Even though newer phones charge faster, many people still turn on airplane mode while charging, hoping for a boost. The reality is that airplane mode, which disables cellular, Wi‑Fi, Bluetooth, and notifications, can cut charging time by only 4‑to‑11 minutes on both older and newer devices. That marginal gain often isn’t worth losing the ability to use your phone for calls, texts, or apps.

Airplane mode’s real value is its battery‑saving effect when you’re away from a charger. If you need to conserve power on a long trip, it can help, but it won’t make your phone a “brick” for an hour.

For real speed, upgrade your hardware. Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra and Apple iPhone 17 support up to 40W charging, but the box may not include a compatible power adapter. Buy the correct power block, use a Qi‑2 wireless charger if supported, and swap USB‑A‑to‑USB‑C cables for USB‑C‑to‑USB‑C for faster wired charging.

Avoid constant screen‑on activity while charging; preview notifications on a smartwatch and only unlock for urgent matters. Portable power banks also offer a quick, reliable alternative to airplane mode.