Airplane Mode Offers Negligible Boost to Phone Charging Speeds

Switching a smartphone to airplane mode while charging does increase speed, but the benefit is minimal, according to reporting from Engadget. By disabling cellular connections, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and notifications, the device stops searching for signals, which Engadget reports results in a time savings of only 4 to 11 minutes for both older and newer phone models.

Because the speed increase is negligible, the trade-off of rendering a device virtually unusable is often not worth the effort. Engadget suggests that users seeking maximum efficiency should instead focus on hardware upgrades. This includes investing in high-quality cables—specifically swapping USB-A-to-USB-C for USB-C-to-USB-C—and purchasing power blocks that support a device's maximum charging speed.

Hardware requirements vary by manufacturer. Engadget notes that the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra does not include a power adapter in the box. Similarly, the Apple iPhone 17 series does not include an adapter, despite the iPhone Air supporting 20W charging and other models in the series supporting speeds up to 40W. For wireless options, Engadget recommends investing in a Qi2 charger for devices that support the standard. To maintain speed without sacrificing connectivity, the outlet suggests using portable power banks or utilizing "do not disturb" and focus modes to limit screen wake-ups.