
You can easily use iMessaging while airplane mode is on.
To use iMessage in airplane mode: Enable Wi-Fi, connect to a Wi-Fi network, open iMessage, and start sending/receiving messages.
Note: It is important to consider device compatibility and the need for recipients to also have iMessage or a compatible messaging platform when sending messages with iMessage.
iMessage is an exclusive messaging service offered by Apple for their range of devices, including iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches, and MacBooks. It stands out with its distinctive blue color scheme.
With iMessage, users can freely send messages, voice messages, photos, videos, documents, and various other file types to fellow Apple device users. One of its advantages is its support for larger file sizes, making it convenient for sharing media-rich content.
To access iMessage, all you need is an internet connection, which can be achieved through either Wi-Fi or cellular data, depending on what works best for you.
iMessage comes equipped with a range of features to enhance the messaging experience. For instance, a typing indicator, represented by ellipses inside a speech bubble, lets you know when someone is composing a message. Read receipts inform you when your messages have been read by the recipient.
Additionally, iMessage offers multiple message effects for adding flair to your conversations. Another notable aspect is its seamless synchronization across multiple Apple devices, allowing you to access your messages from various devices.
What sets iMessage apart is its strong emphasis on safety and privacy. All messages sent through iMessage are end-to-end encrypted, ensuring that only the intended recipients can access the content. This security feature provides users with peace of mind while using the service.
However, it’s important to note that iMessage is exclusive to Apple devices, meaning that Android users do not have access to this particular messaging service.
Now, the question that arises is whether you can still send messages using iMessage when airplane mode is enabled. This article aims to address all your queries and provide the answers you seek. So, without any delay, let’s delve into this article. To answer your question, it’s important to first grasp the concept of airplane mode.
What Exactly Is Airplane Mode?

My initial encounter with airplane mode sparked my curiosity, leading me to activate it while charging my phone. Surprisingly, this practice has become a constant for me, as it significantly boosts the charging speed and conserves battery life even when not charging. However, I was unaware of the underlying theory behind it.
Essentially, airplane mode is a functionality that deactivates all wireless connections and services on your phone, including cellular data, Wi-Fi, location-based services, and Bluetooth. Consequently, the device becomes incapable of emitting or receiving wireless signals.
Primarily designed to adhere to airline regulations, airplane mode ensures that your phone does not interfere with the navigation and communication systems of airplanes.
Despite this restriction, you can still utilize apps and features on your phone that operate independently of these wireless signals. For instance, scrolling through your gallery or engaging with offline functionalities remains accessible while in airplane mode.
iMessage vs. SMS: What Sets Them Apart?

In order to delve into the main focus of this article that piqued your interest, it’s important to be aware of the distinctions between iMessage and SMS (Short Message Service).
iMessage | SMS |
iMessage distinguishes itself with its unique blue-colored texts. | SMS stands apart with its distinct green-colored texts. |
iMessage presents a diverse range of features, including the ability to read receipts and more, while also granting users the ability to send various types of media, such as photos and videos. | SMS lacks these advanced features and remains limited to simple and plain text messages or photos without additional capabilities. |
iMessage is exclusively limited to Apple products, such as iPhones, iPads, Macs, and more, enabling text and media exchanges solely between Apple users. | SMS transcends operating system boundaries, working seamlessly across various platforms like iOS, Android, Windows, and others. SMS allows text exchanges between multiple devices without any restrictions. |
iMessage operates through cellular data or Wi-Fi connections and requires an available internet connection to function. | SMS functions exclusively through global mobile networks, enabling message transmission without relying on internet connectivity. |
Looking at it from a cost perspective, iMessage can be considered free. It utilizes Wi-Fi or cellular data, which means that as long as you are paying for your internet connection, you can freely exchange unlimited files and texts using iMessage. | SMS operates differently. It may require you to pay per message or purchase a messaging plan from your cellular carrier, which often comes with a limit on the number of texts you can send. |
iMessage prioritizes your privacy by employing end-to-end encryption for your texts, guaranteeing that your messages remain secure and confidential. | SMS lacks such encryption, leaving no assurance of privacy during message transmission. |
How To Unlock iMessaging In Airplane Mode?
We have now reached the section of our article that will address your primary question. However, before we delve into how to use iMessage when airplane mode is enabled, it is important to understand the following: The answer to whether you can send texts or files through iMessage when airplane mode is on is both yes and no, which may sound confusing. Allow me to clarify.
Since iMessage is limited to Apple products, as mentioned earlier, it is evident that even with airplane mode turned on, you can send texts or files through iMessage only to other Apple device users.
For example, if your sister has an iPhone X, she will still be able to receive your texts even when airplane mode is enabled. However, if your mother is a Samsung enthusiast, she will be unable to receive messages from you, regardless of whether airplane mode is turned off or on.
In a nutshell, the ability to send and receive messages through iMessage when in airplane mode depends on the compatibility of the devices involved.

As airplane mode deactivates all wireless connections, including cellular data and Wi-Fi, it is important to note that you cannot enable cellular data while in airplane mode. However, you can simultaneously enable Wi-Fi even when your phone is in airplane mode. This allows you to send iMessages since iMessage relies on a Wi-Fi connection.
Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Access Wi-Fi Settings
To turn on Wi-Fi, navigate to the settings on your device. You can typically find this in the main menu or by swiping down and accessing the control center.
Toggle Wi-Fi on
In the Wi-Fi settings, toggle the Wi-Fi option to turn it on or directly turn it on through the control center. You will notice a list of unrestricted Wi-Fi networks in the area.
Connect to a Wi-Fi Network
Choose a Wi-Fi network from the available list and enter the necessary credentials, such as a password, if prompted. Your gadget will show a Wi-Fi logo in the status bar once it is connected.
Open iMessage
Locate the iMessage app on your device and open it. You will now be able to send or receive messages using iMessage over a Wi-Fi connection.
By following these steps, you can establish a Wi-Fi connection while your phone is in airplane mode and use iMessage to send and receive messages.
Final Thoughts
- iMessage is a free messaging service exclusive to Apple devices like iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches, and Macs that enables you to send texts or any sort of file while you have access to an internet connection.
- Airplane mode is a feature that disables wireless connections, including cellular data, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth, primarily used to comply with airline regulations.
- SMS (Short Message Service) is a standard text messaging service available on most mobile devices, regardless of the operating system. It operates through a global mobile network system.
- There are multiple differences between the two, like that iMessage is limited to Apple devices, while SMS can be exchanged between different devices and platforms, etc.
- To use iMessage when airplane mode is on, you can enable Wi-Fi while in airplane mode, connect to a Wi-Fi network, and then use iMessage to send and receive messages over Wi-Fi.