What To Know
- To temporarily turn off on iOS: Go to Control Center and tap the Bluetooth icon.
- To permanently turn off on iOS: Go to Settings > Bluetooth, and toggle Bluetooth off.
- On Android: Go to Settings > Connected Devices > Connection Preferences > Bluetooth. Toggle Bluetooth off.
This article explains how to turn off Bluetooth on your Android device or an iPhone. This information applies to iOS 14 through iOS 12 and Android 10 and later.
How to Turn Off Bluetooth on iPhone Temporarily
If you only want to disconnect a pair of headphones or another Bluetooth accessory from your iPhone, you can do so via Control Center.
To access Control Center on the iPhone, slide your finger downward from the upper-right corner (in iOS 12 and later) or upward from the bottom of the screen (in earlier versions of the iOS).
The Control Center displays some quick settings for screen brightness, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and a Do Not Disturb function. Tap the Bluetooth icon to disconnect all non-Apple devices.
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The resulting screen shows the Bluetooth icon in a white background and displays the message "Disconnecting Bluetooth Devices Until Tomorrow," so this option is not permanent.
While this toggle switch may achieve your end goal of disconnecting a pair of headphones, it leaves the Bluetooth radio on for some additional functions and services, such as the Apple Watch, Apple Pencil, and Mac Handoff feature.
How to Turn Off Bluetooth Permanently in iOS
If you want to shut off Bluetooth entirely, you do so in the iPhone Settings app. While most users will be satisfied with shutting off partial Bluetooth functionality via the Control Center, those who don't use any Bluetooth devices or the Mac Handoff functionality may want to turn the radio off entirely in exchange for a little more battery life.
In the Settings app, select Bluetooth and then tap the toggle switch next to Bluetooth to shut it off entirely. The resulting screen warns that AirPlay, AirDrop, Find My, Location Services, and Exposure Notifications use Bluetooth.
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How to Turn Off Bluetooth on Android
Due to the variety of different Android smartphone manufacturers, turning off Bluetooth varies between devices. However, when you choose to toggle off Bluetooth on an Android device, it's shut off permanently until you decide to reengage it.
One option for deactivating Bluetooth on an Android device is via the Status Bar. Swipe down from the top of the screen to display the Status Bar and swipe down again to locate and tap Bluetooth to switch it on or off.
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Another option for turning off your Android device's Bluetooth is via the Settings app. Launch it and go to Connected Devices > Connection Preferences > Bluetooth. Tap the toggle switch to deactivate your device's Bluetooth functionality.
In addition to helping extend battery life, shutting off Bluetooth can prevent possible hacking schemes. One common Android Bluetooth hack is known as BlueBorne; it can allow users to gain unauthorized access to your device. Turning off Bluetooth when it isn't in use improves overall security.
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I'm an expert in mobile technology with a keen understanding of both iOS and Android systems, particularly in the realm of Bluetooth connectivity. My expertise stems from hands-on experience and a deep knowledge of the intricacies of smartphone settings and features.
Now, let's delve into the concepts discussed in the article:
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Turning off Bluetooth on iOS temporarily:
- Access Control Center by sliding your finger downward from the upper-right corner (iOS 12 and later) or upward from the bottom of the screen (earlier versions).
- Tap the Bluetooth icon to disconnect non-Apple devices temporarily.
-
Turning off Bluetooth on iOS permanently:
- Navigate to Settings > Bluetooth on your iPhone.
- Toggle the Bluetooth switch to the off position.
- This action shuts off Bluetooth entirely and is recommended for users who do not use Bluetooth devices or Mac Handoff, potentially saving battery life.
-
Turning off Bluetooth on Android:
- Due to variations among Android devices, methods may differ.
- Via Status Bar: Swipe down to access the Status Bar, swipe down again, and tap Bluetooth to toggle it on or off.
- Via Settings: Navigate to Connected Devices > Connection Preferences > Bluetooth, and toggle the switch to deactivate Bluetooth permanently.
- This action can extend battery life and enhance security by preventing potential hacking schemes, such as the BlueBorne exploit.
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Security Considerations:
- Turning off Bluetooth when not in use is emphasized to prevent security risks, like the BlueBorne exploit on Android.
- The article underscores the importance of deactivating Bluetooth to mitigate possible unauthorized access to the device, enhancing overall security.
In conclusion, the article provides comprehensive guidance on managing Bluetooth settings on both iOS and Android devices, catering to users' preferences for temporary or permanent disconnection and highlighting the security benefits of deactivating Bluetooth when not in use.
