Rental Car Bluetooth Dangers - What You Should Know
Hi <<First Name>>,
 My wife and I recently took a trip to Florida, and like many of you who travel we rented a car. This time around we rented a Chrysler 300, which sported all the modern technologies including the ability to connect a smartphone to its infotainment system.
For anyone who has connected their phone via Bluetooth to their personal car, you know that this is a convenient way to take advantage of hands-free calling/receiving and streaming music and turn-by-turn directions from your phone through the car's audio system.
These are all convenient and fun things to do -- I absolutely love it. But did you know that there is a hidden danger if you decide to pair your phone (via Bluetooth) to a rental car?
If you didn't, in this edition, I'd like to show you what data is often is stored when you pair your phone to a rental car and how to protect yourself from leaving that data behind once you return the car.
Once You Pair Your Phone to a Rental Car
Pairing your phone to a rental car via Bluetooth
 Now a days, it is pretty simple to pair your phone to a new car (including rentals). There is usually a phone icon or option in the car's infotainment system that allows you to discover available Bluetooth phones. On your phone, simply go to your Bluetooth setting (turn Bluetooth on if not already on) and it automatically starts scanning for Bluetooth enabled devices -- such as a car's infotainment system.
Once your phone locates the car's system, you can just tap on it to connect. You may be prompted to accept the connection.
The hidden danger you may not know
The problem is that car infotainment systems that use Bluetooth often store phone data automatically once the device is connected. This data can include the device's name, phone number, call logs, and even some contacts the user may have recently dialed. The car does this to make it easier to reconnect later.
However, while it is a convenience for the car to store your data, there is the potential for someone with some technical know-how to hack into the car's system and then learn a whole lot more about previous drivers and their data. (Scary...isn't it?)
In fact, without too much effort renters or employees can see a list of all the prior devices that connected to the car. A YouTube video shows someone doing just that.
I can confirm that I saw four phones still listed from previous renters in the car we rented in Florida. (No I did not hack into them, but someone devious enough might be able to.)
Protecting yourself after you connect your phone to a rental car
 The good news, there is a simple fix to stop this from happening. All you have to do is delete your phone from the in-car system. You can do this by going to settings in the car's display.
Go into the settings (it will vary for every car model) and delete your phone from the list of previously paired Bluetooth devices. That should remove your call log and contacts as well. If it doesn't, look for an option to clear user data or do a factory reset. Talk to the employees at the car rental place if you can't find these options.
If you were wondering whether I paired my phone to our recent rental car. The answer is yes (I wanted hands-free call and the ability to stream Zac Brown Band and Jimmy Buffet through the audio system). Knowing how to remove my phone and data from the car's system gave me the comfort to do so.
NOTE: You can use this same process in your personal vehicle when you either sell or trade-in.
There you go! Now, with this knowledge you can take advantage of your rental car's phone-paring conveniences and protect your data from future renters or rental car employees.
If you know someone who might benefit from this tip, please share it with them. In fact, encourage them to sign up to receive helpful tips in their inbox. They'll thank you for it!"Get Your Mobile On!"©
iPad (and rental car technology) Expert Dave
iPad Expert Dave
@iPadExpertDave
PS...I truly appreciate you being a subscriber. I look forward to bringing you more great content in the upcoming editions.
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If you crave more detailed training for business or personal use, I provide both one-on-one and classroom style training for various iOS and App topics. I'd be happy to work with you and/or your organization to improve your Apple iOS device comfort, knowledge, and experience. Please email me at iPad Expert Dave to discuss all opportunities -- including speaking at events.
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