Google appears to be developing a small yet potentially game-changing feature for travelers and smartwatch users: synchronized Airplane Mode across Android phones and Wear OS watches. In a recent Android canary build, references were discovered to a setting that enables the Airplane Mode status to be mirrored between a paired phone and watch connected via Bluetooth.
Why Synced Airplane Mode Matters for Travelers
Frequent flyers will recognize the inconvenience: you switch your phone to Airplane Mode at the gate, only to realize later that your watch continues to search for cellular or Wi-Fi signals. This not only drains battery life but also risks inadvertently connecting to networks during takeoff or taxiing. With a synced Airplane Mode toggle, that hassle disappears. This feature can also save power on the ground, particularly in low-signal areas, by ensuring both devices simultaneously reduce unnecessary radio scanning.
Current aviation regulations allow Bluetooth usage during flights, and Android lets users manually keep Bluetooth active even in Airplane Mode. This is essential because it means the watch can stay connected to the phone and seamlessly receive the Airplane Mode status without violating airline rules or user expectations.
Insights from the Latest Android Canary Code
Strings found in the 2511 Android Canary build suggest a new option to sync Airplane Mode across connected devices via Bluetooth. A feature flag named sync_airplane_mode_with_watches hints at this phone-watch synchronization capability. Although still under active development and hidden behind internal testing toggles, this indicates an opt-in feature. Users will likely encounter a straightforward toggle or checkbox within the phone’s connectivity or device settings, accompanied by a brief explanation of how and when the Airplane Mode status is mirrored.
How Synced Airplane Mode Will Work in Practice
When activated, switching Airplane Mode on the phone will automatically apply the same status to the paired Wear OS watch, and vice versa, assuming Bluetooth remains on. Because Android allows Bluetooth to stay active during Airplane Mode, the devices can maintain their connection long enough to sync statuses, even while other radios are disabled. If the connection drops—for example, if the watch moves out of range—each device should retain its current state until they reconnect.
There are some complex scenarios to consider. For instance, LTE-enabled watches will need to disable cellular and Wi-Fi while allowing users to selectively re-enable Bluetooth for peripherals like headphones. Android already supports remembering user preferences for radio controls during Airplane Mode, and this syncing feature will have to honor those settings to avoid unexpected behavior.
Implementation and Rollout Expectations
Typically, such cross-device functionality is delivered through Google Play services and companion apps rather than a full OS update. This means the feature could arrive on recent Android and Wear OS versions without waiting for a major platform release. Initially, it may debut on Pixel devices and Wear OS betas.
Comparing Android’s Approach to Apple’s
Apple has offered similar functionality for years with its Apple Watch’s “Mirror iPhone” mode, which includes Airplane Mode syncing among other features. Google’s new feature would bring Android and Wear OS closer to Apple’s level of seamless control, complementing existing cross-device services like Fast Pair, Quick Share, and the Cross Device Services framework that facilitate app hand-off and multi-device experiences.
What to Expect Next
As Airplane Mode syncing appears in Android beta and Wear OS update notes, expect a per-device toggle to opt-in to the feature. Enthusiasts may also look forward to finer controls, such as excluding specific radios or restricting synchronization to approved devices. Meanwhile, frequent travelers and enterprise users will appreciate fewer manual steps and improved battery efficiency when preparing for flights.
Following Google’s usual rollout strategy, this feature will likely start as a hidden flag, then become an optional setting for select testers before gradually rolling out widely via Play services updates. Though small, this enhancement promises significant convenience and fits well within Google’s broader vision to make Android smarter and more cohesive across devices.
