Do Alarms Work on Airplane Mode? – Complete Guide

Do alarms work on Airplane Mode? If you are wondering whether the alarm on your phone will go off on Airplane Mode, we have the answer!

Airplane Mode does not affect the alarm on your phone. It only influences the wireless transmissions, including your device’s radio, cellular signal, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth.

These features may interfere with aircraft functions, so we recommend putting your phone on Airplane Mode.

Yes, the alarm still works even when your phone is on Airplane Mode. It is part of the phone’s internal time system and does not need a wireless or networking function to work. Airplane mode does not turn off sounds either, so you should hear the alarm when it goes off.    

But, how does Airplane Mode work, and why does it not affect the alarms?

We are going to address these questions in this article. Let’s begin!

How Does Airplane Mode Work

What is Airplane Mode, and what does it actually do? Airplane Mode, also called Flight Mode, is a feature available on all smartphones.

It stops the signals from getting transmitted to and from your phone. You will know that your device is in airplane mode if you see the icon on the status bar.

Turning on airplane mode will disable all wireless functions like:

1. Cellular Signals

You won’t be able to make or receive calls, texts, or voice messages. You can’t use mobile data and access the Internet, as well.  

2. WiFi Connection

Your device automatically disconnects from any Wi-Fi network when you activate Airplane Mode. But, you can manually reconnect if you want to access the Internet.

3. Bluetooth

Airplane mode disables the short-range connections, meaning you can’t link your phone to your speaker, headphone, and more. 

4. Other Phone Features

Other wireless transmission functions that the mode disables are radio and GPS.

The alarm is a simple application that relies on the internal clock of your mobile device. It does not need a cellular signal, Bluetooth, or the Internet to operate. 

What Happens When You Activate Airplane Mode

Do alarms work when iPhone is on Airplane Mode? Yes, this mode doesn’t affect your phone’s built-in alarm system.

Airplane Mode only shuts down push-pull data notifications, so your alarm will still sound off.

The functions that are disabled in this mode use wireless transmission.

Can You Call or Text?

If Airplane Mode is turned on, your phone will disconnect all connectivity features, including the mobile signal from your carrier.

You will not be able to call, or text with Airplane Mode switched on.

Can You Use WiFi?

Upon switching on Airplane Mode, your phone will automatically disconnect your phone signal, WiFi, and Bluetooth.

The only difference with WiFi is that you can turn it on independently, allowing you to use WiFi.

So, yes, you’ll be able to use your WiFi when you turn on Airplane Mode, provided you switch it on.

Can You Use Bluetooth?

Similar to WiFi, Bluetooth will disconnect upon turning on Airplane Mode. However, you can manually enable it if you want to connect your phone to wireless headphones or speakers.

Yes, you can use Bluetooth even if Airplane Mode is turned on.

Alarms, Traveling, and Airplane Mode

As you can see, alarms aren’t really affected by Airplane Mode. It’s not a networking or connectivity feature, so it will not be blocked or disabled.

However, if you’re on a plane, you don’t want your alarm to go off as everyone will literally hear it suddenly.

As a courtesy, you want to switch off all your alarms before boarding your flight.

Yes, alarms are an excellent way to tell yourself that you need to wake up, but they can affect those around you especially if you’re in an airplane.

If you really need to, you can ask a flight attendant to wake you up and not use your alarm.

Step #1: How to Turn Airplane Mode On and Off on iPhone

There are two ways to switch on Airplane Mode on your iPhone. You can turn it ON and OFF via your phone’s Settings or the Control Center.

To enable Airplane Mode through the Settings, tap the Settings icon. The Airplane Mode is on the topmost part of the screen.

Here’s how to enable airplane mode via the Control Center:

1. Perform the swipe down gesture on your screen.
2. Tap the button with the Airplane symbol.

Note: It can take a few seconds for Airplane Mode to activate.

You will immediately see the carrier settings disappear, along with the cellular signal and Wi-Fi connection.

They will be replaced with a small figure of an airplane in the status bar.

Note: Repeat these steps to turn off Airplane Mode. It may take a moment for your device to reconnect to your Wi-Fi and cellular data.

Step #2: How to Toggle Airplane Mode on Your Android

You can enable Airplane Mode through Settings and Quick Settings if you own an Android device.

You can turn it on by going through the Settings app and tapping the gear icon. Select Network & Internet, then turn on Airplane Mode.

However, turning it on using Quick Settings is the most convenient way to do it.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Perform the swipe down gesture.
2. Swipe down a second time to show the different settings.
3. Search for Airplane Mode on the grid.
4. Tap on it to activate it.
5. You will see the airplane symbol on the status bar.

Note: All affected radios will be disabled. To turn off the flight mode, repeat the steps.

Step #3: How to Switch Airplane Mode On and Off on Windows and Mac

The main culprit in disrupting aircraft functions is the GSM/3G radio. Radio signals emitted by your laptop, on the other hand, are too weak to pose a danger.

Nevertheless, if you wish to turn on Airplane Mode on your Windows 10, here’s what you should do:

1. On the system tray icons, click on the Network icon.
2. The network panel will pop up. Lookfor Airplane Mode.
3. Click on it.
4. Wait for your laptop to disconnect from the WiFi network.

There is no need to put your Mac on Airplane Mode when traveling because the laptop simply does not have a GSM/3G radio.

You can simply switch OFF your Bluetooth and WiFi to save battery.  

Step #4: How to Fix My Alarm Not Ringing in Airplane Mode

Airplane mode only affects the cellular network, so your alarm should go off when the time comes.

If it doesn’t, here’s what you should do:

1. Check if you set an alarm tone.
2. Make sure the alarm tone is loud enough.
3. Check if your phone is on Silent Mode.
4. Check the ringer volume.

Do alarms work on airplane mode? Yes, and they should work perfectly fine.

Airplane mode only affects your phone’s connectivity to your carrier. Other features will work just fine.

There are some upsides to activating it like it can extend your phone’s battery life especially if you’re in an area without a signal.

It also limits your data use since you will not be able to connect.

Finally, if you’re looking for privacy and don’t want to take any calls, simply turn it on.

If you’re having issues with airplane mode, you can contact your phone’s manufacturer for added assistance.

It’s likely your phone has a more serious hardware fault that will need repair or replacement.

Read Next: How Do I Connect My iPhone to Ethernet?

Bottom Line

The answer to the question “Do alarms work on Airplane Mode?” is yes. In this mode, all internal transmitters of your device shut off.

Since alarms do not operate with those, they still go off when your set time comes.

Now, you know why you might use Airplane Mode and how to toggle it on your device. If you got a long flight coming up, we recommend you enable Airplane Mode to save battery and data.