When your phone is stolen, one of the first things a thief may do is turn on airplane mode. This instantly disconnects your phone from the internet, blocks GPS, and stops tracking apps like Find My Device or Find My iPhone. Once airplane mode is active, your chances of recovering your phone drop.
But with the right settings and tools, you can stop this from happening. This guide will walk you through how to block access to airplane mode, so you have a better shot at recovering your lost or stolen phone.
Why Do Thieves Use Airplane Mode?
Thieves often activate airplane mode to:
- Cut off location sharing
- Prevent you from calling or tracking your device
- Stop apps like Google Find My Device or Apple’s Find My iPhone from working
The faster they do this, the harder it becomes for you to find your phone.
Step-by-Step: How to Stop Access to Airplane Mode
1. Secure Your Lock Screen First
Start by setting up strong lock screen security:
- Use a PIN, password, or pattern that’s not easy to guess
- Enable fingerprint or face unlock where available
- Avoid common codes like 1111 or birthdays
This makes it harder for anyone to access your phone without permission.
2. Disable Quick Settings Access on Locked Phones
Both iPhones and Android phones allow limited control of settings from the lock screen—including airplane mode. You can block this to make your phone safer.
iPhone Users:
- Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode
- Enter your passcode
- Scroll down to “Allow Access When Locked”
- Turn off Control Center and USB Accessories
This stops anyone from swiping down to turn on airplane mode when your phone is locked.
Android Users:
Different brands have slightly different menus, but the general steps are:
- Go to Settings > Lock Screen or Security
- Look for “Lock screen options” or “Notification access”
- Disable Quick Settings access or “Pull down menu” on the lock screen
This blocks the swipe-down menu that includes airplane mode.
3. Use Anti-Theft Apps with Extra Protection
For Android users, some apps offer added features that protect your phone even further. One example is CrookCatcher:
- It detects when someone tries to access the power menu or notification bar
- It instantly shuts off the screen
- It snaps a photo of the thief and sends it to your email with GPS location
CrookCatcher can be found on the Google Play Store, and while it may not work on every device, it’s free and worth trying.
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4. Turn On Google Find My Device or Apple Find My iPhone
Before anything happens, make sure tracking features are enabled:
For Android:
- Go to Settings > Security > Find My Device
- Ensure it’s turned on
- You can track your device anytime at android.com/find
For iPhone:
- Go to Settings > [Your Name] > Find My > Find My iPhone
- Turn on Find My iPhone, Enable Offline Finding, and Send Last Location
- Track your phone at icloud.com/find
These tools let you locate your phone, lock it, and erase it remotely if needed.
5. Keep Your Phone’s Software Updated
Updates fix bugs and security issues that could be used to bypass your settings. Make sure you’re running the latest version of your phone’s operating system.
- On iPhone: Settings > General > Software Update
- On Android: Settings > System > Software Update
Regular updates protect you from new threats.
6. Stay Smart in Public Spaces
Sometimes the best way to prevent phone theft is just by being cautious:
- Keep your phone in zipped bags or front pockets
- Don’t leave it on tables in public areas
- Use phone straps or anti-theft cases when commuting
Final Thoughts
A stolen phone is stressful, but being prepared helps you respond better. Blocking access to airplane mode gives you more time to act and track your device.
To recap:
- Lock your phone with a strong passcode
- Block control center and quick settings access when locked
- Install anti-theft tools like CrookCatcher
- Keep tracking apps active
- Stay updated and cautious
These steps only take a few minutes but can make all the difference in recovering your device and protecting your personal information.
