Reddit users flooded the comments section of a post on "Mildly Infuriating" to share some tips on how to prevent an unwanted Bluetooth pairing request.
"Idiot neighbor keeps trying to connect to my tv," read the title of u/r_youth's post, which garnered more than 50,000 votes since it was shared on Monday. "I can't block it."
According to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, Bluetooth technology allows a connection between devices without cables or wires.
Though the agency reported that this technology can be fairly secure, someone can "discover" a Bluetooth device and use the device's service.
"If someone can 'discover' your Bluetooth device, he or she may be able to send you unsolicited messages or abuse your Bluetooth service, which could cause you to be charged extra fees," the piece published by the agency stated.
Those with Bluetooth devices are advised to disable Bluetooth when it is not being used, use Bluetooth in "hidden" mode and evaluate security settings.
"Examine your settings, particularly the security settings, and select options that meet your needs without putting you at increased risk," the agency advised. "Make sure that all of your Bluetooth connections are configured to require a secure connection."
Redditor u/r_youth's post featured a photo of their television with a message displayed on the screen.
"Bluetooth pairing request," read the message, with a prompt to "pair" or "cancel" the request.
Fellow Redditors flooded the comments section to share how they would handle this situation.
"Rename it to VIRUS (it has been my WiFi name since 2006)," a commenter suggested.
One wrote they can change the name to "loading," while another said they can change it to "searching."
"We changed our wifi to 'FBI Surveillance Van #529' then would change the number every so many days," another wrote.
"I named mine Network Unavailable," one comment read. "F**ks with people for a bit before they realize it."
Another shared that they had the same issue with their speaker.
"My soundbar kept getting connected by random idiots all the time," they wrote. "Had to just unplug it as it was too much of a hassle."
Some chimed in to provide legitimate advice, encouraging u/r_youth to turn off their Bluetooth discovery or to rename their television to something much more specific and descriptive.
Newsweek reached out to u/r_youth for comment.
Many other internet users have taken their gripes to the forum "Mildly Infuriating."
A Redditor shared an image of a single AirPod that was trapped inside a block of ice. Another post showed a text from an alleged hotel owner who said they were keeping a deposit because of a poor review.
One post featured a video of the trash that was thrown in a man's garden.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
About the writer
Catherine Ferris is a Newsweek reporter based in New York. Her focus is reporting for the U.S. Trends Team. She ... Read more
