Public Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Security: FCC Tips for Phones on the Go
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How we wrote this: A plain-English summary of the FCC consumer guide Wireless Connections and Bluetooth Security Tips, checked October 29, 2026.
The FCC warns that Wi-Fi networks and Bluetooth connections can be used by cyber thieves to steal identities and financial information. Here's its advice for phones, laptops and tablets.
Public Wi-Fi
- Watch for imposter hotspots. If more than one network seems to belong to the coffee shop or hotel you're in, ask the staff which one is real.
- Look for "https" at the start of web addresses. The "s" means your data is encrypted.
- Consider a browser add-on that forces encrypted connections.
- Turn off auto-connect so your phone doesn't join nearby networks that aren't on your trusted list.
- If you use public Wi-Fi often, consider a VPN, which encrypts everything between your device and the internet. Many employers provide one.
- For sensitive transactions, your cellular data plan may be more secure than Wi-Fi.
Bluetooth
- Turn Bluetooth off when you're not using it. The FCC says leaving it on can let hackers see which devices you've paired with, spoof one of them, and get into your device.
- Use "hidden" rather than "discoverable" mode.
- Rental cars: before you return the car, unpair your phone and delete your personal data from it. Do the same when selling a car.
Your home or office network
- Turn on encryption. The FCC notes routers often ship with it off. Use WPA3 if your devices support it, or WPA2 for older ones. Avoid the obsolete WEP.
- Change the default network name (SSID) to something unique that doesn't identify the router brand.
- Change the router's default admin password, which is separate from the Wi-Fi password.
- Optionally turn on MAC address filtering, and turn the router off during long absences.
- Use security apps on devices that connect.
Passwords
Use long passwords that mix letters, numbers and symbols. Don't reuse passwords, especially for banking, tax, medical and social media accounts, and avoid guessable ones like birthdays.
Related: home office Wi-Fi setup, end-of-life routers, passwords and MFA, international roaming.