Troubled by Bluetooth turning on by itself on your Android device? Look no further, as this guide will show you how to deal with the issue right away so you can keep your device in tip-top shape in 10 minutes — and not a minute more.
Why is Bluetooth turning on automatically on my Android device?
Third-party apps can cause Bluetooth to turn on automatically on your device. Additionally, system settings and software glitches from an old version of an app can also activate the wireless tech without you knowing.
Here are some Bluetooth-triggering apps:
- YouTube
- Spotify
H2: How do I stop Bluetooth from turning on automatically?
To stop Bluetooth from turning on by itself, identify third-party apps that have access to Bluetooth and deny them permission. adjust system settings to turn off the wireless feature, and last, make sure that all apps are regularly updated.
Check our guide below for a more detailed approach. While there are some differences from one brand to another, the ideas presented here should work on any Android brand no matter the model.
Disable Bluetooth and reboot the smartphone.
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Number of Steps | 4 |
| Estimated Time of Completion | 30 seconds to 1 minute |
Restarting your smartphone pushes the device to run seamlessly. The process clears the phone’s bad data and frees the memory of any errant app that could be hijacking Bluetooth, assuring you of a fresh start.
However, before you do that, toggle the Bluetooth feature on your Android device to off. Doing so ensures the wireless communication technology won’t turn on automatically.
Follow the steps below to disable Bluetooth and reboot your Android:
- On your screen, swipe down twice to activate Quick Settings.
- Find the Bluetooth icon and tap on it to remove the highlight.
- Long-press the power button on the side to reboot the smartphone.
- Once the power menu pops up, press on the Restart option.
Disable Bluetooth scanning for location detection.
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Number of Steps | 4 |
| Estimated Time of Completion | 10 to 15 seconds |
Since the Android 6.0 Marshmallow update, Bluetooth radio signals can enhance further location tracking in Android devices. It’s a big help for GPS monitoring.
Any parent can tell you how GPS has been instrumental in checking the whereabouts of their child at any time of day. But a weakened GPS signal could turn that location detection system upside down.
This is where Bluetooth scanning comes to the rescue. It can activate Bluetooth to boost GPS tracking and aid in location detection.
Unfortunately, however, such a helpful feature means Bluetooth could turn on automatically for you. Not only can this drain your battery faster, but worse, also expose you to unscrupulous hackers.
Luckily, deactivating Bluetooth scanning is easy.
Here are the steps to make it happen:
- Activate the Settings app on your mobile.
- Tap on the Location option.
- Choose Improve Accuracy.
- Toggle Bluetooth scanning to off.
Reset Bluetooth settings.
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Number of Steps | 4 |
| Estimated Time of Completion | 10 to 15 seconds |
Like any software on your mobile device, Bluetooth can have bug issues that could affect its performance. While this could usher in “pairing problems,” such software discrepancies may also cause your Bluetooth to automatically turn on and off.
Resetting your Bluetooth could solve such software issues. By doing so, you return the device to its factory setting, clearing stored Bluetooth passwords in the process.
Plus, resetting Bluetooth settings on Android devices is pretty straightforward.
By using Reset Network Settings, you clear your mobile device of all stored data on your Wifi and/or your Bluetooth.
Here are the steps to get it done:
- Go to Settings.
- Use the search button and key in Research network settings.
- Tap on the Research network settings that pop up.
- Tap on the option again to confirm your action.
Disable Bluetooth tethering.
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Number of Steps | 3 |
| Estimated Time of Completion | 10 seconds |
Bluetooth tethering from your Android smartphone may not be as popular as Wifi tethering. But doing so saves your mobile device a lot more energy compared to Wifi access, and ushers in a more seamless internet experience once devices are paired.
However, making a habit out of Bluetooth tethering has a downside. Bluetooth turning on by itself is one of these, thereby keeping you exposed to untimely data breaches.
Follow the steps below to get going:
- Go to Settings.
- Use the search button and type bluetooth tethering.
- Toggle Bluetooth Tethering to off.
Update all apps to deal with bugs.
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Number of Steps | 4 |
| Estimated Time of Completion | 10 to 15 seconds |
Think of it as a clean-up. From time to time, Android app development companies roll out updates and bug fixes for their apps to ensure the best customer experience.
In a way, you’d be missing big time if you don’t update your apps regularly. Consequently, updating lessens the chances of sneaky “software bugs” in an installed application turning your Bluetooth on needlessly.
You can choose to update a specific app on your Android device. But a smart way to go about it is to update all resident Android apps on your phone.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to update all apps:
- Open Google Play Store.
- Click on your profile icon at the top right.
- Go to Manage apps & device.
- Tap Updates available to update all apps.
