You're viewing an article in iPO's historic archive vault. Here, we've preserved the comments and how the site looked along with the article. Use this link to view the article on our current site: iPhone: Web Surfing in Airplane Mode

Tip

TMO 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.

0 comments from the community.

You can post your own below.

+ show options

Your current settings, click to change: Sort Oldest First, Show Guest Posts, Hide Community Stats

Post Your Comments

  Remember Me

Not a member? Register now. You can post comments without logging in, but they'll show up as a "guest" post.


Please enter the word exactly as you see it in the image above. Registered users aren't prompted for this. Having trouble reading the image get a new one.