Airplane mode symbol

A small aeroplane silhouette, marking the setting that disables a device's radios.

Also known as: Flight mode, Aeroplane symbol, Plane icon

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Meanings

The aeroplane icon marks the setting that turns off a device's wireless transmitters. It does not mean the device is on a plane, and on most systems it can be overridden to leave Wi-Fi or Bluetooth on — so the icon names a setting rather than a state of the radios.

Common modern usageVerified fact
Marks the setting that disables a device's wireless transmitters — cellular, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth — in one action.
Contexts: Software
Common modern usageVerified fact
Does not reliably mean every radio is off: most current systems allow Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to be re-enabled while the mode remains on, so the icon indicates a setting rather than the state of the transmitters.
Contexts: Software

Visual description

The silhouette of a fixed-wing aircraft seen from above or in three-quarter view, with a pointed nose, swept wings and a tail fin.

A fuller structured visual breakdown is not yet documented for this symbol.

Confidence

IdentityModerate confidence: Moderate confidence because the identity is documented in encyclopedic references, but only a single source has been found so far.
Historical originLow confidence: Low confidence because the historical origin is documented in encyclopedic references, but only a single source has been found so far, but early or supporting evidence is limited, but the regional or cultural match to this specific claim is not precise.
Current useModerate confidence: Moderate confidence because the current use is documented in encyclopedic references, but only a single source has been found so far.
Visual matchModerate confidence: Moderate confidence because the visual match is documented in encyclopedic references, but only a single source has been found so far.

Sources

Airplane mode
Wikipedia · retrieved 2026-07-31
Tertiary reference. Used for what an icon marks and how widely a convention is followed, never for a claim that any body defines it.

Last reviewed 2026-08-01

Part of

Device and interface icons

Help improve this page

Meanings

Common modern usageVerified fact

Marks the setting that disables a device's wireless transmitters — cellular, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth — in one action.

Contexts: Software

Common modern usageVerified fact

Does not reliably mean every radio is off: most current systems allow Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to be re-enabled while the mode remains on, so the icon indicates a setting rather than the state of the transmitters.

Contexts: Software

Confidence

IdentityModerate confidence: Moderate confidence because the identity is documented in encyclopedic references, but only a single source has been found so far.
Historical originLow confidence: Low confidence because the historical origin is documented in encyclopedic references, but only a single source has been found so far, but early or supporting evidence is limited, but the regional or cultural match to this specific claim is not precise.
Current useModerate confidence: Moderate confidence because the current use is documented in encyclopedic references, but only a single source has been found so far.
Visual matchModerate confidence: Moderate confidence because the visual match is documented in encyclopedic references, but only a single source has been found so far.