Can you turn on Airplane Mode on Macbook?

Turning on Airplane Mode on a MacBook would seem like a simple process, and it’s worth considering if you’re looking to completely disconnect from the world.

However, the way it’s done is slightly different from the way we do it on mobile devices like iPhones and iPads. Let’s look at how to enable Airplane Mode on your Macbook.

Enabling Airplane Mode on Macbook

Unlike iOS devices, Macbooks don’t have a dedicated Airplane Mode. However, you can achieve the same effect by manually disabling Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Doing this is crucial during flights as it prevents interference with aircraft communication systems.

To disable Wi-Fi:

Click on the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar at the top of your screen.

turn-off-wifi-mac

Select ‘Turn Wi-Fi Off’. This will disable all Wi-Fi connections.

Turning Off Bluetooth:

Click on the Bluetooth icon in the menu bar.

turn-off-bluetooth-mac

Choose ‘Turn Bluetooth Off’. This disconnects all Bluetooth devices.

When you want to reconnect to the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, go ahead and select them from the menu bar and enable it.

Alternative Method: Using Network

If you prefer, you can also manage turn both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi off through the System Settings, which can be found in your Apple menu bar:

1. Open System Settings. On the left-hand side, you’ll see both the Bluetooth and Wi-Fi options (these were previously both under Network, though this has now changed).

wifi-bluetooth-system-settings

Select Wi-Fi from the side panel and click ‘Turn Wi-Fi Off’. Go back and select Bluetooth, then choose ‘Turn Bluetooth Off’.

Summary

Turning on Airplane Mode on a MacBook is essentially about disabling Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. You can do this from the Menu bar, or from within your System Settings.

While it doesn’t have a one-click Airplane Mode like iOS devices, following the steps above will ensure your MacBook complies with airline regulations and helps you maintain a wireless-free environment when needed.

Author

Ed

Full-time writer, Apple fanboy and macOS supremacist. Currently running: 16" Macbook Pro w/ 64GB RAM & M1 Max. Already wants to upgrade to the M3 😫😭

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