When time is of the essence and the cell phone battery is in the red, every minute counts. A trick that has gained popularity on social networks promises to speed up the charging of the device with a simple gesture: activate airplane mode before connecting it. But does it really work or is it just another technological myth?
The short answer is that it does work, although the benefit may not be as dramatic as many expect. According to tests conducted by CNET, an American technology media recognized for its rigorous hardware and software analysis, Activating airplane mode while charging reduces the time needed by 4 to 11 minutes compared to charging the phone in normal mode.
What is airplane mode and how does it work?
Airplane mode, also known as flight mode, is a feature that disables all wireless connections on your device. According to Asurion, a company specialized in protection and technical support of electronic equipment, When this option is activated, the phone stops communicating with cellular networks, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth accessories.
Originally designed to prevent interference with air navigation systems during flights, its use has expanded beyond airplanes. Today, users use it to save battery life, reduce distractions, improve device performance, and even speed up charging times.
When airplane mode is activated, your phone cannot make calls, send messages, or connect to the internet. This total disconnection is precisely what allows energy to be used more efficiently during recharging.
The science behind the fast charging trick
The principle behind this method is simple, but effective: by reducing the power consumption of the device, More current can be directed directly to recharging the battery. A video from the Smart Fox channel explains it clearly: “When the phone is in normal operation, it also uses energy for all the applications and processes that run in the background. By activating airplane mode, consumption is significantly reduced.”
The specialized portal HowStuffWorks delves into this explanation, pointing out that Airplane mode speeds up charging because the device stops emitting and receiving network and GPS signals, processes that constantly consume energy, even when the phone appears to be sleeping. These wireless connections keep the device scanning for signals, updating apps, and syncing data in real time.
By disabling these features, the phone enters a low power state. The electrical current entering through the charger does not have to be divided between powering active processes and recharging the battery, but can be concentrated almost exclusively on the latter task.
Not all charging methods are the same
Before applying the airplane mode trick, It is important to consider the charging method used. Not all systems deliver power with the same efficiency, and this difference can have a greater impact than airplane mode itself.
According to Smart Fox, charging your phone with a USB cable connected to a computer “takes significantly longer” than charging directly from a wall outlet. The same happens with wireless charging bases or inductive chargers, which, although they offer convenience, require considerably more time to reach a full charge.
The most effective method remains the traditional one: using the original manufacturer’s charger connected directly to a power outlet. In this scenario, the power flow is constant, direct, and optimized for the device’s battery specifications.
The definitive trick for ultra-fast charging
If the 4 to 11 minutes saved by airplane mode are not enough and you really need an emergency charge, There is an even more effective alternative: turn off the phone completely.
“The best trick, when you have to be really fast, is to simply turn off the phone. This way you get a fuller battery before you go out,” says the Smart Fox video. This recommendation makes sense from a technical point of view: A device turned off consumes absolutely no energy, allowing 100% of the current to be dedicated exclusively to recharging the battery.
The difference between turning off your phone and activating airplane mode is that, even with all wireless connections disabled, the operating system continues to function, the screen can turn on with notifications, and various internal processes continue to run at a minimum level. By turning off the device completely, all these consumption disappear.
Is this trick worth using?
The question many people ask is whether it is really worth activating airplane mode every time they charge their phone. The answer depends on the context. For overnight charging or when you have several hours available, the difference of a few minutes is irrelevant.
However, in emergency situations, when you need to get out in just a few minutes and require as much battery life as possible, every minute counts. In these cases, combining the use of the original charger connected to the socket with airplane mode activated, or directly turning off the phone, can make the difference between leaving with 30% or 45% battery.
The airplane mode trick is not a myth, but it is not a magic solution either. It is a small optimization that, applied at the right time, can be useful. The key is to have realistic expectations and combine it with other good charging habits to keep your device’s battery in optimal condition.
Keep reading:
* The small hole in your cell phone: what it is for and how to care for it correctly
* If your cell phone loses signal, check your bank account, as you could be the victim of a scam
* How to connect to WiFi without writing the password: secure and automatic methods depending on your device