Engadget advises against airplane mode for faster charging, cites negligible gains
A review of smartphone charging protocols suggests that upgrading power blocks and cables offers superior efficiency compared to disabling wireless transmissions.
Engadget published an analysis on 25 July 2026 addressing common smartphone charging practices, specifically advising against the use of airplane mode to accelerate battery replenishment. While the publication acknowledges that enabling this setting can reduce charging time by approximately four to 11 minutes, it concludes that the benefit is negligible and not worth the trade-off of rendering the device temporarily unusable.
The article explains that airplane mode functions by disabling wireless transmissions, including cellular, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth connections. Although this feature is designed to comply with airline regulations and conserve battery life during flight, its application during charging primarily stops the device from searching for signals. Engadget notes that this results in only marginal gains in speed for both older and newer smartphone models.
Instead of relying on software settings that limit functionality, the publication recommends upgrading to a compatible power block and high-quality cables as more effective methods for increasing charging speed. The report highlights that many modern devices, such as the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra and the Apple iPhone 17 series, do not include power adapters in the box, requiring consumers to purchase them separately to achieve maximum charging rates.
For users seeking wireless solutions, Engadget suggests investing in Qi2 wireless chargers if the device supports the standard. It also advises swapping USB-A-to-USB-C cables for USB-C-to-USB-C variants to facilitate faster data and power transfer. The publication emphasises that cable quality significantly impacts charging efficiency, recommending reputable brands to ensure optimal performance.
The analysis further advises users to refrain from using the phone while it is charging to improve overall efficiency. Engadget notes that engaging with the device, such as checking messages or scrolling, increases power consumption and slows the charging process. The publication suggests using notification previews or companion smartwatches to avoid unlocking the phone unnecessarily, offering a more practical approach to maintaining charge speed than disabling all communications.
