It’s important to know how to turn on Bluetooth on an iPhone because it helps you connect to other devices and peripherals in range, like headphones, speakers, and even cars. However, while there are three simple ways to activate Bluetooth on your iPhone, the answer is a bit more complicated if you’re wondering how to disable Bluetooth on an iPhone. That is because Bluetooth can be disabled temporarily or permanently on iOS. Don’t worry! I explain it all in this guide, so continue reading to find out everything about turning your iPhone Bluetooth on or off:

NOTE: If you want to understand more about Bluetooth technology, read our guide explaining how Bluetooth works.

1. Use the iPhone Bluetooth Settings to turn the feature on or off

The Settings app lets you configure almost anything on your iPhone, including Bluetooth on iOS. The iPhone Bluetooth settings are also the most reliable and straightforward way to turn your device’s Bluetooth chip on or off because instructions are the same regardless of your iOS device. The first step is to launch the iOS Settings app by tapping its Home Screen icon.

Open the app to reach the Bluetooth Settings on iPhone

The Bluetooth entry is displayed in the first section, followed by its current status. Tap it to continue.

Access the Bluetooth Settings on iPhone

1.1. How to activate Bluetooth on an iPhone from Settings

Press the switch at the top, next to the Bluetooth setting, to turn it on. This activates your iPhone’s Bluetooth. Next, iOS starts listing other Bluetooth gadgets paired with your iPhone and any available devices in range. If you need help pairing, read our guide on How to connect Bluetooth devices with your iPhone.

How to enable Bluetooth on iPhone

TIP: When the iPhone Bluetooth settings screen is open, and you turn on the switch, your iOS device also becomes visible to other Bluetooth devices in its proximity.

1.2. How to disable Bluetooth on an iPhone from Settings (permanently)

If you don’t use Bluetooth on iOS, it’s best to permanently disable it and save your battery. In the Bluetooth settings on your iPhone, tap the switch next to Bluetooth to turn it off.

How do I turn off Bluetooth on my iPhone?

This completely disables Bluetooth on your iOS device, preventing AirDrop, AirPlay, Find My, and Location Services from using this feature.

2. Toggle the Bluetooth button in the Control Center to activate or (temporarily) disable the feature

The Control Center offers a faster way to enable the iPhone’s Bluetooth. However, the way to access the Control Center depends on your iPhone model. On older iPhones, you must swipe up from the bottom to open the Control Center, while on iPhone X and later, you should swipe down from the top-right corner of the screen.

Access the Control Center to reach the iPhone Bluetooth shortcut

In the Control Center, you can see the Bluetooth icon displayed inside the upper-left pane. If the button is transparent and the symbol is crossed off, as seen below, then the iOS Bluetooth is permanently turned off.

The Bluetooth icon is transparent when the feature is permanently off

2.1. How to enable Bluetooth on an iPhone from the Control Panel

Tap the iPhone Bluetooth shortcut in the Control Center to enable the feature. This also turns the Bluetooth icon blue, and iOS displays the “Bluetooth Connections Enabled” message at the top of your screen.

How to turn on Bluetooth on iPhone from the Control Center

It would make sense to tap the icon again if you want to disable the Bluetooth feature. But Apple didn’t make this shortcut as intuitive as I’d like.

2.2. How to turn off Bluetooth on your iPhone from the Control Center (temporarily)

You might think the shortcut from the Control Center disables Bluetooth on iOS. However, instead, it just disconnects your iPhone from the Bluetooth accessories in range, with the exception of some Apple devices. Even if you’re not using them, Bluetooth devices can drain your battery overnight, so here’s a quick way to prevent that from happening.

Open the Control Center and tap the (blue) iPhone Bluetooth shortcut from the upper-left section. The button becomes light-gray, and at the top, you get a notification that iOS is Disconnecting Bluetooth Devices Until Tomorrow.

How to disable Bluetooth on an iPhone until the next day

Remember that disabling Bluetooth on iOS using this method does not disconnect Apple devices, like the Apple Watch or Apple Pencil, or prevent you from using features like AirDrop or AirPlay. On top of that, you don’t have to remember to enable the feature the next day because, the following morning, your iPhone turns Bluetooth on automatically at 5.00 AM local time.

NOTE: You may be wondering how to stop the iPhone Bluetooth from automatically turning on using the Control Center. While you can’t permanently disable Bluetooth from the Control Center, there is a way to use this panel to reach the iPhone Bluetooth settings discussed in the first chapter of this guide. First, touch and hold the iPhone Bluetooth shortcut to expand its section, as seen below. Next, make sure the feature is activated - the Bluetooth icon in the expanded pane should be blue. Finally, touch and hold the blue 🙂 Bluetooth icon again.

Touch-and-hold on the Bluetooth icon a second time

This opens a Bluetooth pane showing paired devices. Tap Bluetooth Settings at the bottom, and then follow my instructions about turning off Bluetooth from the first chapter.

Access Bluetooth Settings

3. How to use Siri to turn on Bluetooth or to disable it

If you’re using Siri, Apple’s virtual assistant, you can ask her to enable or disable Bluetooth on an iPhone. The commands are intuitive. Activate Siri and say “Enable Bluetooth,” “Turn on Bluetooth,” or “Start Bluetooth” to enable the feature.

Ask Siri turn on Bluetooth on your iPhone

If you want to disable it, tell Siri to “Turn off Bluetooth,” “Disable Bluetooth,” or “Stop Bluetooth.”

Ask Siri turn off Bluetooth on your iPhone

She immediately disables Bluetooth and lets you know about it. This method permanently turns off Bluetooth on your iPhone.

Do you leave Bluetooth on all the time in iOS?

Bluetooth is a great way to wirelessly connect your iOS device to other gadgets. Now, you know how to enable Bluetooth on an iPhone and how to disable it. However, I already explained that it drains the battery faster, so I prefer to disable it. What about you? Do you leave Bluetooth on? Which option to enable or disable Bluetooth do you use on your iPhone? Let me know in the comments.