Airplane mode disables a device’s cellular, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth connections. Consequently, when a phone is in this mode, its ability to transmit location data is severely limited. Typical “find my phone” services rely on these connections to pinpoint the device’s whereabouts. For instance, if a phone enters airplane mode after being misplaced, its last known location before the mode was activated is usually the only location data available.
The inability to track a device actively in airplane mode emphasizes the importance of enabling location services and maintaining network connectivity when not explicitly requiring airplane mode. The initial development of airplane mode was primarily for safety during air travel to prevent interference with aircraft systems. However, it has since become a common power-saving measure and a way to avoid cellular charges in certain situations. This functionality’s direct impact on location tracking needs careful consideration by users who rely on device-finding capabilities.