In this article:
In this article:
Hackers and criminals can use your device’s Bluetooth connection to steal data or spy on you. Learn how to boost your Bluetooth security and stay safe.
In this article:
In this article:
When Sultan Qasim Khan unlocked the Tesla Model X, it didn’t seem like anything was wrong. But there were two serious issues. First, he was hundreds of miles away from the car. Second, it wasn’t his car. Sultan is a security researcher who uncovered a vulnerability in Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communications that allowed him to unlock and operate Teslas from almost anywhere [*].
But, you don’t need to be a Tesla owner to be at risk of Bluetooth hacking. According to the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) [*]:
“There were over 5.4 billion Bluetooth-connected devices shipped in 2023."
Each Bluetooth device has potential vulnerabilities that hackers can take advantage of. Whether it’s your car, laptop, phone, or smart home device, Bluetooth hackers can get past your device’s security features and steal your sensitive information.
In this guide, we’ll explain how hackers take advantage of the Bluetooth protocol, the most common vulnerabilities that you need to know about, and how to keep your devices — and sensitive data — safe.
{{show-toc}}
Bluetooth is a wireless technology that lets devices communicate over a short range. You’ve most likely used Bluetooth to connect your phone to wireless headphones, set up a smart home device, share files, or even secure your home using a smart lock.
But Bluetooth’s high level of convenience doesn’t come without risks.
While some devices use a level of Bluetooth encryption that can protect your devices and data, others operate on open frequencies. If hackers can intercept (or hack) your connection, they can also intercept data (such as passwords and credit card numbers), take over your devices, or spy on you.
Here are a few of the most common ways that Bluetooth devices get hacked:
What makes Bluetooth hacking especially dangerous is that bad actors can target nearly any Bluetooth-enabled device — regardless of manufacturer or operating system. For example, “BlueBorne” hacks spread over the air and don’t require hackers to pair with your device, or for your device to even be in discoverable mode.
The bottom line: Bluetooth hacking can put your devices, data, and identity at risk. If you see any signs that your devices have been compromised, you need to act quickly to shut down the scammers.
Bluetooth hacking is hard to spot. However, many of the warning signs are the same as if your phone is hacked.
Here’s how to know if your Bluetooth has been hacked:
📚 Related: How To Remove Viruses and Malware From an Android →
Follow these 10 steps to protect your devices and sensitive data from all types of Bluetooth attacks.
Bluetooth technology operates by having devices discover each other when they are within close range. This means that hackers can usually only take advantage of security vulnerabilities if Bluetooth is enabled on your device.
Keeping Bluetooth active all the time makes your device more discoverable. Turning Bluetooth off makes your device private.
To stay safe, turn off Bluetooth whenever you're not actively using it.
How to turn off Bluetooth on iOS:
How to turn off Bluetooth on Android:
Every device manufacturer has its own set of features that use Bluetooth.
For example, iOS devices use AirDrop to share files wirelessly when near other Mac and iOS devices. Android has a Quick Share feature that lets you quickly transfer files between Android devices.
By default, these features are set to “Everyone” — meaning you can receive items from anyone who connects with your device. By restricting these features to “Contacts Only,” you can make your devices less desirable targets for hackers.
How to adjust AirDrop settings on iOS:
Swipe down from the upper-right corner of the screen to open the Control Center, and then touch and hold the network settings card in the upper-left corner.
Next, touch and hold the AirDrop button; then choose one of the options.
How to adjust Quick Share settings on Android:
A Bluetooth connection is less secure than a private Wi-Fi connection. It can be a vulnerable point of access for data or identity theft. So, avoid sharing sensitive information and documents over Bluetooth.
If you must share sensitive information, use a secure file sharing tool like WeTransfer. It uses end-to-end encryption, and scrambles the data in a message so that only the intended recipient can read it.
📚 Related: How To Tell If Your Wi-Fi Is Hacked (and What To Do) →
Regularly updating your operating system and software is vital to your digital security. Updates can add new features but also fix any bugs and loopholes that criminals can exploit.
You can set your device to update automatically. Or you can update it manually.
How to update an iOS device:
How to update an Android device:
Public places are crowded and can be hotspots for malicious actors.
Don't pair Bluetooth in public. Wait until you're in a secure area — like your home, office, or another place where your device won’t be compromised.
📚 Related: What Is Shoulder Surfing? How It Happens & How To Avoid It →
Bluetooth allows app developers to pinpoint your location. But few people realize that apps such as HBO Max and Kindle request permission to use Bluetooth. If you determine that some apps that you regularly use require Bluetooth, disable that functionality in the app’s settings.
Hackers can infiltrate your device through old Bluetooth connections, upload malware, or steal your personal data — even if you're not actively using Bluetooth.
For example, if you connect your phone to a Bluetooth speaker and then disconnect it, the connection is still technically available on your phone. With the right tools, hackers can access your device through that connection.
How to delete Bluetooth connections on iOS:
How to delete Bluetooth connections on Android:
📚 Related: How To Remove a Hacker From Your Smartphone →
Don't accept Bluetooth pairing requests from unknown sources, as these could be malicious actors trying to spy on you. When unsure whom the request is from, err on the side of caution and deny it.
Bluetooth hacks are prevalent in Bluetooth-enabled vehicles, so it's crucial to unpair your device from them. Examples could include a rental car, friend's vehicle, or even an Uber or taxi. By unpairing your smartphone from these vehicles, you ensure that hackers can't exploit any Bluetooth vulnerabilities.
To unpair your phone with a vehicle, refer to the steps above for deleting old Bluetooth connections.
Antivirus software can scan programs and files as they download on your device to compare them to known viruses. Antivirus also examines programs already on your device, and searches for suspicious behavior.
If your device is infected with malware due to a Bluetooth hack, antivirus software can detect and remove it.
📚 Related: How To Remove Viruses From Your Computer (Mac and PC) →
If you think your mobile device has been hacked, here’s how you can remove the hacker and mitigate the damage:
Bluetooth attacks are easy to overlook. We’ve become so used to our wireless headsets, keyboards, and paired devices that we rarely think about their security. But the truth is that having your device hacked through Bluetooth can be disastrous.
Get to know the signs of a Bluetooth hack and how to protect yourself and your family. With Aura's security software, you're protected from cyberattacks, your financial accounts are monitored, and suspicious activity is detected in near real-time so that you can stop criminals in their tracks.
Editorial note: Our articles provide educational information for you to increase awareness about digital safety. Aura’s services may not provide the exact features we write about, nor may cover or protect against every type of crime, fraud, or threat discussed in our articles. Please review our Terms during enrollment or setup for more information. Remember that no one can prevent all identity theft or cybercrime.