The Bluetooth module in smartphones is used to pair the devices with headphones or smartwatches. But the wireless interface is used for other system-relevant things. Therefore, Google has now decided, among other things, to integrate a new function into Android 15 that can automatically switch on Bluetooth one day after it has been deactivated.
One new function in particular seems to play a relevant role here. If desired, the Bluetooth connection can still be deactivated completely.
Android: Why Google doesn’t want the Bluetooth connection to be permanently disabled
With the second beta version of Android 15, Google is bringing a new Bluetooth function to smartphones, which was available at the beginning of April Android Authority has been discovered. With this function, Bluetooth is automatically reactivated the following day after it is switched off.
The whole thing has an understandable background: Google uses Bluetooth, among other things, for its new Find My network, which is similar to Apple’s Where is network. In addition, the local radio connection is used for data exchange between devices called Quick Share, formerly Nearby Share, as Google explains.
Similar to Apple’s where-is solution for tracking down lost devices, billions of Android devices will now be connected to form a comprehensive network. The way it works is that the participating devices send out a signal via Bluetooth that can be received by other nearby devices. The sending device’s location is then encrypted by the receiving devices and uploaded to the Google server so that only the owner of the sending device can see its location.
Bluetooth is a core component of Google’s new Find My device network. If users choose to use the network but disable their device’s Bluetooth function, the network will not function as intended.
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Deactivating the device’s Bluetooth module not only means that your own device is no longer accessible, but also that it is disconnected from the entire network and you cannot help other people find lost devices.
So that as many devices as possible can be connected via the Find my network, the Bluetooth function is only paused instead of permanently deactivated. By the way, Apple does a similar thing with its Where-Is network, but does not provide information about this fact in the system settings, but only in one Support document.
Android 15: Automatic Bluetooth activation can be switched off
Google has taken precautions against the improper use of the car Bluetooth function: Not every app provider has access to this function. Instead, auto-activation is only available for system apps. Bluetooth can still be switched off permanently. You have two options to choose from:
On the one hand, you can find a switch for this in the quick settings: A swipe down from the top edge of the screen shows you, among other things, the Bluetooth symbol. Now tap on this and it will open a dialog window. If you turn off Bluetooth here, another option will appear, namely “Automatically turn it on again tomorrow”. If you flip the switch, the Bluetooth connection should remain permanently switched off.
Here you will find the settings so that the Bluetooth connection does not reactivate automatically. (Screenshots: t3n)
You can also find a corresponding control in the depths of the system settings: Open “Connected devices” > “Connection settings” > “Bluetooth” in the settings. Here you will also find the option “Automatically activate again tomorrow”.
It should not be forgotten that by completely switching off you are also deactivating the function that protects you from possible stalking by third-party tracking gadgets. Apple brought this anti-stalking feature, developed with Google, to iPhones with iOS 17.5.
Bluetooth function probably not only part of Android 15
The auto-on function for Bluetooth can currently only be found in the beta of Android 15 for Pixel devices. But it is already part of the AOSP code, so other manufacturers such as Samsung and others can also integrate the feature into their Android version.
There are also indications that the feature will not only remain part of Android 15 and will also be incorporated into older Android versions. A complete Android update is not necessarily necessary for the corresponding integration, as Google has been able to update the Bluetooth module via Google Play since Android 13.
Google’s new Find My network has been gradually released to all Android users for a few days now.
