Does airplane mode turn off your location services?

Does airplane mode turn off your location services?

No, airplane mode doesn’t turn off your location tracking. When you turn on airplane mode, your phone stops sending and receiving calls, texts, and internet data to avoid interference with airplane equipment, but it generally doesn’t turn off location tracking.

Your location depends on GPS, which functions independently of your phone's network connections. Here’s how it works — GPS doesn’t need cell towers or Wi-Fi to figure out where you are. Instead, it communicates directly with satellites orbiting the Earth. This means that even if you turn on airplane mode, your phone may still be able to pinpoint your location.

If you want to hide your phone’s location completely, you must also turn off the location services. Just a heads up — apps like maps won’t be able to pinpoint your location without your GPS location, making some navigational tasks more difficult.

Does airplane mode disable all location-sharing apps?

No, airplane mode doesn't directly disable or forcefully close location-sharing apps. However, it does switch off wireless services — like cellular data, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth — that these apps use to send your location. 

With GPS on but without an internet connection, these apps won't be able to share your location or get real-time updates. So, while your apps aren't shut down, they're much less effective in airplane mode.

Here are some apps that won’t work as intended when airplane mode is on:

• Social media and messaging apps. Apps like Snapchat, WhatsApp, or Facebook, which share your live location, need an internet connection to work properly.

• Ride-sharing apps. Uber and Lyft need an online connection to update and share their location with drivers and to track them as they approach.

• Food delivery apps. Popular international services like Deliveroo and Uber Eats need an active internet connection to update your delivery location and track your order.

These apps can still work with airplane mode on:

• Offline navigation. Some navigation apps let you download maps beforehand, so you can still get turn-by-turn directions just using GPS.

• Fitness trackers. Apps that log your runs or bike rides use your exact GPS location and will keep recording your path, even without the internet.

Does airplane mode freeze or stop my location sharing?

In a way, yes — while airplane mode doesn't freeze or stop the GPS from detecting your location, it does stop your phone from sharing this information with social media platforms, navigation services, or ride-sharing apps. So although your phone knows where you are using GPS, it can't share this location until you turn airplane mode off.

How to quickly restart sharing your location after landing

To quickly get back to sharing your location after landing, just switch off airplane mode as soon as the plane touches down and it’s safe to do so. Switching airplane mode back on will reactivate your phone’s cellular, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth connections. Also, double-check that your GPS and location services are turned on. To check, open your smartphone's settings, navigate to “Location” or “Location services,” and ensure the toggle is set to “On.”

Want instant internet when you land abroad? The easiest way is with an eSIM. Make sure to activate it before you board your flight. If you forget, don't worry. If your plane has Wi-Fi, you can set up the eSIM in the air, and you'll be connected as soon as you touch down.

FAQ

Can I still use GPS while airplane mode is turned on?

Yes, you can still use GPS with airplane mode on because it generally doesn't impact your device's GPS function.

How can I use location services if airplane mode is enabled?

You can use location services in airplane mode by manually turning on Wi-Fi (if the airline allows it) or by using GPS, which doesn't need cellular or Wi-Fi signals. You might need these services to track your flight progress and arrival time using offline map apps or airline apps with real-time flight updates via GPS. Always follow airline rules about using electronic devices.

Will turning off airplane mode automatically turn on my location services?

No, turning off airplane mode won't automatically turn on your location services. If they were off before, you’ll need to switch them on manually.