Apple’s iOS software updates trickle out to millions upon millions of iPhones, iPads and iPod touch devices following each release. And as those millions of devices are updated every few months, a healthy portion of users wonder the same thing: “Why the heck do iOS updates keep turning Bluetooth on?”
People who use Bluetooth accessories often or who have Bluetooth in their cars might leave Bluetooth on all the time. Also, newer device models like the iPhone 5s make use of Bluetooth Low Energy so any impact on battery life is minimal.
Those who don’t use Bluetooth headsets or wearable devices keep Bluetooth turned off, however, and it’s annoying to see it enabled each and every time a new iOS update is installed. Apple’s big iOS 7.1 update is the most recent culprit.
People wondering why this is the case may find that the simplest explanation is often the correct one.
According to Greg Sterling, a senior analyst for Opus Research who recently spoke with Forbes reporter Kashmir Hill, Bluetooth is turned back on with each update because Apple needs Bluetooth for its iBeacon solution.
“It’s a critical piece here,” Sterling said. “Without Bluetooth, iBeacons won’t work.”
He continued, “That’s a huge deal. The 7.1 iOS makes a big push in what iBeacon can do, but Bluetooth has to be turned on.”
Apple’s iBeacon technology allows retailers and anyone else to use base stations that broadcast signals to Apple devices running iOS 7 or iOS 7.1. When the signals are registered by users’ iPhones and iPads, apps with iBeacon enabled can respond — even if they are closed, in some cases. This might pop up a coupon on a user’s screen when he or she enters a retail store, for example. It might also help retailers collect crucial data on their customers.
But it only works if Bluetooth is enabled.
Hill’s piece fails to mention that there is likely another reason Apple keeps turning Bluetooth on. AirDrop, Apple’s solution for nearby device-to-device file and information sharing that replaces NFC, also requires Bluetooth to function.
More from BGR: Here’s how to give your Android phone a huge speed boost, just like Apple sped up iOS 7.1
This article was originally published on BGR.com
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FAQs
“Without Bluetooth, iBeacons won't work.” A plausible reason why Apple may be turning on Bluetooth is to bolster the use of iBeacon, a new technology from the smartphone giant that turns your phone into a homing beacon, helping retailers sense and communicate with phone-toting consumers in their vicinity.
Why does Apple always turn on Bluetooth after update? ›
Apple made this change because having Bluetooth on (the radio portion) helps with location services. There really is no reason to turn it off to begin with.
How do I stop my iPhone from enabling Bluetooth? ›
You must turn off Bluetooth in the Settings. Otherwise, it will turn back on the next day. If you have an older iOS version, it may turn on again after restarting. Open "Settings" → "Bluetooth" → toggle off "Bluetooth".
How do I permanently turn off Apple Bluetooth? ›
Turn off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
If you want to completely disable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for all networks and devices, follow these steps: To turn off Wi-Fi, go to Settings > Wi-Fi and turn off Wi-Fi. To turn off Bluetooth, go to Settings > Bluetooth and turn off Bluetooth.
Why does my iPhone keep switching to Bluetooth? ›
This could be due to several reasons such as proximity, interference, or even certain settings on your phone. Here are a few steps you can take to resolve this issue:Check Bluetooth settings: Navigate to your phone's Bluetooth settings and make sure the devices aren't set to automatically connect.
Does iOS update turn on Bluetooth? ›
When you update your iOS, your Bluetooth will be turned on regardless of your existing settings. Siri did not have an answer as to why it's happening, and Apple did not respond to a press inquiry.
How do I reset my Bluetooth cache iOS? ›
On an iPhone or iPad, clear the Bluetooth cache by unpairing all your Bluetooth devices and then restarting the device. On an Android device, you can unpair your devices, but you can also clear the cache more thoroughly through the Apps menu. Visit Insider's Tech Reference library for more stories.
Why is Bluetooth not turning off on iPhone? ›
You might want to try turning off Bluetooth in Settings and then using Do Not Disturb but not Airplane mode and see if that changes the behavior.
Is it OK to turn off Bluetooth on iPhone? ›
While Bluetooth is beneficial for many applications, be careful how you use it. My advice: Turn off Bluetooth when you're not using it. Keeping it active all the time makes your device more discoverable. As a bonus, keeping Bluetooth off will increase your device's battery life.
How do I stop my iPhone from automatically playing Bluetooth? ›
Bluetooth and Connectivity
To stop this: Go to Settings > Bluetooth. Tap the "i" icon next to the connected device. Disable the Auto-Play Messages if available, or simply forget the device by choosing "Forget This Device" to stop automatic connection.
Android phone location settings allow you to use Bluetooth scanning for better location accuracy. Bluetooth scanning uses Bluetooth on your phone, so it automatically turns on Bluetooth on your phone when it needs to work. This could be the cause of Bluetooth turning on automatically on your Android phone.
Should my iPhone Bluetooth always be on? ›
While Bluetooth is beneficial for many applications, be careful how you use it. My advice: Turn off Bluetooth when you're not using it. Keeping it active all the time makes your device more discoverable. As a bonus, keeping Bluetooth off will increase your device's battery life.
