Android 13 lets users keep Wi-Fi on in airplane mode on Google Pixel phones: full details

Google Pixel phones have been updated with the ability to keep wireless connections on even when airplane mode is on. The new feature would be available on Android 13 and Pixel phones would be the first to receive the feature. Google previously added support for keeping Bluetooth connections turned on even when Airplane mode was on, and the feature is now extended to Wi-Fi connections. On phones running Android 12 and earlier, turning Airplane mode on airplane disables cellular and Wi-Fi connections.

According to a report from 9to5Mac, the new feature in Android 13 lets users customize their phone’s settings to maintain Wi-Fi connections even when airplane mode is on. Previously, when airplane mode was on, it disconnected both cellular and Wi-Fi connections.

To enable this feature, Google Pixel users can enable Airplane mode by heading to the device’s screen. Settings > Network & Internet > Airplane mode. Then go back to Network & Internet and turn on Wi-Fi.

Once the device is connected to Wi-Fi, turn off Airplane mode in the Settings app to enable the new feature. In the future, when you turn on airplane mode, your phone will not turn off your Wi-Fi connection.

You can also quickly activate the new feature by swiping down from the top of the screen and accessing the quick settings panel. Tap the airplane mode icon to turn it on, then turn on Wi-Fi.

With Android 11, Google also allowed Bluetooth connections to remain enabled on users’ phones when airplane mode is enabled. You can enable Bluetooth in the settings app under Connected devices > Connection preferences > Bluetooth after turning on airplane mode. This will keep you connected to the smartwatch or Bluetooth headphones even in Airplane mode.

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