Increasingly, more and more people are becoming concerned that making yourself discoverable can open you up to a lot of risks. That is why I am really interested in learning how different platforms interplay Bluetooth connection and discoverability. So what are some ways to switch off discoverability, and do platforms allow you to keep Bluetooth on without being detectable?
On your Windows computer, there are many ways to switch off Bluetooth, but there is a mechanism to switch off discoverability while keeping Bluetooth on. The same is the case for your Android phones. However, in an iPhone, in an effort to keep you safe, there is no separate mechanism to switch off discoverability.
So, how does discoverability work, and how can you switch it off on multiple devices? We have gathered all of the information on the Internet in this matter, so you can have the best results. So, keep reading to figure out how to switch off Bluetooth discoverability.
How To Switch Off Bluetooth Discoverability
Discoverability is a feature of Bluetooth phones that allows you to be detected by other phones with the system. This can be a nifty feature as it can enable you to share information and files with trustworthy friends, family, and acquaintances. However, discoverability can come with a catch, and that is a risk to online safety. This is why there are some systems out there that have the ability to switch off discoverability while keeping Bluetooth on. There are three different mechanisms for the three platforms, and we will examine them all in the passages below.
Turn off Discoverability On Windows
On your Windows computer, you have the capacity to switch off discoverability completely. You can do this using a simple process that allows you to avoid other devices noticing that your computer is in the vicinity. Here’s how you can do this:
- On your Windows PC, find the Start button on the left-most side of the taskbar.
- When you click the taskbar, select the gear icon to go to the Settings page.
- In the search bar, type out Bluetooth Settings.
- A new page will open up with Bluetooth options and features.
- Scroll down to the option ‘More Bluetooth Settings.’
- You will see the heading Discovery in the options tab.
- Under this heading, uncheck the toggle box next to Allow Bluetooth Devices to Find This Computer.
- Select OK and confirm the changes to apply them.
Now, you can keep your Bluetooth connection on, but you will not be discoverable. That means other devices can’t find your computer or request to pair with it.
Turn off Discoverability On Android
Most Android phones have the ability to be able to switch off discoverability settings. However, this can vary from phone to phone. While some guides recommend using third-party software to accomplish this task, that is not our recommendation.
Even though a third-party app may be able to get the job done if your phone is missing this functionality, it opens you up to further potential risks. And there may actually be a way to do this without the need for any external solutions. So, we suggest that the best possible way to handle this is to try out all options and only use a third-party app if nothing works, and this is an absolute necessity.
In most cases, all you will need to do is go to the Settings App to be able to switch Bluetooth on and off. For most Android phones, this comes with the added benefit of being able to do the same for discoverability. In that case, navigate to your Settings menu and then disable Bluetooth discoverability. In some cases, you may have the option to switch off Bluetooth scanning using this process:
- Open up the Settings Menu, and go to Privacy settings.
- In there, navigate over to the Location settings.
- Look for something named ‘Scanning.’
- On the next page, you will likely have the option to switch off Bluetooth scanning.
Once Bluetooth scanning is off, you will likely not be discoverable. However, if this does not work, you will have to switch off Bluetooth altogether. At the same time, this may not be desirable, and it’s the best option if you want to keep using the Bluetooth system safely.
Related: Does Nintendo Switch Have Bluetooth?
Turn Off Discoverability On iPhone
An interesting thing about the iPhone brand is that it has a laser focus on safety. This also comes up when it comes to Bluetooth pairing. This is because any device that uses Bluetooth is particularly vulnerable to software hacking. In recent versions of the iOS and iPhone, the Bluetooth system is far more robust. This means it is less vulnerable to attacks such as hacks and other methods to steal people’s data.
However, as a result of this, there is no capability to switch off discoverability separately. Instead, iPhone users have to switch off Bluetooth completely if they do not want to be traced by anyone else. One of the biggest concerns with this approach to Bluetooth systems is that it leads to a far greater pull on the battery.
The iPhone battery is already notorious due to its ability to drain fairly fast, so this is like the icing on the cake for users. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t switch off Bluetooth, so when not in use, it’s best to keep the Bluetooth mechanism off. This way, you can lessen the load on the battery while at the same time keeping yourself safer than ever.
To switch off the Bluetooth on your iPhone, follow these steps:
- On the iPhone, open up the Settings App.
- Once the App opens up, you will be able to see all the main categories. Click ‘General.’
- Under General Settings, you will be able to see an option for Bluetooth. Tap this.
- In the toggle next to the Bluetooth option, move it to the other side to switch the system off.
Conclusion
With all of this in mind, you can start using Bluetooth without worrying about safety and discoverability. We hope this article was helpful in understanding how Bluetooth works.