How to Turn On Airplane Mode on Your iPhone Before a Flight
July 10, 2026 · by Porchswing Technology
Why the flight attendant asks
If you've flown recently, you've heard it: "Please switch your phones to airplane mode before takeoff." It sounds official and a little mysterious, but the idea is simple. Airplane mode tells your phone to stop sending and receiving signals — no calls, no texts, no internet — so it won't interfere with the plane's equipment.
Think of it like unplugging your radio. The phone is still on and working, but it's gone quiet on the airwaves. You can still look at your photos, read a downloaded book, or listen to music you've saved. You just can't reach out, and no one can reach you.
The good news: turning it on takes about three seconds once you know where to look.
How to turn it on
There's a small hidden menu on your iPhone called the Control Center. It's where Apple keeps the switches you use most often — the flashlight, the volume, and yes, airplane mode. Here's how to open it.
If your iPhone has a Home button (the round button at the bottom of the screen): put your finger at the very bottom edge of the screen and swipe up.
If your iPhone has no Home button (the screen goes all the way to the top): put your finger at the very top-right corner of the screen — near the battery symbol — and swipe down.
A panel of squares and buttons will slide into view. Look for a little orange airplane icon in the top-left area. Tap it once. The icon turns bright orange, and that's your signal — airplane mode is on. To close the Control Center, just tap anywhere else on the screen.
How to know it worked
Once airplane mode is on, look up at the very top of your screen. Where you usually see the signal bars for your phone company (like Verizon or AT&T), you'll now see a small orange airplane. That little airplane is your confirmation. As long as it's there, your phone is in quiet mode.
You'll also notice your regular signal bars are gone, and the Wi-Fi symbol (the fan-shaped one) has disappeared too. That's normal — airplane mode turns those off together.
Turning it back off after you land
When the plane lands and the crew says it's fine to use your phone again, open the Control Center the same way you did before — swipe up from the bottom, or down from the top-right corner. Tap the orange airplane once more. It fades back to gray, and within a few seconds your signal bars return. Any text messages or voicemails that arrived while you were flying will come pouring in.
One handy tip: airplane mode isn't just for flights. If you want an hour of peace and quiet — no calls, no notifications — you can flip it on at home, too. It's like taking the phone off the hook the way we used to, except the phone stays right in your pocket.
Try it today
You don't need a plane ticket to practice. Right now, open your Control Center and tap the airplane icon. Watch the signal bars disappear. Wait a moment, then tap it again to turn everything back on. Do it two or three times so your fingers remember the motion. Next time you're at the airport, you'll flip that switch without a second thought.
Need a hand with your technology? We're here to help. Give PorchSwing a call or book an appointment, and we'll walk you through it at your own pace — no rush, no jargon.