Does Airplane Mode Reduce My EMF Radiation Exposure?

Did you know that airplane mode isn’t just for when you’re 30,000 feet up in the air? It’s also a powerful way to reduce your EMF radiation"Radiation" in the context of Electromagnetic Fields (EMF) refers to the process by which energy is emitted and transmitted through space or a material medium in the form of electromagnetic... More exposure.

By simply hitting that airplane icon on your phone, you can cut a significant chunk of your daily EMF exposure and take a step towards a safer, healthier life in today’s hyper-connected world.

Let me explain.

Sources of EMF from a Smartphone

You might be surprised to learn that your phone isn’t just one source of EMF radiation—it’s actually multiple! 

Here’s how it works: every time you use cellular service, WiFi, Bluetooth, or GPS, your phone emits EMF radiation. 

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Think of it like several tiny invisible “radios” operating within your device, all designed to keep you connected. 

Each of these radios emits its own electromagnetic fieldIn the context of electromagnetic fields (EMF), the term "field" refers to a region in space where electric and magnetic forces are exerted. An electromagnetic field is generated by electrically... More, contributing to the overall EMF your phone generates.

• Cellular Connections: The biggest source of EMF from your phone is its cellular connection. Every time it pings a cell tower for calls, texts, or data, it emits EMF radiation. According to the California Department of Public Health, phones emit more radiation when constantly seeking signals, like when moving​.
• WiFi: When the WiFi function is on, your phone starts looking for networks, or if you’re already connected to WiFi, your phone emits EMF to maintain the connection. 
• Bluetooth: This feature is handy for wireless headphones and accessories, but it also adds another layer of radiation to your personal environment.
• GPS: While helpful for navigation, GPS is yet another source of EMF.

Each of these features can operate simultaneously, adding up to multiple streams of EMF from a single phone. 

The more features you have active, the more EMF your phone emits. This is why airplane mode can be such a powerful tool—it cuts off these connections at the source, letting you control your exposure whenever you’re not actively using your phone.

How Airplane Mode Works to Limit EMF Radiation

When you switch your phone to this mode, it disables all wireless functions—no more cellular, WiFi, Bluetooth, or GPS. 

With it enabled, your phone won’t emit any of the radiation that usually comes from trying to stay connected. Here’s why that’s a big deal.

Doing this blocks all signals, meaning your phone doesn’t need to “talk” to cell towers, WiFi routers, or Bluetooth devices. This can greatly reduce your personal EMF exposure levels​.

As a result, your phone won’t be able to subject you to the ton of physical and mental health problems that tag along with EMF. 

Visit SYB’s EMF Health Effects page for more information. 

So, turn on airplane mode whenever you can. 

But how do you do that?

How to Turn on Airplane Mode on Different Devices

Turning on airplane mode differs slightly depending on the device you’re using. 

Here’s an in-depth look at how to enable this setting on various operating systems, with step-by-step instructions for popular device types. 

iOS Devices (iPhone & iPad)

Apple’s iOS makes it easy to toggle airplane mode on or off from a few different spots, depending on whether you’re using an iPhone or iPad.

Method 1: Control Center

• Open control center:
  • On iPhones with Face ID or newer iPads, swipe down from the top-right corner of the screen.
  • For older iPhones with a Home button, swipe up from the bottom of the screen.
• Tap the airplane icon: Look for the airplane icon and tap it. This icon will turn orange when airplane mode is active, indicating that cellular, WiFi, and Bluetooth are all disabled.

Method 2: Settings Menu

• Open the Settings app: Locate the Settings app on your home screen and tap to open it.
• Toggle Airplane Mode: At the very top, you’ll see the Airplane Mode option with a switch. Tap the switch to turn airplane mode on or off.

Quick Tip for iOS Users:

In airplane mode, you can selectively re-enable WiFi or Bluetooth by toggling them back on from the Control Center or the Settings menu. 

Keep in mind that each enabled connection will slightly increase EMF, so only use these when needed​.

How do I Turn on Airplane Mode on Android?

Android offers various ways to turn on airplane mode, and the exact method may vary slightly depending on your Android version and phone model (e.g., Samsung, Google Pixel, etc.).

Method 1: Quick Settings Menu

• Swipe down to access Quick Settings: Swipe down from the top of the screen. On some devices, you may need to swipe down twice or use two fingers for the full menu.
• Find the airplane icon: Look for the airplane icon in the Quick Settings grid. Tap it once to activate airplane mode, which will turn off cellular, WiFi, and Bluetooth.

Method 2: Settings Menu

• Open the Settings app: Go to the Settings menu from your home screen or app drawer.
• Navigate to Network & Internet: Depending on your device, this might be under Connections, Wireless & Networks, or directly labeled Network & Internet.
• Enable Airplane Mode: Within this menu, find and tap Airplane Mode to toggle it on or off.

Advanced Option for Custom Android Skins (Samsung One UI, etc.)

Some Android devices allow you to modify this settings. For example, in Samsung’s One UI, you can choose to keep certain features active, like Bluetooth, even when airplane mode is on. 

This allows you to manage connectivity more flexibly if needed​.

