A few days ago, my Android phone suddenly got stuck in Airplane Mode, refusing to turn off no matter what I did. I tried tapping the toggle multiple times, restarting my device, and even removing the SIM card—but nothing worked. If you’ve ever faced this frustrating issue, you know how annoying it can be, especially when you need to make urgent calls or access mobile data.
The ‘Airplane Mode won’t turn off’ problem can occur due to software glitches, system settings conflicts, SIM-related issues, or even hardware failures. In some cases, the Airplane Mode toggle becomes unresponsive, while in others, the phone continues to show no network even after turning it off.
If your Android device is stuck in Airplane Mode, don’t worry—this guide will provide step-by-step solutions to fix the issue effectively. We’ll cover everything from basic troubleshooting to advanced fixes, ensuring you can restore your network connectivity as quickly as possible.
Understanding the Issue
Before applying fixes, it’s important to understand why Airplane Mode gets stuck on Android:
- Software Glitches – A temporary system bug may prevent the Airplane Mode toggle from working.
- Faulty System Update – If you recently updated your phone, a bug in the update may be causing the issue.
- Corrupt Network Settings – Misconfigured network settings can lock the device in Airplane Mode.
- SIM Card Issues – A loose, damaged, or incompatible SIM card can interfere with network signals.
- Third-Party Apps – Some apps, especially battery savers and automation tools, can override system settings and cause Airplane Mode to get stuck.
Now, let’s go through detailed solutions to fix Airplane Mode not turning off on Android.
Fixes for Airplane Mode Won’t Turn Off on Android
1. Restart Your Device
Tools Needed: None
Steps:
- Press and hold the Power button until the power menu appears.
- Tap Restart and wait for your phone to reboot.
- Once your phone restarts, try turning off Airplane Mode again.
Why This Works: A simple restart can clear temporary system glitches that might be preventing Airplane Mode from turning off.
2. Turn Airplane Mode On and Off Multiple Times
Tools Needed: None
Steps:
- Open Settings > Network & Internet > Airplane Mode.
- Toggle Airplane Mode ON and wait 10 seconds.
- Now, toggle Airplane Mode OFF and check if your network returns.
- If it’s still stuck, repeat the process 3-4 times.
Why This Works: This method forces the system to refresh network settings, which can resolve minor software glitches.
3. Remove and Reinsert the SIM Card
Tools Needed: SIM ejector tool or a paperclip
Steps:
- Power off your phone completely.
- Use a SIM ejector tool to remove the SIM card tray.
- Check the SIM card for damage and wipe it with a dry cloth.
- Reinsert the SIM card securely and power on your phone.
- Try disabling Airplane Mode again.
Why This Works: A misaligned or faulty SIM card can interfere with network functions, keeping your device in Airplane Mode.
4. Reset Network Settings
Tools Needed: Android device
Steps:
- Open Settings > System > Reset Options.
- Tap Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth.
- Confirm the reset and wait for your device to restart.
- Try turning off Airplane Mode again.
Why This Works: Resetting network settings clears corrupt configurations that may be preventing Airplane Mode from turning off.
Tools Needed: None
Steps:
- Press and hold the Power button + Volume Down button for about 10-15 seconds.
- Wait for the phone to restart automatically.
- After rebooting, check if Airplane Mode can be turned off.
Why This Works: A force restart can reset system functions and fix unresponsive features like a stuck Airplane Mode.
6. Boot into Safe Mode
Tools Needed: None
Steps:
- Press and hold the Power button until the power menu appears.
- Tap and hold Power Off until the Safe Mode prompt appears.
- Select OK to reboot into Safe Mode.
- Once in Safe Mode, try turning off Airplane Mode.
- If it works, restart your phone normally to exit Safe Mode.
Why This Works: Safe Mode disables third-party apps, helping identify if an app is causing the issue.
7. Check for System Updates
Tools Needed: Internet connection
Steps:
- Open Settings > System > Software Update.
- Tap Check for Updates.
- If an update is available, download and install it.
- Restart your phone and check if Airplane Mode works properly.
Why This Works: A software update can fix known bugs that might be causing Airplane Mode to get stuck.
8. Perform a Factory Reset (Last Resort)
Tools Needed: Backup storage (Google Drive, external device)
Steps:
- Back up your data using Google Drive or a PC.
- Open Settings > System > Reset Options.
- Select Erase all data (Factory reset).
- Confirm the reset and wait for your phone to restart.
- Set up your device and check if Airplane Mode works normally.
Why This Works: A factory reset removes all software issues, including persistent Airplane Mode problems.
Pros and Cons of Each Fix
| Fix | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Restarting the device | Quick and easy | May not fix deeper issues |
| Toggling Airplane Mode multiple times | Forces system refresh | Might not work on all devices |
| Removing and reinserting SIM | Fixes SIM-related issues | Requires ejector tool |
| Resetting network settings | Clears corrupt settings | Deletes saved Wi-Fi connections |
| Force restarting | Fixes system glitches | Doesn’t address software bugs |
| Booting into Safe Mode | Identifies app conflicts | Requires rebooting to exit |
| Checking for updates | Fixes known bugs | Not always available |
| Performing a factory reset | Completely fixes software issues | Erases all data |
Conclusion
If your Android device is stuck in Airplane Mode, it’s often caused by software glitches, network misconfigurations, or hardware conflicts. Simple fixes like restarting the phone, resetting network settings, or removing the SIM card can resolve the issue in most cases. However, if none of the basic solutions work, a factory reset may be necessary as a last resort.
Did any of these methods work for you? Let us know in the comments!
FAQs
- Why is my Android stuck in Airplane Mode?
- This can happen due to software bugs, SIM issues, or network misconfigurations.
- Can a faulty update cause Airplane Mode issues?
- Yes, a bad system update can sometimes lead to network-related bugs.
- Will resetting network settings delete my data?
- No, but it will erase saved Wi-Fi networks, Bluetooth connections, and APN settings.
- How do I know if an app is causing the issue?
- Boot into Safe Mode and check if Airplane Mode works normally.
- Is factory resetting my only option if nothing works?
- Yes, but it should be a last resort. Try all other fixes before resetting your phone.
