Network and connectivity
Bluetooth
Most people call this connecting headphones, cars and accessories.
The Bluetooth screen pairs and manages accessories, and switching it off here is different from switching it off in Control Centre.
This setting is present on your iPhone.
- We have this path on file but have not yet confirmed it against an official source.
Where to find it - iOS 10 and later
- Settings
- Bluetooth
What it does
Control Centre only disconnects current accessories until the next day. The switch in Settings turns the radio off properly. Many system features, including AirDrop, Handoff and Find My, depend on it.
What changes
When it is on
Accessories can pair and connect.
When it is off
No accessories connect, and AirDrop, Handoff and several Continuity features stop.
Should you turn it on?
Good reasons to turn it on
- Needed for headphones, car kits, watches and AirDrop.
Good reasons to turn it off
- Saves a small amount of battery.
- Stops apps using Bluetooth beacons to locate you.
Battery
Depends how you use it
Privacy
Depends how you use it
Performance
No real change
Cellular data
No real change
Storage
No real change
Out of the box: On.
Questions people actually ask
- Why does Bluetooth turn itself back on?
- Control Centre only disconnects until the next day. Use Settings to switch the radio off properly.
If it is not working
- Forget This Device then pair again solves most connection faults.
- Control Centre does not turn Bluetooth off. Use Settings if you really want it off.
- Apps need separate Bluetooth permission under Privacy and Security.