Introduction: Why You Can't Turn On Flight Mode When Emergency Sharing Is Active
Many Android users report that Flight Mode (Airplane Mode) cannot be enabled when Emergency Sharing is turned on. This isn't a bug , it’s a system-level safety feature implemented by manufacturers (like Samsung, Pixel, and others) to ensure that emergency location updates and messages keep functioning.
What’s happening?
Emergency Sharing relies on mobile network and location services to send real-time updates to your emergency contacts. Flight Mode disables all radio communications (Wi-Fi, mobile network, GPS), hence the conflict.
What Is Emergency Sharing?
Emergency Sharing (or SOS Sharing) is part of Android’s Safety & Emergency settings. It allows you to share your real-time location, battery level, and important updates with trusted contacts during emergencies.
But when it’s active, your phone must stay connected - meaning you can’t enter Flight Mode until Emergency Sharing is disabled.
Step-by-Step Guide to Disable Emergency Sharing and Enable Flight Mode on Android
Step 1: Access Emergency Sharing Settings
- Open your Settings app.
- Scroll down and tap Safety & emergency (or a similar section depending on your device).
- Tap Emergency Sharing or Send SOS messages.
Step 2: Turn Off Emergency Sharing
- Look for an option such as Stop Emergency Sharing or toggle off Send SOS messages.
- Confirm any prompts to disable the feature.
Note: If you do not see an option to stop Emergency Sharing, proceed to the next step.
Step 3: Clear Emergency Sharing App Data and Cache
- Go back to Settings.
- Tap Apps or Apps & notifications.
- Tap the three-dot menu (⋮) and select Show system apps.
- Scroll to find Emergency Sharing.
- Tap Storage & cache.
- Tap Clear cache and then Clear data.
- Return and tap Force stop to stop the app.
Step 4: Disable Location Permission for Emergency Sharing
- While still in the Emergency Sharing app info, tap Permissions.
- Disable Location permission to prevent it from accessing your location.
Step 5: Restart Your Android Device
- Restart your phone to apply changes.
Step 6: Enable Flight Mode
- After reboot, swipe down the notification shade.
- Tap the Flight mode icon to enable it.
Additional Tips
If the above steps don’t work, try restarting your phone in Safe Mode, repeat clearing Emergency Sharing data and force stopping the app, then reboot normally.
Disabling Emergency Sharing will stop automatic SOS messages but remember to re-enable it when you want the safety feature active.
This behavior is by design on Android devices to ensure emergency features function reliably.
Conclusion
If you’re unable to turn on Flight mode because Emergency Sharing is active on your Android phone, disabling Emergency Sharing through the settings or clearing its app data is the key. Follow the steps above carefully to regain control over Flight mode without compromising your device’s emergency capabilities.
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