You know when you are on a flight or at some place where you still need to but would also like to be able to surf the internet. For most of the participants, the flight mode effectively disables Bluetooth, Wi-F, and mobile data connectivity. However, wouldn’t it interest you to know that you can still be connected to the Internet even when the flight mode is on? As mentioned in each of these steps, you will find all the information needed to understand how to stay connected even if your favourite phone is in airplane mode.
What Does Flight Mode Mean On A Mobile?
It is very crucial to grasp what flight mode does before considering the hows. In the simplest terms, flipping on the flight mode causes your device to log out from all available wireless networks. This includes:
- Cellular Connections: All phone calls, text messages, and mobile data cannot be made or even received on your phone.
- Wi-Fi: Your device will cease attempting to connect to any network it is connected to and will not seek new networks.
- Bluetooth: Bluetooth connections are also disabled, meaning you can’t use them for, for instance, wireless headphones or other devices.
- NFC (Near Field Communication): Like Bluetooth, NFC is off, thus preventing such services as contactless payments.
These are constraints to avoid any interference with the communication systems of the intended aircraft. However, numerous present-day planes are equipped with in-flight Wi-Fi and technological advancement has made it possible to apply Bluetooth and Wi-Fi when on flight.
Method 1: Using Wi-Fi In Flight Mode
I often hear my friends and relatives complaining that after the turn-on flight mode, they do not know how to react to Wi-Fi again, without it completely switched off. Here’s how.
- Turn on the flight mode: To shut off your airplane mode, this should be done after pulling down the quick settings by swiping down the screen or in the phone’s settings by hitting the airplane icon.
- Turn on Wi-Fi: It is now possible to manually enable Wi-Fi when the flight mode is on. This will allow you to join other WIFi networks which are nearby but it will not force restart the cellular connection. It’s as easy as just finding your network in the Wi-Fi settings and proceeding with normal connections.
- Establish a Wi-Fi connection: If your plane offers Wi-Fi, then get connected to the in-flight network. They were asked if they would purchase access, and those who responded could be made to pay for it or use the thirty-day free trial.
- Surf the Web: Once connected, you can use Wi-Fi-enabled instant messaging apps such as iMessage or WhatsApp, go to the Internet, and check your emails.
This strategy is useful for people who need the internet for something but they do not want to be disturbed by a call or receive a text message. It is also useful when you’re on a plane, or when there is a Wi-Fi connection but no cell signal.
Also Read: Tweaks To Speed Up Your Internet Speed
Method 2: Use Bluetooth For Tethering
If your primary device includes a Bluetooth functionality that’s when your primary device is in flight mode you can use Bluetooth tethering to share an internet connection with other devices including a tablet or a phone.
- Turn on Flight Mode: As has been done earlier, switch the flight mode on your gadget at the beginning.
- Activate Bluetooth: Bluetooth should be on every time you use the flight mode.
- Pair Devices: Switch on the Bluetooth and mobile data in the backup device also. After that, connect two devices so that two devices are connected through Bluetooth technology.
- Turn on Bluetooth tethering: On your backup device go to the “Connections” or “Hotspot and Tethering” settings and enable Bluetooth.
- Connect and Browse: Your secondary device should now be connected to the internet, available to your primary device through Bluetooth.
This method is especially helpful when you need to transfer data from one device to another by using your main phone but refrain from connecting flight mode.
Method 3: Taking Advantage of System Weaknesses In a Limited Fashion
It is possible to use mobile data while the phone is in flight mode by working with certain systems’ weaknesses or loopholes. These approaches though are not comprehensive and often device-dependent and are not recommended because of security risks associated with them.
- Turn on the flight mode: As is usually done, start with the activation of the flight mode.
- Dial the Secret Code: This technique is mainly run on Android-based devices. There is a menu named Testing, to open it, when your dialer is opened, type the code *##4636##. Go to “Phone Information” and turn on Mobile Radio Power. This method enables one to be able to browse other mobile data even when the handset’s flight mode is on.
- Testing and Caution: Even though this is certainly a very hacky type of fix some folks say it does help. As they go, use them carefully since it may compromise security or mess up the normal functions of the devices.
Method 4: What Offline Features of Apps
One must not forget that many apps have an offline mode which lets you download some content before using certain apps is your primary goal to be online during flight mode.
- Download in advance: If there are certain files, a movie, or an article that needs to be read then it needs to be downloaded before switching on the flight mode. Most of the apps such as Netflix, YouTube, and Spotify allow users to install them offline.
- Use Offline Modes: The freedom of downloading maps in advance is available on such applications as Google Maps. Likewise, Email apps often allow you to read Email in offline mode, after downloading them in Online mode.
- Configure Access Offline: Configure your apps for operation when you are offline. This ranges from managing emails, articles, and playlists with the option of going offline in a way that you will not require any form of internet connection to access them.
While this strategy does not let you get online in ‘real-time’, you can use it as a good precautionary measure when you know you cannot have connectivity, yet you know you will need it later.
Method 5: Take Advantage of the In-Flight Entertainment Option
Some of the operational airline companies have entertainment facilities that can facilitate streaming of media, e-mailing, as well as accessing several web-based sites.
- Join the In-Flight Network: Cast your device to join the available Wi-Fi network provided on the plane front once airborne for entertainment.
- Internet access: It may decide to block some of the websites that you may wish to access. Some airlines provide entertainment packages on the flight with options to work on the chat or Synchronization of E-Mail.
- Follow Airline Instructions: Often it is given specific directions on how to access the internet through a specific carrier’s service or an in-flight website.
Final Thoughts
It becomes relatively easy to use the Internet once you switch on the flight mode. The real skill is understanding what your machine is capable of doing and what your internet connection is like. FT The scenarios of using a phone in flight mode are using Wi-Fi, Bluetooth tethering, or downloading some material before the flight.
Remember that flight mode is primarily used to ensure that passengers will be safe during a flight. Always stick to the airline rules dealing with the utilization of electronic equipment and think through the suitability of such tactics. Using the tips given in this tutorial will help you to get the best out of the device and improve connectivity when flying on an airplane.
Also Read: The Future Of Internet User Growth
