Increase in Phone Searches by U.S. Customs and Border Protection
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) conducted searches on 55,318 electronic devices in 2025, marking a 17.6% increase from the previous year, when 47,074 devices were searched. This surge in device searches highlights the agency’s ongoing efforts to combat illegal activities at the border.
The increase in searches is particularly notable among U.S. travelers, with the number of device searches rising from 8,657 in 2023 to 13,590 in 2025. Basic searches accounted for the majority of these examinations, with 92% of searches conducted at the point of entry classified as basic. In 2025, the number of basic searches reached 50,922, up from 42,725 in 2024. Advanced searches also saw a slight increase, rising to 4,396 in 2025 from 4,322 the previous year.
Smartwatches and SIM cards have now been included in the categories of devices subject to search by U.S. Customs. CBP officers are authorized to request passwords for devices, and travelers who refuse to comply may face device seizure. “U.S. border agents are entitled to search your electronic devices, such as your phones, computers, or tablets, when you are entering the United States,” a CBP representative stated.
In light of these developments, Global Affairs Canada issued a warning last year regarding potential device checks at the U.S. border. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has also implemented stricter rules for device examinations, reflecting a broader trend in border security measures across North America.
Observers note that the increase in device searches has extended to American citizens, with a noticeable rise in 2025. “All travelers crossing the United States border are subject to CBP inspection,” the agency emphasized, indicating that no one is exempt from these searches.
Despite the growing number of searches, details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact percentage of searches conducted on travelers from Canada or other countries. Furthermore, it remains unclear how many searches will occur in 2026 compared to previous years, leaving some uncertainty about the future of device inspections at the border.
As the landscape of border security continues to evolve, the implications of these searches on privacy and traveler rights are likely to be subjects of ongoing discussion and scrutiny. The increase in phone searches by U.S. Customs and Border Protection raises important questions about the balance between security and personal privacy in an increasingly digital world.
