There’s a major Android bluetooth security flaw. Here’s how to fix it

Looks like it’s time to check if you have an Android security update available to your phone. A new security flaw has been discovered in Android — and this time, it uses Bluetooth to allow access to your phone.

The flaw, called BlueFrag, takes advantage of Bluetooth in Android 8 and 9, and it basically allows hackers to execute code on your device. The result? Hackers can fully access anything stored on your phone, and install malware without your knowledge.

Of course, this sounds a little scarier than it actually is. Because it uses Bluetooth, would-be attackers have to be within Bluetooth range of your phone, which is around 33 feet. Hackers also need to know your device’s Bluetooth MAC address — though that address is relatively easy to figure out.

Still, the flaw isn’t something you would want to be vulnerable to — and thankfully, there are ways to guard against it. The February 2020 security patch comes with a fix to the flaw, and devices running Android 10 are already safe.

And don’t assume that you’re safe if you’re running a version of Android older than Android 8. The researchers who discovered the bug said that they tested it on devices running Android 8 or later — so it’s entirely possible that the flaw can be found in older versions too. The flaw itself does exist in Android 10, but thanks to changes in how Android implements Bluetooth, it’s not exploitable. Still, it’s worth keeping up with security updates as they’re made available.

Of course, not everyone will be able to install the February 2020 security patch or the latest version of Android because of how old their phone is — and if that’s you, and you’re worried about this hack, then you may want to limit your Bluetooth use. You could, for example, try and turn Bluetooth off whenever you’re not actually using it, or switch to wired headphones and other devices instead.

While it’s always a good idea to protect yourself as much as possible from exploits like this, it’s currently unclear how many hackers are actually working to take advantage of the flaw — and we’re betting the number is pretty low.

Related posts

Latest posts

RTX 5090 GPU shortage could soon end if Nvidia adopts this strategy

Online leakers explained that the RTX 5090 shortage began due to scalpers over-purchasing components, but it could soon end if Nvidia adopts this strategy.

Lenovo’s leaked ThinkBook Flip is a wild take on dual screen laptops

At the MWC 2025 tech fest, Lenovo might showcase a dual-screen laptop that borrows the concept of foldable phones, and takes it to computing extremes.

Samsung savings: Take $900 off the Samsung 55-inch Odyssey Ark

You deserve a gaming monitor that performs like a champ. May we recommend the Samsung 55-inch Odyssey Ark, a premium screen on sale for $900?

Google Messages can now be your notes app. Please don’t do that

There are other messaging apps that will safeguard messages you send yourself.

How good are passkeys in 2025 or do I still need a password manager?

Passkeys have been around since 2021, so when can l top using passwords or are password managers still a necessity in 2025?

Save space with this 27-inch Dell all-in-one PC — on sale at $300 off

The Dell Inspiron 27 All-in-One PC is on sale from Dell at $1,000 after a $300 discount. Save space with this machine, which features a built-in 27-inch screen.

Hackers opted for ransomware in 2024 for faster and more advanced attacks

Researchers indicate that ransomware bad actors are rolling out attacks as quickly as security professionals can resolve them.

This 14-inch Dell 2-in-1 laptop is on sale with a $250 discount

The Dell Inspiron 14 7440 2-in-1 laptop is a versatile device with decent performance from its Intel Core 5 120U processor. It's on sale from Dell at $250 off.

Tourists are renting robotic legs to climb up a mountain

Tourists in China have been strapping on robotic legs to help them climb a famous mountain, with a rental service proving popular since its launch last month.

Grok 3 launch confirmed as 10 times more powerful than previous model

Elon Musk and the xAI team announced the Grok 3 AI model as a beta for paid users.