How to Turn on Airplane Mode on Mac

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How to Turn on Airplane Mode on Mac

Airplane mode on a mobile device is used to switch off the cellular and Wi-Fi networks so that no signal is transmitted from the device to the plane. This is necessary during flight navigation if the plane is drastically affected by it. Here is how you can turn on Airplane mode on Mac.

To turn on Airplane Mode on Mac, click on the Apple Logo on the top-right corner of the screen and select System Preferences. Now, go to the Network menu option. Simply switch off the Wi-Fi and head back to System Preferences. Now, try switching off Bluetooth as well.

This article details how to use the Airplane mode on your Mac. 

How to Turn on Airplane Mode on Mac?

The big reveal is that there is no dedicated airplane mode on Mac. Frustrating right? 

Instead, you have to switch off both the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth manually. Read the instructions provided below.

  • Click on the Apple logo from the Menu bar. 
  • Now, head over to System Preferences. 
  • Click on the Network tab. 
  • Make sure Wi-Fi is selected from the menu on the left side. 
  • Click on the Turn Wi-Fi Off option beside the Status section.
Turn on Airplane Mode on Mac
How to Turn on Airplane Mode on Mac
  • Click on the back button to head to the main System Preferences page. 
  • Select the Bluetooth tab and choose the Turn Bluetooth Off option. 
  • Alternatively, you can do this much more quickly using the Menu bar. 
  • Select the Wi-Fi symbol on the Menu bar and toggle the Wi-fi option off. 
  • Now, click on the Control center icon, select the Bluetooth option and toggle it off.

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How to View Legacy Networks and Options on Mac?

Legacy networks are a thing of the past, but still, Mac has options to turn it and its possibilities on. They haven’t been in use since the mid-80s. However, if you want to enable it, follow the instructions. 

  • Power on and sign in to your Mac. 
  • Open System Preferences by clicking the Apple logo on the Menu bar. 
  • Head over to the Network tab. 
  • Click on the Advanced button at the bottom of the window. 
  • Check the box next to the Show legacy network and options. 

Wifi Issues After Turning Off Airplane Mode on Mac – How to Fix

If you have switched on your Wi-Fi back to normal after turning off the Airplane Mode, there might be chances that it is causing certain issues. Whatever be the reason, here are some fixes you can try out if you’re faced with a similar problem.

1. Restart Your Mac

This is the first thing you should try when facing Wi-Fi issues, as it resets the temporary system settings. It renews the internet address, or you can also choose to do this manually by following the steps provided below. 

  • Open System Preferences by clicking on the Apple logo from the Menu bar. 
  • Head over to the Network tab. 
  • From the menu on the left side, select the network that needs its IP address renewed. 
  • Next, select the Advanced button from the bottom of the window. 
  • Click on the TCP/IP tab from the new pop-up window. 
  • Now select Renew DHCP Lease. 

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2. Check to See if Your Mac is Up-to-Date

A lot of times, Wi-Fi issues can be triggered by outdated software. Follow the steps given below to see how to do this. 

  • Power on and sign in to your Mac. 
  • Select the Apple logo from the Menu bar. 
  • Click on About this Mac from the list. 
  • Select the Software update button from the new pop-up window. 
  • Now, your Mac will start checking if any new updates are available for your device. 
  • If there is, download and install the update. 
  • After updating your Mac, check if this fixed your Wi-Fi issues. 

3. Check the Date and Time Settings on Your Mac 

Incorrect date and time settings also cause problems with Wi-Fi routers. Follow the steps given below to fix this issue. 

  • Power on and sign in to your Mac. 
  • Open System Preferences are available both on the dock and by clicking on the Apple logo on the Menu bar. 
  • Select the Date & Time tab. 
  • You will see a lock icon on the bottom left part of the window. 
  • Click on it and enter the password to your Mac to enable changes to these settings. 
  • Ensure the box next to the Set date and time automatically option is toggled on. 
  • If this doesn’t fix your problem, you can try changing the servers from the section beside the Set date and time automatically option. 
  • By default, it is set to the Apple server. However, you can check and choose between various others to see what works for you.

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4. VPN Services 

Suppose you have any VPN (Virtual Private Network) services running on your Mac. They can intervene with the Wi-Fi connection process. Many apps, like content blockers, ad blockers, anti-virus apps, and configuration files, can interfere with Wi-Fi connectivity.

Try disabling these apps if you have any of them and see if it fixes the problem. 

Alternatively, you can also run a wireless diagnostics test to see if there are any software or hardware issues. Follow the steps to see how it is done.

  • Power on your Mac and sign into it. 
  • Open a Spotlight search bar and type in “wireless diagnostics.”
  • Open the app and click on Continue. 
  • Now, Mac will try to analyze if there are any problems with your Wi-Fi systems or not. 
  • Troubleshoot any issues if you find them after the test has concluded.

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5. Check With Your ISP

The last option for you is to contact your ISP and ask them to look at the Wi-Fi router for you. Also, ask them if it’s not a problem from their end. 

Conclusion

As you saw, there is no dedicated button for an Airplane mode on Mac. Instead, you need to manually switch off your Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on mac, which will do the same as airplane mode, only with a few extra steps.

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