The offline mode present on all Android devices allows you to disconnect the device from the cellular network to be able to use it even during an airplane flight. This operating mode is also very useful when you need a moment of peace and tranquility, in which to use the device without being interrupted by sudden calls, or in case you want to preserve battery life. After activating the offline mode, you can activate the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connection so that you can connect to the internet or other devices.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Use the Notification Panel
Step 1. Swipe your finger across the screen starting from the top and moving it downwards
In this way, the Android notification panel will be displayed on the screen.
Step 2. Expand the entire menu to reveal the "Offline Mode" option if it's not already visible
Using some devices, and depending on the configuration settings chosen by the user, the option "Offline mode" could be part of the first 5 menu items that are always visible. On the contrary, in other cases it is necessary to completely expand the list of quick settings accessible through the Android notification panel.
Some devices do not make the "Offline mode" function accessible directly from the notification panel. If so, refer to one of the other methods described in the article
Step 3. Tap the "Offline Mode" icon
It may have an airplane icon or the simple words "Offline Mode". By activating this function, the device will be disconnected from the cellular network and any type of connection (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc.) will be interrupted. The "Offline Mode" icon will appear colored to indicate that its functionality is currently active.
Method 2 of 4: Use the Settings Menu
Step 1. Launch the Device Settings app
It is available within the Home screen or the "Applications" panel. Some more modern devices allow you to access it directly from the notification bar.
Step 2. Tap "More" or "Other Network Settings"
It is located within the first group of options into which the "Settings" screen is divided.
This step may not be necessary. Some smartphones and tablets show the option to activate the "Offline mode" directly within the main menu of the Settings app
Step 3. Select the "Offline mode" check button
In this way, the offline mode will be activated which allows you to use the device even when you are traveling on an airplane flight.
Step 4. Make sure offline mode is active
When this happens, the icon relating to the offline mode (a small stylized plane) replaces the one relating to the connection to the cellular network of the device. This way, you can be sure that offline mode is up and running.
See this section of the article for more details on how to activate the Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connection after enabling offline mode
Method 3 of 4: Use the Device Options Menu
Note that this method doesn't work for all Android devices.
Step 1. Press and hold the "Power" button on the device
After a few seconds, the "Device Options" menu should appear on the screen.
Step 2. Choose the "Offline" item
Rather than displaying the "Offline" or "Offline Mode" option, some devices simply display a stylized airplane icon.
If in the appeared menu there is no "Offline" item or you are not given the option to activate offline mode, please refer to another method described in this article
Step 3. Verify that offline mode is active
To do this, look at the top right of the screen for an airplane icon placed exactly on the notification bar. When offline mode is active, this icon replaces the normal signal strength indicator of the cellular network connection indicating that the cellular network is not active. See this section of the article for more details on how to activate the Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connection after enabling offline mode.
Method 4 of 4: Enable Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connection
Step 1. Find out the limits of using Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity
In 2013, the civil aviation institutions of many countries decided that the use of smartphones that are not transmitting a radio signal to the cellular network (i.e. in offline mode) is allowed during normal flight. When an Android device is in offline mode, you can activate Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity at any time. However, remember that most air flights traveling at altitudes below 3,000 meters do not offer an internet connection service via Wi-Fi.
Step 2. Launch the Device Settings app
It is available within the Home screen or the "Applications" panel. Some more modern devices allow you to access it directly from the notification bar.
Step 3. Turn on the Wi-Fi connection
When you activate offline mode, all active connections, including the one to the Wi-Fi network, are automatically disabled. However, it is possible to reactivate the latter function even when offline mode is active.
Step 4. Activate Bluetooth connectivity
Just like with Wi-Fi connection, Bluetooth connectivity is also disabled when you activate offline mode. To restore it, simply go to the "Settings" menu.
