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iPhone trick: Use this hidden iOS feature to track flights for free, without any apps

Frequently track flights using various apps, but want a simpler solution? iOS has a built-in feature for that. Read on for the details.

Published on: Apr 21, 2025, 12:44:08 IST
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If you fly frequently, you know how important it is to track your flights. You need to know in advance whether your flight is on time, what time it will depart, and when it will land, so you can make arrangements beforehand. Many people use dedicated tracking apps for this purpose, such as Flighty or similar platforms. But what if we told you that, if you are using an iPhone, you don't need any third-party app at all to track your flights? There are two simple tricks you can use, and the best part is, they are built right into iOS. There are no extra downloads needed, everything is already there.

iOS displays this card after you tap on your flight details. (Shaurya Sharma/HT)
iOS displays this card after you tap on your flight details. (Shaurya Sharma/HT)
Shaurya Sharma

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How To Track Your Flights On iOS For Free, Without Any App

Method 1: Using iOS Search

Simply scroll down on your home screen to access the Search bar. In the search field, enter your flight number. For instance, there's an Indigo flight from Jaipur to Delhi with the flight code 6E 2165. Type 6E 2165 into the search bar.

Once you do, you will see the flight’s status, whether it's on time, which terminal it departs from, and where it will arrive, along with other relevant details.

Method 2: Using Flight Details In Messages App

If you have received your flight details via text message, the flight code will usually be underlined or highlighted. Simply tap on it. Select Preview Flight, and you will get a card displaying a live map of the flight, departure and arrival times, duration, and more.

If you haven’t received the flight info as a message, you can just type it yourself, for example, type the airline followed by the flight code, such as Indigo 6E 2165. Send this message to yourself or someone else. Once sent, the flight code will become tappable. Tap on it, then choose Preview Flight to view all the details.

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Also Works With macOS And iPadOS

It must be noted that these tricks also work across other Apple platforms, including iPadOS and macOS (use macOS Spotlight Search). Just follow the same steps, either tap on the flight code or search for it, and you will get all the relevant information.

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  • Shaurya Sharma
    ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    Shaurya Sharma

    Shaurya Sharma is the Technology Editor at Hindustan Times Digital Streams, where he oversees technology coverage across digital and social platforms. With over eight years of experience across editorial, video production, and digital media, his work focuses on smartphones, AI, consumer gadgets, and shaping audience-first content strategies for modern tech consumers. He began his career in 2018 as a fashion cinematographer before turning his lifelong passion for technology into a profession. From spending his childhood immersed in tech magazines, video games, and the latest gadgets to covering the global consumer tech industry today, technology has remained a constant throughout his journey. Over the years, Shaurya has worked with some of India’s leading media organisations, including CNN-News18, Sportskeeda, and Guiding Tech, where he led video initiatives that combined strong editorial storytelling with engaging visual and social-first execution. A graduate in Journalism and Mass Communication from Manipal University, Shaurya has reviewed hundreds of products across categories including smartphones, laptops, gaming consoles, cameras, and wearables. Beyond work, he is passionate about animal welfare, environmental causes, and automobiles, particularly turbo-petrol carsRead More