the airplane icon remains in the status bar).
Why the radios are separable
The point of Airplane Mode is to stop cellular radios that can interfere with avionics or rack up roaming charges, while still leaving room for cabin Wi‑Fi and accessories. So Wi‑Fi (for the plane hotspot) and Bluetooth (headphones, keyboards) are designed as overrides. If you turn them on during Airplane Mode, the device may remember that preference the next time you enable Airplane Mode.
Control Center off ≠ Settings off
Tapping Wi‑Fi or Bluetooth in Control Center usually disconnects the current network or accessory; it does not fully power down the radio the way Settings › Wi‑Fi / Bluetooth does. That is why Airplane Mode can look “half off”—the system intentionally leaves a path to turn those radios back on.
Also Asked As
Airplane Mode Wi-Fi still on · Airplane Mode Bluetooth · turn on Wi-Fi in airplane mode