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Apple Bluetooth Policy

Updated yesterday

The Apple Bluetooth Policy allows administrators to manage and restrict Bluetooth behavior on supervised Apple devices.
This policy is designed to help organizations control wireless connectivity, prevent unauthorized Bluetooth modifications, and strengthen security on macOS, iOS, and iPadOS devices.


Overview

Bluetooth is widely used for peripherals such as keyboards, headsets, and input devices, but it can also introduce security concerns if left unmanaged.
The Apple Bluetooth Policy lets IT admins control whether users are allowed to modify Bluetooth settings or enable Bluetooth sharing features.

This policy is especially valuable in high-security environments or organizations that must comply with strict device connectivity requirements.


Requirements

  • macOS 14.0+

  • iOS 11.0+

  • iPadOS 11.0+

  • Device must be enrolled in Swif.ai MDM

  • Some settings require supervised iOS/iPadOS devices


Configurable Settings

Allow Bluetooth Sharing Modification

Controls whether users can edit Bluetooth sharing settings on macOS devices.

Setting

Description

Minimum Requirement

True

Users can modify Bluetooth sharing preferences within System Settings.

macOS 14.0+

False

Prevents users from changing Bluetooth sharing settings. Ideal for securing data transfer channels.

macOS 14.0+

This setting applies only to macOS systems running Sonoma (14.0) or later.


Allow Bluetooth Modification

Controls whether users can manually change Bluetooth system settings, such as turning Bluetooth on/off or pairing devices.

Setting

Description

Minimum Requirement

True

Allows users to modify Bluetooth settings freely.

iOS 11+, iPadOS 11+

False

Prevents any changes to Bluetooth settings. Requires a supervised iOS/iPadOS device.

iOS 11+, iPadOS 11+ (supervised)

This setting is commonly used to maintain compliance in regulated environments or to prevent unauthorized pairing of wireless devices.


Best Practices

  • Set Allow Bluetooth Modification = False on supervised devices used in secure facilities to prevent unauthorized Bluetooth peripherals.

  • Disable Bluetooth sharing modifications on macOS to reduce data exposure risks.

  • Combine this policy with the Apple Security Policy for stronger endpoint protection.

  • For sensitive workloads, verify Bluetooth remains locked down through Device β†’ History β†’ Actions after policy enforcement.


How to Configure

  1. Open the Swif Admin Console β†’ Policies β†’ Create New Policy.

  2. Select Apple Bluetooth Policy from the available policy list.

  3. Set your preferred values for:

    • Allow Bluetooth Sharing Modification

    • Allow Bluetooth Modification

  4. Click Continue to assign the policy to selected devices or device groups.

  5. Review and confirm to apply the policy.

Devices will receive and apply the policy automatically the next time they sync with Swif MDM.


Compliance & Security Benefits

  • Reduces risks associated with unauthorized wireless connections

  • Helps enforce security frameworks such as SOC 2, HIPAA, and ISO 27001

  • Ensures consistent and centrally controlled Bluetooth behavior across all managed Apple devices

  • Supports secure IT environments where wireless communication must be tightly regulated

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