Does airplane mode still make sense in 2025? Understand what changes with 5G

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Despite so many innovations, Airplane mode still makes sense in 2025., ...especially on commercial flights. Even with the advancement of 5G, which is present in most capital cities and also in airports, the use of this technology continues to be recommended by airlines. But why? The answer involves safety, technical protocols and, yes, also a bit of habit.

Technology has advanced, airplanes have modernized, and cell phone signals have become stronger. Even so, airplane mode still has a function, whether to avoid interference in the cabin, preserve cell phone battery, or follow aviation safety guidelines. Below, we explain why this function still exists — and if it will ever disappear altogether.

Why was airplane mode created?

Airplane mode was introduced with a very clear purpose: avoid electromagnetic interference. In the past, there was a real concern that signals emitted by cell phones and other electronic devices could affect the aircraft's navigation instruments.

Today, with more modern onboard technology, this direct interference is increasingly rare. Even so, airplane mode persists as a preventative measure. After all, the cockpit needs to be free of any unnecessary electronic noise—however small.

What changes with 5G?

5G is much faster than 4G and operates on different frequencies. This has even generated some controversy in the United States, when airlines expressed concern about the possibility of interference with altimeters (devices that measure the aircraft's altitude).

The 5G frequency in some regions is close to that used by certain aviation equipment, which prompted the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to issue warnings. Therefore, even in 2025, the rules haven't changed much. It's best to activate airplane mode. during flights and follow the crew's instructions.

Technology continues to advance, but safety remains paramount. And even if, in practice, a switched-on cell phone doesn't cause accidents, the mere possibility of causing some technical disruption is enough to uphold the rule.

What if I don't turn on airplane mode?

Many people have traveled without activating airplane mode. In many cases, nothing happened. But that doesn't mean it's safe.

If all passengers kept their cell phones active, especially during takeoffs and landings, there would be an overload of signals trying to connect to multiple towers at the same time—which can indeed create noise for certain aircraft instruments.

Furthermore, constantly searching for a signal on your phone at high altitudes drains the battery much faster. Not to mention the inconvenience: have you ever noticed how hot your phone gets during a flight? Airplane mode solves all of that with a simple touch.

When is airplane mode mandatory?

Even though Wi-Fi is available on many flights, airlines ask that... Airplane mode should be activated immediately after the doors are closed. from the plane. This applies to both domestic and international flights.

After takeoff, when the plane reaches a safe altitude, flight attendants usually allow the use of the aircraft's Wi-Fi — but always with airplane mode activated. In other words: you can connect to the internet, but not to the carrier's signal.

This shows that Airplane mode does not prevent the use of the cell phone., It just limits certain connections. You can still watch videos, listen to music, write texts, use Bluetooth, and connect to the Wi-Fi available on the flight.

In what situations is airplane mode still useful?

Even outside of airplanes, airplane mode remains useful in various everyday situations. Have you ever thought about that?

1# Battery savingBy disconnecting all the device's connections, battery life increases significantly.
2# Faster chargingActivating airplane mode during charging speeds up the process.
3# Focus and restIdeal for studying, sleeping, or simply disconnecting without turning off your cell phone.
4# Avoid unwanted callsNeed to use the camera or an app, but don't want to be interrupted? Airplane mode solves that.

Even in 2025, this feature continues to make sense. It has become more than just a requirement on flights—it has become a practical tool for everyday life.

The future of airplane mode

With the growth of 5G, satellite internet, and the digitalization of airlines, it's likely that airplane mode will change its name or become optional in the near future. But for now, it's still part of the globally adopted safety protocol.

Some companies are already testing ways to allow passengers to use mobile networks throughout the flight, but this requires technical adaptations and specific infrastructure on each aircraft. And this is still far from being the norm.

Do people still respect airplane mode?

This is a question that divides opinions. Many passengers strictly follow the instructions, mainly out of habit or respect for aviation rules. Others ignore the warning, keep the device on, and don't even realize they are out of airplane mode.

The problem with that? If everyone thought that way, there would be a collective risk. That's why airlines continue to ask—and monitor. In some cases, flight attendants reinforce the warning several times during the flight.

Furthermore, with the advancement of embedded technologies and applications that continue to run even offline, the habit of activating airplane mode has become simple, almost automatic.

So… airplane mode is going to end?

The most honest answer is: not yet. As long as there is any possibility of interference, however small, airplane mode will continue to be part of the safety checklist for every commercial flight.

The good news is that it no longer prevents the use of cell phones as it once did. Passengers can continue watching a movie, listening to music, writing, or even browsing the internet, as long as they respect the limits established by the airline.

Perhaps, in the future, airplane mode will be redesigned or incorporated into more modern signal management systems. But in 2025, it continues to have its role — both inside and outside airplanes.

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May 16, 2025