HT204234: Use Airplane Mode on your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, and Apple Watch

Learn about Use Airplane Mode on your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, and Apple Watch
leetev
Level 1 (0 points)

Q: I am traveling internationally and have been told to switch my iphone to Airplane Mode to avoid international roaming charges.  Has anyone tried this?  Does it work?  Also, if it is on Airplane Mode when taking pictures does that count as data?

I am terrified by these $20,000 phone bill stories from international roaming

iPhone 4S

Posted on Jun 26, 2013 2:12 PM

by rockmyplimsoul,Solvedanswer
rockmyplimsoul rockmyplimsoul
Level 5 (7,131 points)
iTunes
A:

Enabling Airplane Mode will completely isolate your iPhone from any network, so no worries.  Using the camera does not use data.  Sending pictures you've taken to others or to iCloud uses data, but that can't happen while in Airplane Mode.

 

Once you get off the plane, leave Airplane Mode ON and you can safely turn Wi-Fi on if you want to connect to a network (free, or a nominal fee).  But Wi-Fi is completely separate from cellular, data, and roaming charges from your carrier.

Posted on Jun 26, 2013 2:18 PM

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leetev

Q: I am traveling internationally and have been told to switch my iphone to Airplane Mode to avoid international roaming charges.&nbs ... more

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  • by rockmyplimsoul,Solvedanswer

    rockmyplimsoul rockmyplimsoul Jun 26, 2013 2:18 PM in response to leetev
    Level 5 (7,131 points)
    iTunes
    Jun 26, 2013 2:18 PM in response to leetev

    Enabling Airplane Mode will completely isolate your iPhone from any network, so no worries.  Using the camera does not use data.  Sending pictures you've taken to others or to iCloud uses data, but that can't happen while in Airplane Mode.

     

    Once you get off the plane, leave Airplane Mode ON and you can safely turn Wi-Fi on if you want to connect to a network (free, or a nominal fee).  But Wi-Fi is completely separate from cellular, data, and roaming charges from your carrier.

  • by leetev,

    leetev leetev Jun 26, 2013 2:27 PM in response to rockmyplimsoul
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jun 26, 2013 2:27 PM in response to rockmyplimsoul

    Thank you! 

  • by rockmyplimsoul,

    rockmyplimsoul rockmyplimsoul Jun 26, 2013 2:33 PM in response to leetev
    Level 5 (7,131 points)
    iTunes
    Jun 26, 2013 2:33 PM in response to leetev

    No problem, just be sure to leave Airplane Mode ON, and turn Wi-Fi on separately (and only if/when you need it).  Have a great trip!

  • by Bellasrents,

    Bellasrents Bellasrents Mar 7, 2015 12:07 PM in response to leetev
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Mar 7, 2015 12:07 PM in response to leetev

    I just incurred $50 of data charges internationally even though the phone was in airplane mode.  Apparently push notifications can still come through.  Was told by my carrier to be 100% sure of not incurring roaming charges was to take out the sim card.