Wireless headphones, speakers, and other Bluetooth audio devices are incredibly commonplace. Whether you’re at home, at work, or in public spaces, connecting to your phone or laptop via Bluetooth has become second nature to many. But recent security research has shown that hundreds of millions of audio devices may be exposed to wireless tracking or hacking risks if the firmware is not updated.
While it’s pretty unlikely your headphones are spying on you, it highlights the importance of the privacy and security issues outdated Bluetooth firmware can create. And most users don’t think about it. It’s a stark reminder that although we live in an age of technical convenience, it means we often must be extra cautious.
In this article, we’ll explain the risk of outdated Bluetooth firmware, who may be affected, and what you can do right now to reduce it, without getting overly technical.
What the latest research tells us
The most recent Bluetooth risk involves a Google protocol called Fast Pair. This protocol allows Android and Chrome OS users to connect to Bluetooth devices with a single tap. However, Security researchers from Belgium’s KU Leuven University discovered that it may also enable hackers and bad actors to access these devices just as easily. The vulnerability, which the researchers dubbed WhisperPair, was found in 17 audio accessories from multiple popular brands, such as Sony and Logitech.
A common problem
While the WhisperPair issue is the latest example of this problem, it’s not singular. The fact is, most people don’t realise that updating IoT devices such as Bluetooth audio devices is even necessary. Much of this boils down to a lack of awareness, with tech companies often failing to inform customers adequately about risks and the need for updates.
Another factor is that Bluetooth is generally considered quite secure. It’s the specific implementations of Bluetooth, like the example in the previous section, that can make things more dicey, especially when manufacturers don’t quickly create a patch or inform users that their firmware needs updating.
In certain conditions, these weaknesses could allow attackers nearby to:
- Identify and track devices over time
- Collect limited information about the device
- Interact with vulnerable hardware
When Bluetooth pairing gets risky
Bluetooth devices need to balance ease of use with security and privacy. Features like fast pairing help make connecting to nearby devices quick and seamless. However, if those signals are not adequately protected, they can be identifiable and observable by third parties in the vicinity. This can result in:
- Device tracking – allows attackers to recognize the same device over time, which can result in basic movement or presence tracking.
- Privacy leakage – Attackers usually can’t access audio or personal data, but may be able to discover the device’s model, manufacturer, and usage patterns
- Proximity-based attacks – Bluetooth attacks typically require physical proximity, which makes them less common, but still relevant in public places like airports, cafés, and public transport.
Which devices may be affected?
The risk applies broadly to Bluetooth-enabled audio devices, including:
- Wireless headphones and earbuds
- Bluetooth speakers
- Smart audio accessories
Devices that rely on fast or automatic pairing features are more likely to be affected if:
- Firmware hasn’t been updated
- Pairing visibility settings are left open
What you should do right now
Generally, if risks have been discovered for certain Bluetooth devices, the vendor will have released a patch or is most likely working on one. Follow these steps to ensure your device stays safe:
1. Update your devices – Check for firmware updates via the manufacturer’s app and operating system updates on your phone or computer. Regular updates often fix Bluetooth security issues without you having to think about it.
2. Limit Bluetooth visibility – Turn off Bluetooth when you’re not using it and turn off pairing mode. This reduces exposure to nearby scanning.
3. Be cautious in public places – Avoid pairing new devices and disconnect Bluetooth accessories when you don’t need them. This will reduce the likelihood of proximity attacks.
How to check if your device is updated
- Open the companion app (if available)
- Look for firmware or software update options
- Visit the manufacturer’s support site if unsure
- Keep your phone’s OS fully updated, as many Bluetooth fixes are handled at the system level
- If updates are available, install them as soon as possible.
What if your Bluetooth device doesn’t have an app?
As you might have figured out, it’s not possible to update headphones that don’t have an accompanying app. Should you be worried if your specific device doesn’t have one? Fortunately, no. Those that do tend to be more complex devices, with more advanced features like voice assistants, multipoint pairing, or cloud syncing. These extra capabilities are what make them more vulnerable, allowing for more points of access and the necessity to update periodically.
Bluetooth headphones without apps typically have fewer features and a smaller software footprint. And fewer features means fewer background services, fewer wireless entry points, as well as less complex firmware.
So, to keep your device as safe as possible, some best practices are:
- Turning off pairing mode in public
- Only pairing with trusted devices
- Turning off Bluetooth when not in use
- Keeping the phone updated
- Buying from reputable manufacturers
- Replacing very old devices
General Bluetooth security best practices
To sum things up, here are a few things to keep in mind to ensure long-term wireless security:
- Keeping firmware and operating systems updated
- Using trusted manufacturers with active security support
- Avoiding unknown or unofficial Bluetooth accessories
- Turning off unused wireless features
- Reviewing device permissions periodically
- Replacing old devices
Risk → Action table
| Risk | What to do |
| Device tracking | Update firmware and OS |
| Privacy leakage | Disable Bluetooth when unused |
| Pairing abuse | Avoid permanent pairing mode |
| Public exposure | Disconnect devices in crowded areas |
Frequently asked questions about Bluetooth safety
Should I stop using Bluetooth headphones?
No, the risks are very low and manageable with basic precautions.
Do iPhones and Android devices handle Bluetooth safety differently?
Both regularly patch Bluetooth vulnerabilities at the OS level.
Should I turn Bluetooth off completely?
Only when you’re not using it.
What if my Bluetooth device doesn’t get updates anymore?
Limit using it in public spaces and consider replacing older devices.
How at risk is my Bluetooth device from hacking?
The risk is real but still quite low. Threat actors require proximity and opportunity for success. Regularly updating your OS and firmware will greatly reduce exposure.
The takeaway
Although there have been some recent news stories centering on Bluetooth risks, wireless audio devices aren’t suddenly unsafe. But like any connected technology, they require continual attention. By regularly updating your firmware, device OS, and taking a sensible approach to settings, and turning off pairing and Bluetooth in public spaces, your Bluetooth should be well-protected.
Cora is a digital copywriter for SSLs.com. Having eight years of experience in online content creation, she is a versatile writer with an interest in a wide variety of topics, ranging from technology to marketing.