macOS: How to Turn On Airplane Mode

When most people think of Airplane Mode, they think of mobile devices like smartphones or iPads. However, if you travel with your computer, you may need a makeshift Airplane Mode. This stops the computer from doing anything that might interfere with the airplane’s communication systems. Normal Airplane Mode makes sure the computer is not transmitting wireless signals, like radio, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. It might also shut off GPS functions, and phone calls and texting are not usable with Airplane Mode.

Turning “Airplane Mode” On Using a macOS Device

macOS does not have a set Airplane Mode like a smartphone does. On the smartphone, it’s an easy toggle at the top of the settings menu. However, on a Mac, you’d manually turn off the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth options.

You can turn off Wi-Fi two ways:

Click the Wi-Fi icon on the top right of the screen that looks like curved bars. Then click Turn Wi-Fi Off:

You can also:

1. Click the Apple icon on the top left of the screen.
2. Select System Preferences.
3. Click Network.

4. Click Turn Wi-Fi Off.

To turn off Bluetooth:

1. Click the Apple icon on the top left of the screen.
2. Select System Preferences.
3. Click Bluetooth.

4. Click Turn Bluetooth Off.

If you have Bluetooth enabled, you might also have a Bluetooth icon on the right of the menu bar. Click it and select Turn Bluetooth Off.