While 9to5Google’s reporting suggests that this feature only rolled out in the Android 13 QPR1 beta and stable updates, a Pixel support article indicates that devices just need to run Android 11 or newer. Correction: We have updated this story. The iPhone does let you use Wi-Fi in airplane mode in iOS 16. We apologize for the error. Airplane mode has come a long way since it first appeared on smartphones. This is, admittedly, a surprising statement to say about a feature that is used in basically one place, but it’s true. I remember when I turned on Airplane mode one time only to discover that my Bluetooth earbuds didn’t suddenly disconnect — what a huge improvement that was. But that was all the way back in Android 11. Hopefully, this upgrade to Airplane mode will come to other Android phones soon, because I definitely want to have this feature active on my next flight. It was so frustrating every time I would turn on Airplane mode and have to reconnect my wireless earbuds. If I don’t have to disconnect from Wi-Fi either, Airplane mode may actually be perfect.
Google Pixel Airplane mode upgrade: How it works
There isn’t really any work you need to do to activate this feature update — it turns on by default. The only catch is that you need to already be connected to Wi-Fi when you turn on Airplane mode to activate the feature. Don’t worry, if you connect to Wi-Fi while in Airplane mode, that will also activate the feature. If you’re already connected to Wi-Fi, when you turn on Airplane mode, your Pixel phone will send you a system push notification informing you that, “If you keep Wi-Fi on in Airplane mode, it will stay on the next time you’re in airplane [SIC] mode.” If you tap the notification, it just takes you to the aforementioned Pixel support page explaining how wireless connections work in Airplane mode on a Pixel phone. If you don’t want your phone to stay connected to Wi-Fi in Airplane mode, that’s a simple fix. Simply turn Wi-Fi off on your Pixel phone and it will default back to turning Wi-Fi off when you turn on Airplane mode. Feeling the urge to get a Pixel phone and experience Airplane mode nirvana? Check out our phone deals coverage so you can get the best deal on a Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro or even the Pixel 6a if you’re looking for a great cheap phone. Next: The Google Pixel 7 just got a huge price drop (opens in new tab). Plus, The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra’s full specs have leaked (opens in new tab).
