Airplane Mode: The Underrated Battery Saver
Airplane mode on your MacBook. You probably never use it. Only if the flight attendant asks. It makes sense: why would you voluntarily turn off your Wi-Fi? Your AirPods don't work anymore. No emails, no messages, no internet. Digitally disconnected from the world.
But here's the thing: Airplane mode might just be your MacBook's most underrated feature . Not because of airplanes, but because of what it does to your battery. And to your concentration. While everyone complains about the short battery life of modern laptops and buys expensive accessories for extra power, the solution is already in your system. One simple click can make the difference between a dead battery at 3 p.m. or working through the day.
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- Refurbished MacBook collection - discover affordable alternatives
- All refurbished Apple products - complete overview
- MacBook accessories - for optimal use
What exactly does airplane mode do to your MacBook?
Airplane mode disables all wireless connections: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and other network functions. The system stops searching for networks, which constantly drains power. Your laptop becomes an island of peace and efficiency. No background processes secretly syncing data. No apps constantly connecting to servers.
The difference in battery life is measurable. A 2023 MacBook Air typically lasts about 15 hours with standard use. With airplane mode enabled, this increases to 18 to 20 hours. A MacBook Pro shows similar improvements: from 12 to 15 hours of actual use.
When is airplane mode really useful?
During long train rides without power outlets. In crowded places where dozens of Wi-Fi networks compete for attention. At the library where you really need to focus on that deadline. Or just at home, when you find yourself checking your email every five minutes.
The mode also works perfectly for:
- Presentations without interruptions from notifications
- Edit videos without battery stress
- Long writing sessions where the internet is just a distraction
- Working on the go with limited charging options
Step by step: activate airplane mode
There are three ways to enable this feature. The quickest method uses the control panel:
- Click on the WiFi icon in your menu bar at the top right
- Turn off WiFi with one click
- Do the same for Bluetooth via the Bluetooth symbol
For the System Preferences route:
- Open the Apple menu at the top left
- Select 'System Preferences' (or 'System Settings' on newer versions)
- Select 'Network'
- Turn off WiFi using the button
- Go to Bluetooth settings and turn it off as well
The third option uses keyboard shortcuts. Create your own key combination via System Preferences > Keyboard > Shortcuts. Useful for those who use this mode regularly.
What can you still do without a connection?
More than you think. Word processors like Pages and Word work perfectly offline. Spreadsheets in Numbers or Excel continue to run. Editing photos in Photos or Photoshop works without internet. Even certain apps have offline capabilities that you might never use.
Spotify and Apple Music let you play music offline if you download playlists beforehand. Netflix offers download options for shows and movies. Many productivity apps like Notion and Obsidian have local versions.
Honestly mention the disadvantages
Of course, airplane mode also has limitations. You'll miss out on real-time communication via Slack or Teams. Cloud syncing will temporarily stop. AirDrop will no longer work for file transfers. Your AirPods will need a cable if you want to listen to music.
For some tasks, this is impractical. Developers constantly pushing code to GitHub. Designers collaborating in Figma. Support staff who need to be available immediately. For them, selective disabling is a better option.
Combine it smartly with other battery-saving tips
Airplane mode works best when combined with other settings. Reduce your screen brightness by 20 percent. Turn off the keyboard backlight during the day. Close apps you're not using completely instead of minimizing them.
On a refurbished MacBook from 2020 or 2021, you'll notice a significant difference. These models often already have some battery wear. The combination of airplane mode and lower brightness can double the battery life.
Practical scenarios from real life
A journalist writing articles on the train between Amsterdam and Brussels. Without airplane mode, the battery was dead upon arrival. With airplane mode, it had 40 percent remaining.
A student who attends classes all day without an outlet nearby. Normally, they need to charge at two o'clock. In airplane mode, the laptop lasts up to five hours.
A consultant who prepares presentations during flights. Even with airlines' limited airplane mode, he can continue working without worrying about battery life.
Airplane Mode FAQ
Does frequently turning it on and off damage my hardware?
No, the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chips are designed for millions of switching cycles. You can safely use them daily.
Does it work on all MacBook models?
Yes, since macOS 10.7 Lion 2011. Newer versions have more sophisticated options for selective disabling.
Can I just turn off WiFi and leave Bluetooth on?
Absolutely. This is handy for those who use wireless headphones or a mouse but don't need internet access.
The underestimated value for your productivity
Airplane mode forces you to focus on your work. No YouTube rabbit holes. No impulsive social media checks. No endless news sites. Your brain gets a break to really think.
Try it for a week. Turn on airplane mode during your most important work hours. It'll feel awkward for the first few days. Afterward, you'll notice you get more done in less time. And your battery lasts longer, as a bonus.
More than just an airplane function
So, Airplane Mode turns out to be much more than just a mandatory inflight routine. It's a simple way to gain hours of extra battery life while protecting your concentration. No complicated tricks, no expensive accessories required. Simply turn off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and your MacBook will run noticeably longer.
It makes a difference, especially on older models or during long workdays without an outlet. Just give it a try during your next work session. You'll likely be surprised by how much you get done and how much battery life you'll have left.
