Bluetooth remains on after switched off

[Tech-How]

Your system information

• Steam client version: 1733265492
• SteamOS version: 3.6.20
• Opted into Steam client beta?: No
• Opted into SteamOS beta?: No
• Have you checked for updates in Settings > System?: Yes

Please describe your issue in as much detail as possible:

When Bluetooth is switched off on the Steam Deck, and then the device is put to sleep and woken back up, Bluetooth silently switches back on. This also happens on cold boot, and is with the LCD model.

Steps for reproducing this issue:

1. Disable Bluetooth in the UI
2. Put the Deck to sleep
3. Wake the Deck up
4. Turn on a previously paired Bluetooth device, and it will connect.

Expected:

Device does not connect, as Bluetooth had been switched off.

Result:

Bluetooth device connects.

Additional info:

Does the Bluetooth toggle in game mode just attempt to block new connections, instead of actually disabling the Bluetooth hardware? I suspect this because when disabling Bluetooth in game mode, it is still active in desktop mode. Whereas with WiFi, disabling it in game mode also disables it in desktop mode.
This can pose a serious issue when in environments that require devices to not emit radio waves, like on airplanes or near pacemakers. If turning on Airplane Mode or disabling these features doesn't actually disable them, that is a problem that should be addressed.

[bitrot-alpha]

Airplane mode is a myth. Airplanes are not disrupted by radio signals unless you're talking about illegal jamming. Pacemakers shouldn't be bothered with a low power standard such as Bluetooth. However I wouldn't advise standing next to an AM radio station for very long for anybody whether they are radio sensitive or not.

I do agree the Bluetooth driver needs some polishing up. Manually running sudo modprobe -r btusb followed by sudo modprobe btusb in Konsole will (should) make the Bluetooth module respond again if it is refusing to turn on/off. You will need to set a user password with passwd if you don't use Desktop Mode a lot.

[Tech-How]

If you're implying that Airplane Mode is a myth, I suppose Valve (along with other consumer electronics manufacturers) should remove the functionality from their devices then. It is useful to have an option to quickly disable all wireless functionality in a device for numerous reasons, and that functionality should work as intended.