Airplane Mode On Mac In 2025: Easy & Complete Expert Guide

Introduction to Airplane Mode on Mac

Are you aware that you can switch on Airplane Mode On your Mac just like you can on iOS devices? Before taking off on a flight, you must shut off all devices that use electricity and put them in Airplane mode, which includes your Mac. This article will walk you through what Airplane mode is on Mac as well as how you can activate it in macOS.

What is Airplane Mode?

Airplane Mode is an option that shuts down the wireless communication capabilities of your device, such as WiFi, Bluetooth, and sometimes location services. It’s crucial on flights and is also useful for those who need to work in a distraction-free environment. Knowing how to utilize Airplane Mode On Mac will aid you in staying focused and safe.

How to turn on Airplane Mode in macOS

here are two methods to enable or turn on Airplane Mode on a MacBook using The Menu Bar or the System Preferences.

How to use the Menu Bar to turn on Airplane Mode on Mac

Click on the WiFi symbol to the right of the Menu Bar.
Slide the slider to the left until the bar becomes white, or choose “Turn WiFi off.”
Open WiFi settings, then click on the Bluetooth symbol located in the upper left corner.
Slide the slider to the left until the bar is white, or click “Turn Bluetooth off.”

How to turn off Airplane Mode in macOS

Follow the same steps reversed to disable Airplane Mode in macOS. To turn off Airplane Mode from the Menu Bar To disable Airplane Mode, click on the Wi-Fi icon on the upper right corner and choose “Turn on Wi-Fi,” or shift your slider left until the bar is blue.

Follow the same steps for Bluetooth.

To turn off Airplane Mode in the System Preferences as well as Settings, go to System Preferences and choose Network. Select “Wi-Fi” and select “Turn on Wi-Fi,” or shift your slider to the left until it changes color to blue. The same procedure is applicable to Bluetooth.

You are out of Airplane Mode! A tip for you: you could disable Wi-Fi prior to embarking on your plane to connect, and then use the hotspot on your iPhone until you take off.

Troubleshooting Airplane Mode on the Mac using VMs

If you’re operating virtualized machines within your Mac Then shutting the internet off or setting it to Airplane Mode follows the same steps as mentioned previously described.
The VMs come with an interface card for virtual networks or NIC link that is linked via the virtual cable of an underlying virtual network commutator connected to the host’s physical network adapter or network card.
Here’s how to shut off internet access to your virtual machines or switch your VMs to airplane mode:
H3 Option 1: Disconnect the cable in the virtual version
Connect the virtual cable to the network virtualized by selecting the Network -> Devices Disconnect option on the menu bar at the top of your Mac menu.
H3 Option 2: Use Parallels Desktop for Airplane Mode
If you’re using Parallels Desktop installed on your MacBook You can access Parallels Toolbox for Mac -> Airplane Mode to switch off all wireless communication in your Mac.

Why Airplane Mode Still Matters in 2025

For Travelers

The airlines continue to impose regulations regarding disabling wireless signals between taking off and landing. By turning off WiFi and Bluetooth by using Airplane Mode on Mac helps you stay in compliance and provides a comfortable flying experience.

For Professionals

No notifications. No distractions. All you need is concentration. Airplane Mode On Mac aids designers, writers, and developers to dive into their work without interruption.

What Happens When You Enable Airplane Mode?

Wireless Services Turned Off

You’re blocking access to:

WiFi
Bluetooth
AirDrop
Location Services

System Behavior Changes

Your Mac uses less power, stops background syncing, and is a stronghold against wireless threats, all thanks to Airplane Mode On Mac.

Step-by-Step: Turn Off WiFi on the Mac

Method 1: From Menu Bar

Click on the WiFi symbol on the menu bar in the upper right.
Select “Turn WiFi Off”.

Method 2: From System Settings

Go to System Settings > Network > WiFi.
Turn off the WiFi switch.

Pro Tip: This saves power and keeps you offline intentionally–perfect for enabling Airplane Mode on Mac.

Step-by-Step: Disable Bluetooth on the Mac

Using Menu Bar

Click on the Bluetooth icon.
Choose “Turn Bluetooth Off”.

Via System Settings

Open System Settings > Bluetooth.
Switch off the switch.

It helps prevent auto-pairing, and also reduces wireless vulnerability, which is a part of Airplane Mode on Mac capability.

Tips

If you are a frequent user of connecting and detaching Bluetooth gadgets, the ToothFairy app can help you avoid the hassle. It’s a cool application that lets you manage Bluetooth devices with ease. I love it, it allows me to easily switch between my headphones as well as other devices.

