Choose iPad settings for travel

When you travel with iPad, choose settings that comply with airline requirements. Some airlines let you keep your iPad turned on if you switch to airplane mode. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are disabled so you can’t make or receive FaceTime calls or use features or accessories that require wireless communication, but you can listen to music, play games, watch videos, or use other apps that don’t require Internet access.

When you travel abroad, you may be able to sign up for cellular service with a carrier in the region you’re visiting, right from your iPad (available on iPad Wi-Fi + cellular models with either Touch ID or Face ID). See Connect iPad to a cellular network (Wi-Fi + Cellular models).

Turn on airplane mode

Open Control Center, then tap .

The Control Center screen showing that tapping the top-left button turns on airplane mode.

You can also turn airplane mode on or off in Settings . When airplane mode is on, appears in the status bar at the top of the screen.

Turn on Wi-Fi or Bluetooth while in airplane mode

If your airline allows it, you can use Wi-Fi or Bluetooth while in airplane mode.

Open Control Center, then turn on airplane mode.
Tap (for Wi-Fi) or (for Bluetooth).
If you turn on Wi-Fi or Bluetooth while in airplane mode, it will be on the next time you return to airplane mode. To turn off Wi-Fi or Bluetooth while in airplane mode, open Control Center, then tap or .

Helpful?

iPad User Guide

Choose iPad settings for travel

Turn on airplane mode

Turn on Wi-Fi or Bluetooth while in airplane mode