What can Customs and Border Protection (CBP) search on my phone?

A: CBP can search information that is on the phone when it’s presented for inspection. Under CBP policy, officers may not use the device to access information stored solely remotely in the cloud. Before a basic or advanced search, they must disable data and network connections. Officers may do this by asking you to use airplane mode and disable Bluetooth and Wi Fi, or by disabling connectivity themselves. Information already stored on the phone can still be examined.

Source: CBP, Border Search of Electronic Devices at Ports of Entry: https://www.cbp.gov/travel/cbp-search-authority/border-search-electronic-devices

Have a U.S. immigration question?

Mailing Address
3019 Edgewater Dr #2056
Orlando, FL, 32804
Contact

Yoni@RubinVisa.com

US: +1 305 204 1035

This website is operated by Rubin Immigration LLC. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship and does not constitute legal advice. Licensed in New York. Practice limited exclusively to U.S. immigration and nationality law. Attorney Advertising.

 © 2026. All Rights Reserved.