Why Remote Sensing Matters
Your phone regularly checks for Wi-Fi networks or Bluetooth devices to make connecting easier. While convenient, these signals can also be detected by other systems and used to track movement or identify that your device is nearby. Reducing unnecessary scanning helps protect your privacy in everyday environments.
How to Limit Remote Sensing Features
iPhone
Open Settings and select Wi-Fi.
Turn off Wi-Fi when it is not in use.
Go to Privacy and Security.
Select Location Services and then System Services.
Turn off Networking and Wireless if it is not needed.
Return to Settings and select Bluetooth.
Turn off Bluetooth when it is not in use.
Android
Menus vary by manufacturer.
Open Settings and select Network and Internet.
Turn off Wi-Fi when it is not needed.
Open Wi-Fi Preferences and turn off Scanning Always Available.
Open Settings and select Connected Devices.
Turn off Bluetooth when it is not in use.
Open Settings and select Location.
Select Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Scanning.
Turn off Wi-Fi Scanning.
Turn off Bluetooth Scanning.
These steps help reduce passive scanning that may collect or transmit information about your device.
Summary
Limiting Wi-Fi and Bluetooth scanning gives you more control over how your device signals its presence. Adjusting these settings helps you minimize unintentional data exposure while still using your phone normally.