Airplane Mode Myth: Can Your Phone Still Be Tracked? Here's What Really Happens When You Turn On Airplane Mode.
Location Tracking in Airplane Mode: Putting a phone in airplane mode disables calls, messages, and internet services, but the GPS system continues to function. Consequently, the phone's location can still be determined.
Location Tracking in Airplane Mode: Reports of phone theft are common. After stealing a phone, the thief often immediately switches it to airplane mode to prevent incoming calls or messages. Activating airplane mode cuts off the phone's internet, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth connections. Many people believe that if a thief puts their phone in airplane mode, tracking it becomes difficult; however, the reality is different.
Phone tracking does not stop even in airplane mode
According to studies, while airplane mode prevents your phone from accessing the network or receiving calls and messages, it does not mean the phone cannot be tracked. This is due to the phone's built-in GPS system, which remains operational even in airplane mode.
If you manually turn on Wi-Fi or Bluetooth after activating airplane mode, your phone can reconnect, potentially sharing your location. If that doesn't work, police or agencies can use advanced devices—such as "Stingrays"—when necessary to connect to the phone.
How does GPS work without internet or network connectivity?
You might be wondering: how does GPS function in airplane mode when the internet connection is severed? In reality, GPS does not require an internet or mobile network connection to operate. It functions by communicating directly with satellites, picking up signals to determine your location. There is a silver lining, however: until your phone connects to a network, it cannot transmit this location data to anyone else. The bottom line is that airplane mode doesn't make you completely invisible; it simply stops real-time tracking. In reality, tracking can still occur, but without a network connection, that location data cannot be transmitted to anyone else.
