Turn off Bluetooth

High risk Not ticked by default Catalog reviewed: 2026-11-05

Bluetooth has a long history of security flaws. If you do not use it, keeping its code out of the kernel removes that exposure.

Why it matters

Bluetooth has a long record of vulnerabilities, some of which could be exploited by someone nearby without touching your computer. If you never use it, the radio and the kernel code that talks to it are risk with no benefit. Blocking the driver removes both.

How it works

Adds a modprobe configuration that blocks loading the modules in the bluetooth group, which are the core Bluetooth stack and the common USB adapter driver (btusb). Without them the adapter cannot start.

Who should use it

For desktops and servers that have no use for Bluetooth. Leave it off if you use wireless keyboards, mice, headphones, game controllers, or phone file transfer.

What you may notice

The Bluetooth switch disappears from the settings, and bluetoothctl reports no controller. Bluetooth keyboards, mice and headphones will not connect.

Check it on your computer

See whether the modules are loaded:

lsmod | grep -E '^(bluetooth|btusb) '

Apply it by hand

Tell the system not to load them, in a file you own:

sudo tee /etc/modprobe.d/90-modules-bluetooth.conf <<'EOF'
install bluetooth /bin/false
install btusb /bin/false
EOF

Undo it

Remove the file. Modules already loaded stay until the next restart.

Related settings

Block obscure network protocols

Sources

Linux Hardening Guide (madaidans): 2.5.2