BT issues, phone keeps connecting to random BT devices/phones without asking me.

[Reverend Benny]

Have had an odd issue for a few days. Not sure if its only visual or something else.

Everytime i check my BT settings quickly, I see that my phone has connected to random phones.
If I turn BT off and on it goes back to normal. Then after 10 minutes after checking again I get similar issues.

I did a "reset network settings" and haven't seen it since.

iOS 26.2.1 and 16Pro.

 

[Reverend Benny]

Reset network settings didn't help, iOS 26.3 didn't make a difference, phone still connects (or at least it looks like it) to random phones when I am in public places. Android and Iphones, doesn't matter.
Doesn't seem like there are much settings to adjust so it won't connect automatically.

 

[Reverend Benny]

The device on the top of my list is unknown and was a device that appeared when I jumped on the tube.
Weird to find random unknown devices as "connected". Could it be some new feature or anything else that keep "connecting/handshaking" new devices? Just a visual bug? Anyone else noticed this?

 

[I7guy]

Check your personal hotspot and airdrop to make sure they are off.

 

[Reverend Benny]

Check your personal hotspot and airdrop to make sure they are off.

Good advice, Airdrop are contacts only and personal Hotspot are on but with a password. Might try and turn both of just to see if it makes a difference. Not sure Hotspot are using BT tho, but can't hurt to test.