Non-connected MP3/MP4 players (lemmy.ca)

submitted 1 day ago by ArmchairAce1944@lemmy.ca to c/privacy@lemmy.ml

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I want to leave my phone at home or not have it on me most of the time. Most calls I get are meaningless spam and I rarely need to answer my phone for real calls outside my home (though it does happen on ocassion). One thing I do want and am accustomed to is having music, however.

I was looking at Amazon and Aliexpress for devices that can play mp3/mp4s, some can do that and even have ebook readers which is great. I don't see any connectivity on them or microphones save for the one that is included on the earbuds or Bluetooth.

And that is one question I have: can Bluetooth compromised your privacy? I know Bluetooth hacking is real but how bad is it?

I guess if it has a microphone it is ok if I dont have any connectivity. What do you guys recommend?

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[-] ArmchairAce1944@lemmy.ca 5 points 1 day ago* (last edited 1 day ago)

With a wired earbud set i think I can keep my Bluetooth turned off. That does usually mean it is off and hackers/corporations can't get to it, right?

[-] zod000@lemmy.dbzer0.com 5 points 1 day ago

Ideally, yes, that is exactly what it means. If you were talking about some complex Android powered device, there is a chance that the radio chip is still in some way powered up, but In a smaller discrete device like a DAP (aka MP3 player), off should me off.

[-] ArmchairAce1944@lemmy.ca 4 points 1 day ago

Also one thing. I remember seeing a video with Edward Snowden who said that the first thing he does when he gets a new phone is open it and remove the microphone, and if he needs to make a call he has an attachment to it that has the needed microphone.

I have soldering tools and stuff. I am willing to take a risk in busting up a 40$ DAP if it means physically removing the microphone from it and eliminating any chance of it being used.

[-] zod000@lemmy.dbzer0.com 4 points 1 day ago

Many/most DAP don't have a microphone (mine doesn't), so while removing a mic is an option, better to just buy a different device.

this post was submitted on 20 Jan 2026

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