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.
Jeff Gamet is TMO’s Managing Editor and Reviews Editor. He lectures, teaches and speaks on Mac OS X and design-related topics, and is the author of The Designer’s Guide to Mac OS X from Peachpit Press.
- Tap the Airplane Mode slider so it says ON.
