What Happens When Someone Calls You on Airplane Mode

Airplane mode is a setting on your mobile device that, when activated, disables the device’s ability to send or receive wireless communications signals.

This includes cellular connectivity, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and in certain cases, GPS functionalities.

The primary reason for its implementation is to prevent interference with the sensitive equipment on an aircraft. By turning on airplane mode, you comply with airline regulations that prohibit the use of cell phones during flight. However, in recent times, many airlines have begun to allow the selective use of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth while on board.

Mobile Device Behavior During Airplane Mode

While your device is in airplane mode, several changes in behavior are observed:

• Cellular: Your device will not connect to cellular networks, which means that you cannot make or receive calls or text messages through your carrier.
• Wi-Fi: Initially, Wi-Fi is also disabled, but you may choose to manually re-enable it to connect to available networks if the airline allows it.
• Bluetooth: Similar to Wi-Fi, Bluetooth is typically turned off, but can be manually turned back on to use devices like wireless headphones.
• GPS: Depends on the device; some may disable GPS services, while GPS might still be available in others, depending on manufacturer settings.

It is important to note that while these functions are disabled, none of your device’s non-wireless functions are affected—you can still access your stored data, games, camera, or other apps.

Comparing Airplane Mode to Normal Operation

Under normal operation, your mobile device maintains continuous communication with cellular towers to make and receive calls, text messages, and to use cellular data services. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are also functional, allowing you to connect to networks and devices. GPS services run in the background and are used by various apps that require location services.

Here is a quick summary of the differences:

By understanding these changes, you can manage your device more effectively while traveling by air or when looking to conserve battery life.

Receiving Calls in Airplane Mode

When your phone is in airplane mode, normal cellular communication is disrupted. This directly impacts how incoming calls are managed by your network carrier.

Communication Network Unavailability

Airplane Mode: This setting disconnects your devices from cellular networks. Consequently, you will not receive any calls as your device becomes unreachable by regular means.

• Cellular Network: Disconnected
• Wi-Fi: Manually enabled (if the option is available)
• Calls: No incoming cellular calls

Handling of Incoming Calls by Service Providers

Your service provider handles calls differently when your phone is unattainable:

• Voicemail: Most carriers redirect calls to your voicemail, allowing callers to leave a message.
• Notifications: Callers may receive a notification that you are currently unavailable.

Note: If Wi-Fi is enabled after entering airplane mode, internet-based calls through apps like WhatsApp or Skype may still come through.

After Airplane Mode is Disabled

Once you deactivate airplane mode, your device reestablishes communication with the cellular network, which triggers updates for calls and messages you missed.

Notification of Missed Calls

• Immediate Alerts: Your phone will display notifications for any calls missed during the period when airplane mode was active.
• Call Log Updates: The call log will be updated to show missed calls with timestamps, so you can see exactly when someone tried to reach you.

Voicemail and Text Messages

• Voicemail: If callers left voicemails, you will receive a notification. You can retrieve these messages by accessing your voicemail inbox.
• Text Messages: Any texts sent to you while your phone was on airplane mode will come through. This will update your messaging app’s inbox correspondingly.