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User profile for user: frji58
frji58 Author
User level: Level 1
4 points

Apple Watch Airplane Mode for Non Cellular Model, WiFi and GPS

I just got an Apple Watch 3, I put in Airplane Mode because I thought that would disconnect it and save battery life and see what happens in general - indeed battery life is improved a lot (97% after 2 hours passive use today for example), but I am still getting notifications - I now realize that Bluetooth is still on but looks like it turned WiFi off.

My questions are

  1. Is there any point of Airplane Mode for non cellular models ? Why not just turn off WiFi and Bluetooth separately? Yes I read you can toggle Bluetooth and Airplane Mode will remember next time but that is not my question.
  2. Is Airplane mode SUPPOSED to turn off GPS/Location services? I have in airplane mode and it is still switched on
  3. From what I have seen so far WiFi switched on uses a lot more battery, so if phone is nearby it seems like it's totally unnecessary. I wonder also how much battery location services uses, and if one is walking around with the Iphone and location services on on the Iphone, would the gps info get into the activity app anyway ?

Apple Watch

Posted on Jan 5, 2020 8:53 AM

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User profile for user: jeremy_v
jeremy_v
User level: Community Specialist

Posted on Jan 7, 2020 4:33 PM

Hello, frji58.


I understand that you have some questions regarding how Airplane Mode works with your Apple Watch. I'm glad to help answer them. It is essential first to note that Airplane mode only turns off the wireless features on your Apple Watch so that you comply with airline regulations. It doesn't affect Bluetooth. If you wish for Bluetooth to also turn off when you turn on Airplane Mode, turn off Bluetooth the next time you turn on Airplane Mode, and your Apple Watch will remember that (iOS 13 or higher). The same is also true of the inverse. Meaning, if you turn on Wi-Fi or Bluetooth while you're in Airplane mode, they will be on the next time you use Airplane mode unless you turn them off while in Airplane mode.


Airplane Mode does not affect GPS.


If you would like to learn more about AirPlane mode, you can do so here: Use Airplane Mode on your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, and Apple Watch


Best Regards.

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User profile for user: jeremy_v
jeremy_v
User level: Community Specialist

Jan 7, 2020 4:33 PM in response to frji58

Hello, frji58.


I understand that you have some questions regarding how Airplane Mode works with your Apple Watch. I'm glad to help answer them. It is essential first to note that Airplane mode only turns off the wireless features on your Apple Watch so that you comply with airline regulations. It doesn't affect Bluetooth. If you wish for Bluetooth to also turn off when you turn on Airplane Mode, turn off Bluetooth the next time you turn on Airplane Mode, and your Apple Watch will remember that (iOS 13 or higher). The same is also true of the inverse. Meaning, if you turn on Wi-Fi or Bluetooth while you're in Airplane mode, they will be on the next time you use Airplane mode unless you turn them off while in Airplane mode.


Airplane Mode does not affect GPS.


If you would like to learn more about AirPlane mode, you can do so here: Use Airplane Mode on your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, and Apple Watch


Best Regards.

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User profile for user: CarlAVII
CarlAVII
User level: Community Specialist

Jan 7, 2020 5:35 PM in response to frji58

Hey, frji58.


Any engaged process or feature on the Apple Watch will affect battery life in some fashion. Though, having your Wi-Fi on all day long, shouldn't have too great of an effect on your Apple Watch battery.


Wi-Fi access is essential should you wish to use your Apple Watch without your iPhone nearby. I'm also linking this article that includes some great tips for maximizing battery life and lifespan and another that answers the question, Batteries: Why Lithium-ion?


I hope this helps!


Best Regards.d

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User profile for user: frji58
frji58 Author
User level: Level 1
4 points

Jan 7, 2020 6:43 PM in response to CarlAVII

Allen thanks for that, one last question, for WiFi to work as descrived in the link, where it states "A Wi-Fi or cellular connection lets your Apple Watch do the following things—even if your iPhone isn't with you"

Does that apply, say I am at Starbucks without my phone, and connect to the Wifi there? So I could answer a call to my phone I left at home? Or make a call?

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Apple Watch Airplane Mode for Non Cellular Model, WiFi and GPS

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