Does airplane mode turn off your location?

The common misconception among people is that enabling airplane mode turns off the location. No, it's not true; airplane mode does not directly disable your location. Generally, users concerned about privacy consider this question. Airplane mode in smartphones disables your device's connection with the cellular network. It is not linked with the GPS or location services. 

Let's go through the details to discuss how airplane mode affects your location and what happens when airplane mode is on in your device. 

Does airplane mode directly turn off your location?

Airplane mode doesn’t turn off your location. It disconnects your device from the cellular network, and you can’t make or receive calls and messages. Turning on airplane mode avoids interference with airplane communication. Your location depends on the GPS, which is not directly linked to your cellular connection. It doesn’t require an internet connection to track your location. GPS communicates with the satellite around the earth; hence, when the airplane mode is turned on, it doesn’t affect your location. 

How airplane affect your location?

Like internet connection airplane mode doesn’t directly turn off your location. It only disables the internet connection and Bluetooth and prevents the location-sharing apps from sharing location. Your location is affected when you turn off the location services and GPS. 

Does airplane mode disable all location-sharing apps?

Airplane mode does not disable location-sharing apps forcefully. As I mentioned above, it disables the cellular connection, WiFi, and Bluetooth. Still, your GPS is working with airplane mode, but due to no internet connection, apps can’t share your real-time updated location with others. Thus, apps don’t stop working with airplane mode, but they become less effective in their function.

What are the apps that don’t work with airplane mode?

The following are the apps that don’t work with airplane mode include. 

Social Media Apps

The apps that can work with airplane mode and need an internet connection to share your location include Snapchat, Whatsapp, and Facebook. 

Rider Apps

Apps like Uber and Lyft are ride-sharing apps that share your location with the drivers. The apps stop sharing your updated location if airplane mode is on. 

Delivery Apps

Apps like Deliveroo and Uber Eats are apps that share your location to deliver and track your order. 

You might have a question in your mind: What are the apps that work with airplane mode?

Navigation Apps

Offline navigational apps allow users to download the maps in airplane mode. Using GPS, you can get the updated turn-by-turn directions. 

Fitness Tracking Apps

Apps that track your run and bike ride use the GPS to record your path. 

Does airplane mode turn off location on iPhone?

No, airplane mode doesn’t turn off your device's location, whether it's an iPhone or an Android. Airplane mode turns off the cellular connection, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth, but the GPS remains active. You can use the maps offline, but can't share the location with a disable data connection. In case you want to turn off your location, you can do it from the settings of your iPhone. 

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

You can use GPS with airplane mode turned on. GPS in smart devices is designed to work independently, which doesn’t require WiFi or cellular data to operate. Whether airplane mode is on or off, you can access the location with offline maps. GPS can track your travel route without any network connection. 

Does airplane mode disable Find My?

Airplane mode turns off the Find My apps, whether on an Android or an iPhone device. These apps use the internet connection to share location. With airplane mode, the internet connection is disabled, thus your device can’t share its location with these apps. 

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

Follow the given steps to use your location with airplane mode. 

• Turn on your GPS, even with airplane mode enabled.
• Download your destination maps for offline use. The app is like Google Maps. 
• Use the apps that work without an internet connection, like Fitness trackers and hiking apps. 
• Check your location from the map, even if you are at an altitude of 35,000 feet.