Airplane Mode on Apple Watch

If you own an Apple Watch, using this setting is just as important since the watch sits close to your body throughout the day. Here’s how to activate it:

Method 1: Using Control Center on Apple Watch

• Access Control Center: Swipe up from the bottom of your Apple Watch face.
• Tap the airplane icon: Find and tap the airplane icon. Once it turns orange, your watch will enter airplane mode, and all wireless connections will be turned off.

Method 2: Settings App on Apple Watch

• Press the Digital Crown: Open the Settings app by pressing the Digital Crown to access the app screen.
• Scroll to Airplane Mode: Scroll down and tap to toggle it on.

Tip for Apple Watch Users:

To ensure your watch doesn’t reconnect to your phone via Bluetooth, keep airplane mode active on both your iPhone and Apple Watch. 

This minimizes EMF, particularly when the watch is in close contact with your skin​.

macOS Devices (MacBooks & iMacs)

Though not typically used on the go like phones or tablets, enabling airplane mode (or its equivalent) on Mac devices can help reduce EMF when WiFi or Bluetooth isn’t needed. Here’s how:

Disable WiFi

• Open WiFi settings: Click the WiFi icon in the top-right corner of your screen.
• Select “Turn WiFi Off.” This will disconnect your Mac from all networks and eliminate WiFi-based EMF.

Disable Bluetooth

• Open Bluetooth settings: Click the Apple Menu in the top-left corner, select System Preferences, then Bluetooth.
• Turn Bluetooth off: Click “Turn Bluetooth Off” to disable wireless connections for devices like keyboards, mice, or AirPods.

Best of All, Disable Bluetooth and Use Hardwired Internet

The best move? Keep Bluetooth off when you’re not using it, and skip the WiFi. Just plug in an Ethernet cable for your internet. It’s a simple swap that cuts down on wireless exposure while keeping you connected.

If you don’t know how to hardwire your internet, SYB’s in-house EMF expert Cathy Cooke has created this amazing course, where she teaches you how to hardwire your internet in the least invasive and most cost-effective way.

So, definitely check it out. 

Note for macOS Users:

While macOS lacks a true “airplane mode,” turning off WiFi and Bluetooth can help minimize EMF emissions, especially if you’re using your device near your body or during periods of extended use​​.

It Isn’t “All or Nothing”. You Have Options.

Many modern devices allow you to enable specific connections even when in airplane mode, giving you flexibility based on your needs:

• WiFi in Airplane Mode: Enables internet access without cellular EMF. Perfect for browsing or streaming on flights or in low-signal areas.
• Bluetooth in Airplane Mode: Lets you use wireless headphones or other accessories with limited EMF compared to full cellular connectivity. This is particularly useful if you need wireless functionality but still want to limit overall radiation.

Remember, every added connection reintroduces a layer of EMF, so it’s best to only use these selectively or preferably not at all when your airplane mode is on. 

The fewer connections active, the lower your exposure will be. This selective connectivity offers flexibility without compromising on safety.

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Practical Scenarios for Using Airplane Mode

Wondering when you should use airplane mode? Here are a few common situations where it’s smart to switch on airplane mode and minimize your EMF exposure:

1. While sleeping: If your phone is near your bed, putting it in airplane mode overnight reduces EMF, promoting a more restful night’s sleep. According to health experts, cutting down EMF during sleep can support better rest and overall wellness​.
2. During commuting or travel: When moving, like driving or riding public transportation, your phone works harder to stay connected, meaning it emits more radiation. Airplane mode can lower this by stopping your phone from constantly seeking signals​.
3. Family and personal time: Engaging with others without distraction is not only beneficial for relationships but also reduces EMF in shared spaces, allowing everyone nearby to enjoy a healthier environment.
4. In the office or at school: If you don’t need to use your phone, keep it on airplane mode to avoid distraction and reduce EMF in public spaces. This is especially beneficial in areas with many devices, as it limits both personal and communal exposure.
5. When focusing on tasks: Whether studying or working on a project, airplane mode helps you stay focused and minimizes EMF, which can improve concentration and support overall productivity.

Be Conscious Of The Services & Functions You Need

Using airplane mode in these scenarios is a small but effective step to decrease your daily EMF exposure without compromising much of your phone’s functionality. 

It’s a simple practice that promotes both health and efficiency in everyday life.

So be mindful of the different sources of radiation, find out which ones are in your control, and always use your power"Power" in a scientific context refers to the rate at which work is done or energy is transferred. In simpler terms, it's how fast something is using energy. For example,... More to choose which ones are switched on and off. 

For example, if you need to use the internet on your phone but don’t need to make calls, turn on wifi but switch off your cell phone data and Bluetooth.

In being conscious of which services and functions you switch on and which you keep turned off when not in use, you can reduce the amount of harmful radiation that your phone emits.

Conclusion

Airplane mode is more than just a flight setting—it’s an effective way to take control of your phone’s EMF radiation and reduce exposure during times you don’t need to stay connected. 

By using airplane mode, you can cut down on unnecessary EMF, enjoy a better night’s sleep, and be more present with those around you.

Ready to take your EMF protection to the next level? Airplane mode is just the beginning. 

Explore SYB’s EMF protection solutions like phone pouches, shields, and more to safeguard yourself and your loved ones from daily radiation​.