Google Pixel Airplane Mode finally lets users connect to WiFi and Bluetooth after previously restricting the former.
The search engine giant recently rolled out its new December feature drop for Pixel phones. And it looks like it has refined the Airplane Mode.
Google Pixel Airplane Mode Finally Allows WiFi, Bluetooth
As per the latest news by 9to5 Google, the Airplane Mode on Pixel phones now supports both Bluetooth and WiFi connection when it is enabled.
Previously, Pixel phone users could no longer turn on WiFi and Bluetooth once they were in Airplane Mode.
This has been frustratingly annoying as flights these days now offer an internet connection. Not to mention that most accessories like wireless earbuds connect via Bluetooth.
So when Pixel phone owners are in Airplane Mode, they could not connect to the in-flight WiFi. Such a bummer, isn't it?
But this time, Google has updated it. WiFi and Bluetooth connections are now available even while Airplane Mode is enabled.
9to5 Google reports that users have started seeing a new Android System notification. It says "WiFi on in airplane mode," which means "if you keep WiFi on, it will stay on the next time [you are] in airplane mode."
Another notification reminds users that "WiFi stays on." It states that "your phone remembers to keep Wi-Fi on in airplane mode." It adds that users could still change this by simply turning off the WiFi.
These notifications clearly tell users that Google has refined its Airplane Mode on Android. It now allows them to connect to the in-flight internet.
Bluetooth Connection on Airplane Mode
On top of that, Airplane Mode supports Bluetooth connection as well.
Acccording to a report by Android Central, it lets users connect to their wireless devices, including their earbuds and smartwatch.
So if you are using wireless earbuds that come with noise cancelation, you can connect them to your Pixel phone even while in Airplane Mode. You can finally shut the cabin noise while watching movies or listening to your favorite songs.
The latest not only supports Bluetooth connection, it now lets users connect to the WiFi. At the same time, it shut off the cellular signal of Pixel devices while flying.
But How About Other Android Devices?
For now, the WiFi support on Airplane Mode only arrived to Pixel phone users.
But despite that, 9to5 Google notes that the beta Android 13 QPR1 already offers that same support. So it looks like the new Airplane Mode is rolling out to other devices too.