Menu-Bar-to-turn-on-Airplane-Mode-on-Mac-2

Disabling AirDrop Effectively

Finder Method

Open Finder > AirDrop.

AirDrop Discovery Settings

On the bottom, choose “Allow me to be discovered by: No One.”

Be aware that AirDrop makes use of both WiFi as well as Bluetooth. Enable it is required to enable full Airplane Mode to be activated on Mac activation.

Turning Off Location Services

Accessing Privacy Settings

Head to System Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services.

Disabling for Specific Apps

You can disable it completely or deactivate it for specific apps only.

This step improves your security by limiting GPS trackers through Airplane Mode Mac actions.

Activating “Do Not Disturb” Mode

Using Control Center

Click on the Control Center icon on the menu bar.
Under Focus, select “Do Not Disturb.”

Focus Mode Benefits

Blocks notifications, call banners, calls, and pop-ups.
Ideal for flights as well as long-term work.

When paired with additional settings, this will complete the Airplane Mode On Mac configuration.

Creating a Custom Shortcut for Airplane Mode

Using the Apple Shortcuts App

Open the Shortcuts application.
Click the “+” button to create a new shortcut.
Add actions like:
- Turn WiFi Off
- Turn Bluetooth Off
- Enable Do Not Disturb

Assigning Keyboard Shortcut

Give it a name similar to “Airplane Mode.”
Add it to your menu bar or dock.
Set up a hotkey for quick access to your.

One tap, and boom! You’re in the offline mode and focused by using Airplane Mode on Mac.

How to Quickly Restore Internet and Bluetooth

Turning On WiFi

Click the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar.
Select the network you want to connect to.

Re-enabling Bluetooth and AirDrop

Open System Settings and select Bluetooth or click on it to navigate through the menu.
For AirDrop:
- Open Finder > AirDrop
- Change visibility to everyone or Contacts.

It’s equally easy to get back online having used Airplane Mode on Mac.

Automating Airplane Mode using Third-Party Applications

control-plane

The app detects your surroundings and automatically adjusts setting (WiFi, Bluetooth, etc. ).
Perfect for frequent flyers or digital nomads who use Airplane Mode on Mac often.

HazeOver

Although not specifically intended for Airplane Mode, it reduces the amount of screen clutter by blurring background windows.
Focuses attention.

Advanced Security Benefits of Going Offline

Privacy Protection

Without Bluetooth and WiFi, your Mac is inaccessible to all passive network scans due to Airplane Mode On Mac.

Network Safety

There is no active network? No threats based on networks. Simple and efficient.

When You Shouldn’t Use Full Airplane Mode

Collaborative Work Needs

If you’re using apps like Google Docs, Notion, or Zoom, You’ll require WiFi.

Bluetooth Accessories

In case you’re wearing wireless headphones or using a mouse, you might want to disable WiFi and then adjust Airplane Mode on your Mac to suit your needs.

Smart Alternatives to Airplane Mode

Focus Mode vs Airplane Mode

Focus Mode is a way to stay connected but hides distractions. It is ideal for a soft focus with no being isolated.

Firewall and VPN Tips

Enable Firewall: System Settings > Network > Firewall.
Utilize a VPN (like NordVPN or ProtonVPN) to ensure your privacy while connected.

These are alternative options in place of Airplane Mode On Mac for those who require connectivity.

Final Thoughts and Best Practices

You don’t require a tangible Airplane Mode button to enjoy its advantages on the Mac. With just a few steps or some clever automation, you can secure your battery life the privacy of and boost your productivity by using Airplane Mode on a Mac.

FAQs: Airplane Mode on Mac in 2025

Why does macOS have an Airplane native Mode?

Apple allows more manual control over Mac. This is why Mac users must disable wireless service individually by with Airplane Mode Mac methods.

Is it safe to keep Bluetooth on during a flight?

It may be, but most airlines require that it is turned off. Always follow the flight crew’s instructions.

How do I set up Airplane Mode on my Mac?

Yes! You can utilize the Shortcuts application with triggers such as time or location to automatically enable Airplane mode on Mac.

Can deactivating these features affect the performance of apps?

Yes, Applications that require internet or GPS aren’t able to function offline. It is normal for those using Airplane Mode on a Mac.

Is there a third-party application that can automate Airplane Mode on Mac?

ControlPlane is the most effective tool for automating networks and Bluetooth toggling, according to the environment you are in when using Airplane Mode on Mac.