if you put your phone on airplane mode will the cell tower be able to ping your phone
Yes, a cell tower can still ping a phone even when it's in airplane mode. Airplane mode primarily disables cellular radio for calls, texts, and data, but it doesn't stop the phone from periodically checking in with nearby networks. This "pinging" can still allow for tracking or monitoring.
Here's why:
Airplane mode is a phone setting, not a network setting: Airplane mode affects the phone's ability to communicate, but it doesn't prevent the network from detecting the phone.
Periodic pings: Even in airplane mode, the phone may still periodically check in with cell towers to maintain its registration with the network.
GPS and location services: Airplane mode doesn't turn off GPS, which can still be used for tracking.
Therefore, while airplane mode can help prevent direct calls, texts, and data usage, it's not a foolproof method to avoid being tracked or monitored by networks.