Deny apps the ability to change system settings.
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Number of Steps | 6 |
| Estimated Time of Completion | 90 seconds |
It’s vital for third-party apps to gain access to your Android smartphone to operate. While video conferencing software such as Zoom and Skype having access to the camera is a must, some apps can inadvertently turn on the Bluetooth service.
It’s important therefore that you rein in these applications and clamp down on their ability to modify system settings. That way, you control which apps can have access to your data and ensure your Bluetooth behaves as it should.
The key to this is to secure Android app permissions.
Thankfully, taking the steps below should allow you to do just that.
- Open Settings.
- Scroll down and tap the Apps option.
- Go to the upper right portion and open the Menu.
- Choose Special Access.
- Tap the Change System Settings option.
- Review permissions for each app listed.
Limit Quick Device Connect.
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Number of Steps | 3 |
| Estimated Time of Completion | 10 seconds |
No doubt Quick Connect provides an excellent way to share data seamlessly from one Android smartphone to another. Even better, it interacts with smart TVs and other Android devices using Miracast and Wifi Direct.
However, the feature can also activate Bluetooth as a sharing mechanism giving you a potential headache. When this happens, your smartphone’s Bluetooth could be made available without your knowledge.
Good thing you can manually disable Quick Connect.
Just factor in the steps below to get it done:
- Go to Settings and open the app.
- Tap on Connection & Sharing.
- Toggle Quick Device Connect to off.
Turn off Driving Mode on Connection Preferences.
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Number of Steps | 4 |
| Estimated Time of Completion | 10 to 15 seconds |
Bluetooth’s powerful networking ability is on full display when you’re driving.
The fact is pairing one’s car and an Android phone has become the norm these days.
It’s easier to manipulate your Android smartphone without having to lay a finger on it. As a result, the introduction of these hands-free devices has lowered the risk of distracted driving.
Thankfully, not only does the latest Android technology allow you to control your speakers wirelessly via Bluetooth, but it also gives you the option to shut the Bluetooth feature down totally.
In fact, many Android fans have found success in doing so.
Follow the steps below to disable the Bluetooth function altogether by using Driving Mode in Connection Preferences:
- Activate Settings.
- Tap Connected device.
- Go to Connection preferences.
- Toggle Driving Mode to off.
Reboot to Safe Mode.
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Number of Steps | 3 |
| Estimated Time of Completion | 10 to 15 seconds |
If all of the above solutions fail, then rebooting to Safe Mode can be a last-ditch effort to gain control of your Android phone. This allows you to check if any third-party app is pushing Bluetooth to come alive and turn on automatically.
Safe Mode may not ring a bell. Essentially, it’s a testing mechanism that forces your smartphone to function at the barest minimum level, disabling all third-party apps in the process.
That means you can only use the system apps of your Android device and not any app you installed from the Google Store. Such a setup allows you to zero in on errant apps.
Follow the step below to enter Safe Mode.
- Shut down your Android phone.
- Once off, press the power button until the logo pops up.
- Press the volume button down.
Check the bottom of the screen for a Safe mode logo. That should tell you, you’ve done everything by the book.
To check if any third-party apps are triggering Bluetooth, connect to the wireless data-sharing service once your Android is in Safe Mode. If you’re successful, one app you’ve installed is pushing Bluetooth to act unpredictably.
Wrapping Things Up
Bluetooth turning on by itself can leave you exposed. But with a little patience, the nine solutions detailed above should help put your Android smartphone in order to give you the protection you need.
It’s best if you are methodical in your approach. At the end of the day, knowing what’s causing the issue means you’ve won half the battle already.
Being proactive can go a long way to keep hackers at bay. Ultimately, fending off unwanted intrusions is easier when you plug the holes in your system well ahead of time.
FAQs about Bluetooth Turning On by Itself on Android
Definitely, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Addressed below are four of the most common queries about the risks involved with Bluetooth acting up to help get you going — unscathed.
Hackers use specialized software designed to intercept Bluetooth signals to gain access to your smart device. With advanced technology, it’s possible for cybercriminals to take control of your device for under 10 seconds.
Bluetooth hacking happens because hackers gain access to needed data to trick your smart device. Hackers see thetrusted networks your device used and replicate these networks enticing your Bluetooth device to connect.
When your Android phone gets hacked, hackersgain access to vital information(e.g., credit card details). Plus, they also gain control of the device: redirect phone calls, send/receive files, or simply watch what you’re watching.
The more crowded a place is, the greater the vulnerability of Bluetooth hacking. Therefore, it’s recommended that you pair devices only when you’re in safe places (e.g., home, office) and never do it in internet cafes and restaurants.
