LanCallChat on a plane without buying Wi‑Fi
The short version
- Keep airplane mode on and turn Wi‑Fi back on, when the crew allows it.
- Open LanCall on both iPhones. The phones connect directly, the same kind of link AirDrop uses. You don’t need to join or pay for the in-flight Wi‑Fi.
- Text and call each other, end-to-end encrypted, as long as you’re within roughly AirDrop range.
Before you board
- Install LanCall on both iPhones while you still have internet. You can’t download it in the air without paying for Wi‑Fi.
- Open LanCall on both phones, choose a display name and allow Local Network access.
- Add each other at the gate: tap Add under Nearby, or scan each other’s QR code. Once you’re contacts, messages and calls go straight through.
In the air
- Switch on airplane mode as the crew asks.
- Turn Wi‑Fi back on in Control Centre. Most airlines allow Wi‑Fi during the flight, but always follow crew instructions.
- You don’t have to join the plane’s network. Open LanCall on both phones and send a message.
- If you did join the in-flight Wi‑Fi, that’s fine too. Most plane networks stop passengers’ phones from reaching each other, so LanCall uses the direct link either way.
How far apart can we sit?
The direct link reaches about as far as AirDrop: usually a few rows, sometimes more, depending on the seats, the cabin and how many people are around. If a message says it’s waiting, it sends itself as soon as the phones can reach each other again with LanCall open. Calls need both apps open and the phones in range for the whole call.
Tips
- Agree before take-off to keep LanCall open when you’re expecting a call, because it can’t ring when it’s closed.
- The direct link keeps the Wi‑Fi radio busy. On a long flight, keep a charger or battery pack handy.
- Use earphones for calls, and keep your voice down for your neighbours.
Good to know
- Both people need LanCall on an iPhone with iOS 17 or later. LanCall only talks to LanCall.
- Calls only ring while LanCall is open on both phones. Without internet, iOS can’t wake an app that’s closed. Messages to someone out of reach wait on your phone and send themselves when you’re both in range with LanCall open.
- Not for emergencies. LanCall can’t call emergency services or regular phone numbers.
Questions
Is this allowed on planes?
Using Wi‑Fi on board is allowed by most airlines when the crew says so. LanCall only uses Wi‑Fi, never mobile data, so it works with airplane mode on. The airline’s rules and the crew’s instructions always come first.
Does it cost anything per message or call?
No. LanCall is a one-time purchase on the App Store. It doesn’t use mobile data, roaming or the in-flight internet.
Is it private?
Messages and calls are encrypted end to end between the two phones. Nothing goes through a server. See Security.