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Enable Wi-Fi While In Airplane Mode

Submitted by Michael Johnston on December 27, 2008 - 12:48am.
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One of the lesser-known goodies included in iPhone 2.0 is the ability to use Wi-Fi while in Airplane Mode. To do this, simply enable Airplane Mode and then switch on Wi-Fi. The orange airplane icon will stay in the status bar and Wi-Fi will be enabled.

Apple says that the feature is good for those on Wi-Fi enabled planes, but it may come in handy if you're in an area with no cell reception (such as basement or college building).

also a good tip abroad!

Submitted by chucksmith on December 27, 2008 - 5:11am.
This came in very handy for an American friend of mine who recently visited me in Germany. Since he couldn't use 3G anyway, because data roaming is so expensive, he effectively turned his iPhone into an iPod Touch by enabling Airport Mode and then turning on WiFi. This was important to avoid extra charges for receiving SMS internationally, but in case of an emergency he could still turn off airplane mode to make an incredibly expensive call.

Also as a note for those travelling abroad from the USA, don't expect your iPhone to work when you arrive in a foreign country. You have to call AT&T first to activate it and then answer some questions from their fraud department before it will work!

Submitted by HackThatPhone on December 27, 2008 - 8:13am.
Quote:
Originally Posted by chucksmith View Post
Also as a note for those travelling abroad from the USA, don't expect your iPhone to work when you arrive in a foreign country. You have to call AT&T first to activate it and then answer some questions from their fraud department before it will work!

Or you could just unlock it and never have to make this phone call...

Submitted by teeje on December 30, 2008 - 3:14pm.
I was trying to figure this out when I first got my Iphone and was very disappointed. Glad they finally came to their senses.

I don't get it.

Submitted by fzappa on February 5, 2009 - 12:36pm.
I don't understand how this "may come in handy if your in an area with no cell reception". When I'm in my basement and I lose service, I dont need to do anything special to still send and receive via Wifi. And Wifi does not help with calls or text. So what does switching to airplane mode do for you?

Submitted by Michael Johnston on March 3, 2009 - 4:02am.
Quote:
Originally Posted by fzappa View Post
I don't understand how this "may come in handy if your in an area with no cell reception". When I'm in my basement and I lose service, I dont need to do anything special to still send and receive via Wifi. And Wifi does not help with calls or text. So what does switching to airplane mode do for you?
It keeps your battery from dying.