Learn how to prevent your phone from being searched when crossing the US border.

Traveling to the United States has become increasingly difficult under the current Trump administration. Customs and Border Protection officers now have the authority to search electronic devices, such as phones, in order to determine who is allowed to enter the country. However, there are some steps that travelers can take to decrease the chances of having their personal phone searched at the border.

In recent weeks, there have been reports of travelers being questioned or denied entry into the U.S. due to the content found on their phones. The constantly changing border policies under the Trump administration have caused many people to reconsider the risks involved with bringing devices containing sensitive personal information. In response, Wired has identified several ways that travelers can avoid having their phones searched at the border.

One option is to refuse the search, but this comes with its own risks. U.S. citizens and green card holders have the right to refuse a device search at the border without being denied entry, but they may face further questioning or have their devices temporarily confiscated. However, green card holders may face new consequences for refusing a search under the current administration. Visa holders and foreign visitors could even be detained or deported.

Molly Rose Freeman Cyr, a member of Amnesty International's Security Lab, explains that everyone's risk profile is different. Factors such as legal status, social media accounts, messaging apps, and the content of chats can all play a role in determining a person's risk assessment.

Another way to protect against a phone search is to disable biometric features, such as facial recognition or fingerprint scanners. Customs and Border Protection officers may use these features to access a device, so it is important to secure the phone with a PIN or passcode instead. It is also recommended to keep the device's operating system up to date to help prevent forensic cracking tools from accessing it.

Some travelers choose to buy a separate phone specifically for travel purposes or wipe and repurpose an old device. The goal is to have a clean, stripped-down version of their digital life on their travel phone, using separate communication and social media accounts made just for the trip. This way, if the device is searched, it won't contain a history of data that could reveal personal information like political beliefs, personal connections, or past movements.

Matt Mitchell, founder of CryptoHarlem, a security and privacy training and advocacy nonprofit, suggests creating a "finsta" (fake Instagram) account for travel. This way, if questioned about social media profiles, a traveler can show a separate account specifically for travel purposes. Mitchell also recommends having one "ratchet" account and one "wholesome" account, and adding a third one for travel.

Before traveling, it is important to modify the smartphone by deleting old photos and messages and backing them up elsewhere, clearing out unnecessary apps, and either removing certain apps or signing out of main accounts and logging in with travel-specific ones. Mohammed Al-Maskati, digital security helpline director at the rights group Access Now, suggests evaluating which apps are necessary and removing any that are not needed.

A simple but effective tactic is to print a paper boarding pass and other travel documents. This can help keep devices out of sight and potentially out of the minds of Customs and Border Protection agents. It is recommended to power off the phone and store it in a bag before reaching a CBP agent.

Danacea Vo, founder of Cyberlixir, a cybersecurity provider for nonprofits and vulnerable communities, reminds travelers that authorities may scrutinize their online presence, including social media activity and posts. In light of this, some people have decided not to travel to or from the U.S this year in order to avoid potential issues with their social media. As the saying goes, "think before you post."

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