Few things are more annoying than grabbing your phone and realizing airplane mode is stuck. Suddenly, calls, texts, and mobile data vanish, and the usual toggle just stares back, grayed out or frozen. If this is happening to you, take a breath. You’re not alone and your phone probably isn’t broken for good. This glitch happens to people on all Android brands, and most cases can be solved at home with a few careful steps.
In this guide, I’ll lay out simple, safe solutions that anyone can follow. I’ll explain why airplane mode gets stuck, what you can expect, and exactly what to do, step by step, with plain instructions. No tech skills required.
Why Your Android Gets Stuck in Airplane Mode: What’s Happening Under the Hood
When airplane mode refuses to budge, it can feel like your phone has a mind of its own. But the real cause is usually much simpler.
Here’s what’s most likely happening inside your device:
- Software Bugs or Glitches: Sometimes, a minor system error sneaks in after an update or app install. This can freeze the airplane mode switch.
- Misbehaving Apps: Some apps that control calls or WiFi can mess with system settings, leaving you locked in airplane mode.
- Outdated Firmware: Running old software can trigger compatibility problems, especially after system or network updates.
- SIM Card Issues: A corrupted or poorly seated SIM card can confuse your phone’s network settings, making it act like airplane mode is always on.
- Rarely, Hardware Faults: If nothing else works, a deeper problem with your phone’s internal chips could be to blame, but this is rare.
Typical signs:
- The airplane mode switch is grayed out and can’t be changed.
- You can’t connect to any mobile networks, WiFi, or Bluetooth.
- Restarting doesn’t help.
The good news? For most people, these problems have simple, safe fixes.
Step-by-Step Fixes for Airplane Mode Stuck on Android (For All Brands)
Let’s walk through the safest, most effective fixes, from easiest to most advanced. Start at the top and work your way down until your phone is back to normal.
1. Try the Basics First: Simple Reboot and Toggle
Sometimes, the oldest tricks are the best.
- Restart your phone: Hold the power button and tap “Restart” (or “Power off” then turn it back on).
- Toggle airplane mode on and off: If the switch works at all, turn airplane mode on, wait a few seconds, then off.
- Remove any case or covers: Rarely, accessories may press buttons or interfere with sensors.
Why this works: Minor glitches can clear out after a reboot or toggle, restoring normal controls.
2. Update Your Device and Apps
Outdated software is often the hidden villain.
- Open Settings > Software update and check for any available updates.
- Update all apps in the Play Store by tapping your profile, then “Manage apps & device”.
Why this works: New updates often patch bugs or conflicts that cause airplane mode to freeze.
3. Remove and Reinsert the SIM Card
A misbehaving SIM card is a common culprit.
- Power off your phone completely.
- Eject the SIM tray with a pin or tool.
- Remove the SIM card, wipe it gently, and reinsert.
- Power your phone back on.
Why this works: Removing and reinserting the SIM resets network configurations, which can kick airplane mode back to normal.
4. Reset Network Settings (No Data Loss)
If toggling and updates don’t help, it’s time to reset your phone’s network settings. Don’t worry—your personal files and apps stay safe.
- Go to Settings > System > Reset options (or General Management > Reset).
- Choose Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth or Reset network settings.
- Confirm and wait for the restart.
Why this works: This clears out any corrupted network or connection settings that freeze airplane mode.
5. Boot into Safe Mode (Check for Faulty Apps)
Malfunctioning apps can hijack your network controls. Safe Mode runs only the core software.
- Press and hold the power button.
- Tap and hold “Power Off” until you see the Safe Mode prompt.
- Tap “OK” or “Reboot to Safe Mode”.
Test airplane mode in this state. If it works now, an app is to blame. Uninstall any recent apps, especially ones related to calls, WiFi, or system tools. Restart your phone to exit Safe Mode.
Why this works: Safe Mode disables all third-party apps, exposing the troublemaker.
6. Wipe Cache Partition (Samsung/Some Android Brands)
Sometimes, system cache gets corrupted. Clearing it can fix deep glitches.
- Power off your phone.
- Press and hold Volume Up + Power (and Home/Bixby if present) until the device logo appears.
- Use volume buttons to highlight “Wipe cache partition”.
- Press Power to select, wait for it to finish, then choose Reboot system now.
Why this works: It removes temporary files that might block network controls without deleting your data.
7. Last Resort: Factory Reset (What You Need to Know)
Only use this if nothing else works. A reset erases all your data and returns your device to factory settings.
Before you begin:
- Back up your data: Save photos, contacts, and important files.
- Unlink your Google account: This can prevent activation issues later.
To factory reset:
- Go to Settings > System > Reset options > Erase all data (factory reset).
- Follow on-screen instructions.
If the problem remains after a factory reset, your phone may have a hardware issue. Visit a certified repair center or contact your device’s official support team.
Conclusion
Getting stuck in airplane mode feels stressful, but most of the time it’s just a stubborn glitch—not a death sentence for your device. Start with the basics: restart, update software, reseat your SIM, and reset network settings. In my experience, these steps solve the problem for nearly everyone. Only consider a factory reset if nothing else works, and always back up first.
Take your time, work through the solutions calmly, and you’ll likely get your phone back online without a trip to the repair shop. Keeping your Android healthy is all about regular updates and avoiding sketchy apps.
Disclaimer
This guide is for informational purposes only. If your Android remains stuck in airplane mode after completing these steps, or if you suspect a hardware problem, please seek help from a qualified technician or your phone’s official support channel. Avoid using unofficial apps or unapproved procedures that might void your warranty or risk your data.
Read also.
- Nothing Phone 3a BIG Update: Private Space, AOD, Macro Camera & 4K 30fps Video Improvements
- Vivo T3 Ultra After New Update: Camera Geekbench Score & UI Experience Explained
[hurrytimer id=”3085″]
