Tip

iPO Quick Tip - iPhone: Web Surfing in Airplane Mode

Friday, August 22nd, 2008 at 9:30 AM - by

The iPhone's Airplane mode shuts off your handheld's built-in radios including cell service, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi with a quick finger tap so you can watch movies and listen to music when you fly. If you are in a situation in the air or on the ground where you need just a Wi-Fi connection, Airplane mode comes in handy, too, and essentially lets you turn your iPhone into an iPod touch with a camera.

To shut off your iPhone's cell phone reception and Bluetooth while leaving Wi-Fi active, do this:

  • Tap Settings.
  • Tap the Airplane Mode slider so it says ON.

    • First, put your iPhone in Airplane Mode.
  • Now Tap Wi-Fi to show your Wi-Fi network settings.

    • The re-enable Wi-Fi.
  • Tap the Wi-Fi slider so it says ON.


Web surfing in Airplane Mode.

I use these settings when I'm podcasting and don't want to disrupt the recording with iPhone speaker buzz. It's also handy when I'm at a location with Wi-Fi Internet access and don't want to be interrupted with phone calls.

Keep in mind that in-air Wi-Fi is still a new thing, so enabling Wi-Fi in an airplane could land you in hot water. Be sure to check with the flight crew ahead of time to make sure you can turn Wi-Fi on without getting in trouble.

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