To see which apps can use Bluetooth, open System Settings › Privacy & Security › Bluetooth, and turn off any app that doesn't work with a Bluetooth device you own. Your paired keyboard, mouse and headphones keep working through macOS either way.
Last reviewed · 2 sources
Where to find it
System Settings › Privacy & Security › Bluetooth
Bluetooth permission lets an app use Bluetooth on your Mac to find and talk to nearby devices: mice, keyboards, headphones, fitness trackers and smart-home gear. Device utilities use it to find their hardware; Logitech, for example, says Logi Options+ needs it to detect a device that isn't connected to that Mac.
Choose Apple menu > System Settings, then click Privacy & Security in the sidebar.
The listed apps asked to use Bluetooth. You can also add an app with the Add button.
Device utilities, smart-home and fitness apps have a reason. An app with no Bluetooth device behind it doesn't.
Only that app loses Bluetooth. Devices paired in System Settings keep working.
For example, Logitech's Flow needs Logi Options+ to see devices that aren't connected yet.
CoreLock's free Privacy report covers Screen Recording, Accessibility, Full Disk Access, Input Monitoring, camera and microphone. For Bluetooth, use the list in System Settings.
AdLoad is one of the most widespread adware loaders on macOS and has been around since at least 2017...
Shlayer is a macOS dropper that installs adware and potentially unwanted programs. Kaspersky named i...
Banshee Stealer appeared in mid-2024 and was rented out for $3,000 a month through Telegram and the ...
EvilQuest, also named ThiefQuest, was found in 2020 in trojanized pirated Mac apps, such as an unsig...
No. Keyboards, mice and headphones you paired in System Settings work through macOS. Turning off an app's Bluetooth only stops that app from finding or talking to Bluetooth devices itself.
They can estimate it. An app that can scan for Bluetooth can spot beacons and known devices nearby, which places you in a shop, airport or office.
To find its devices. Logitech says Logi Options+ needs the Bluetooth permission to detect a device that isn't connected to that computer, which its Flow feature relies on.
The Privacy report and the scan are free, with no account, on macOS 13 or later.
Apple silicon build 2.0.7 · Intel Mac?
For your Mac, not this phone ·
Count the apps with Screen Recording, Accessibility, Full Disk Access, Microphone and Camera access in System Settings, and get a free 0–100 estimate in your browser.
Estimate your Security ScoreFree · Calculated in your browser