In daily life, airplane mode is a basic function of mobile phones, which is used to cut off all wireless signals and prevent interference with aircraft equipment. Usually, airplane mode turns off the cellular network connection of the mobile phone, and sometimes disables Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, but in most cases it does not affect the GPS positioning function. This is because GPS is located by receiving satellite signals, which only "receives" signals instead of "sends", so it does not affect flight safety. The following will discuss the use of GPS in airplane mode and the need to block positioning in specific scenarios.
Is the GPS function available in airplane mode?
After turning on airplane mode, the GPS positioning function of the mobile phone is usually not affected.
This means that in airplane mode, the mobile phone can still use some applications that rely on GPS, such as sports step tracking, health records, etc. These applications do not require the Internet or cellular network to record users' sports data. Experiments show that in airplane mode, the iPhone's Health app and Android's Google Fit can still accurately track steps and walking distance.
However, turning off cellular networks and Wi-Fi will affect some real-time location services. For example, map and navigation apps cannot update maps or provide route planning in real time without an Internet connection. If you need to navigate in airplane mode, it is recommended to download offline map data in advance so that you can still use it normally without a network.
Can a phone in airplane mode be tracked?
Even if GPS is still active in airplane mode, it does not mean that the device can be tracked. GPS is only used to receive satellite signals to determine the user's location information and does not send data out. Without a network connection, location information cannot be shared with other devices or services over the Internet. For example, in airplane mode, users cannot use shared location or use the "Find My Device" function to locate the device. The system can only display the location information of the device when it last connected to the network.
Scenarios and advantages of using a GPS signal blocker
Although airplane mode limits some connection functions, it may still not be thorough enough for users who want to completely block GPS positioning. In some scenarios that require higher privacy protection or prevent being tracked, such as business meetings, personal privacy protection, specific security needs, etc., GPS jammers can effectively ensure that the positioning function is completely ineffective. GPS Blockers can block devices from receiving satellite signals to prevent location information from being leaked. This provides more protection in terms of privacy protection, especially for users who do not want external devices or applications to obtain location information when traveling or in special scenarios.
It should be noted that the use of GPS signal blocker devices must comply with the laws of the region. Because the use of GPS blockers will affect the surrounding GPS signals, improper use may affect others' normal use of positioning services or interfere with public safety. Therefore, when purchasing and using such devices, it is recommended to understand local regulations in advance to avoid unnecessary interference or legal risks.
In general, although airplane mode cuts off most wireless signals, it usually does not turn off the GPS function of the phone. If you need to use maps or navigation in airplane mode, it is best to download offline maps in advance to ensure continuous positioning. For those who want to completely block GPS positioning, GPS signal blocker devices provide a more effective option, but be sure to comply with regulatory requirements before use to avoid potential interference risks.
