Verizon iPhone cellular data off vs airplane mode and wifi

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Level 1

18 points

Verizon iPhone cellular data off vs airplane mode and wifi

If I'm travelling internationally, the Verizon rep said to do the following:

1. Settings > General > Network > Cellular data -- switch to OFF; Roaming > Voice Roaming -- switch to OFF. But then go to Settings and make sure Wifi is still on.

BUT...question....How is this different than what I've read in other discussions to do:

Settings > Airplane Mode -- switch to OFF, and Wifi -- manually switch back ON. ??

When I do the airplane mode OFF, and then go in and look at Cellular data, it still says ON. So I just really want to know the difference between these two methods.

Posted on Jun 14, 2012 10:05 AM

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Answer 1

wjosten

Level 10

95,369 points

Jun 14, 2012 10:10 AM in response to weelassie

Airplane mode turns off ALL iPhone radios. The only ones that can be turned back on, while in Airplane mode, are WiFi & Bluetooth. Airplane mode is the preferred way to prevent nasty surprises, while traveling, from your carrier.

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Answer 2

Jun 14, 2012 10:12 AM in response to weelassie

Most airlines do not permit use of transmitting devices, that means no WiFi and no Bluetooth and no cellular service. There are some now starting to permit use of WiFi after takeoff but not cellular service.

Airplane mode has been understood to mean all transmit capability is switched off. Why someone would tell you to switch to Airplan mode and then turn WiFi back on is a mystery...better check with your airline about that.

Unless it is meant for while on the ground internationally...turning off all roaming keeps you from getting hit with really high charges that you don't expect. Turning WiFi back on at the point means all other transmit functions are off and you can only use WiFi when a signal is available and you are authorized to use the network.

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