The Safety Reason TSA Might Ask You To Turn On Your Phone
CBP can take this a step further and search your phone.
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You may have heard about Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents asking someone to turn their smartphone on while going through security at an airport and think this is something new — but it isn't. This ruling about turning on devices before boarding has been in place since 2014. Back then, the TSA implemented a new rule requiring travelers coming from overseas to turn on their electronic devices, including phones, to prove they're actually functioning. If the device does not have power, you might be subjected to additional screening. This is for the safety of all passengers because phones can be used as detonators, jamming devices or to store bomb components.
You already need to place large electronics, like a laptop or tablet, in a separate bin to go through the scanner. And though it likely doesn't happen...
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