Mobile Device Forensics
Today’s mobile devices are powerful, data-rich computers that store far more than just calls and text messages. Smartphones and tablets contain a wealth of hidden digital evidence, including location history, app usage, deleted communications, internet activity, and media files, that most users are unaware of.
Every interaction leaves behind a trail. GPS coordinates may be captured when a photo is taken, a text message is sent, or a social media app is opened. Even deleted content can often be recovered and analyzed. With the right tools and expertise, our forensic investigators can extract, preserve, and interpret this data to reconstruct user behavior, movements, and intent in a clear chronological timeline.
Mobile device forensics plays a critical role in cases involving employee misconduct, harassment, intellectual property theft, and even alibis or timeline disputes. This type of evidence is invaluable for determining truthfulness, establishing patterns, and supporting or challenging claims in civil and criminal matters.
Types of Data Extracted and Analyzed in Mobile Forensics
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Deleted Text Messages (SMS & MMS)
Recovery of deleted messages, including message content, timestamps, and contact details. -
Internet Activity
Analysis of web browsing history, search terms, downloads, and website access, even after deletion. -
Application Usage
Insight into installed apps, usage patterns, messaging platforms, and potential data leakage points. -
Voicemails
Retrieval of stored and deleted voicemails, including audio files and metadata. -
Deleted Photos & Media
Recovery of photos, videos, and associated metadata such as time, date, and location. -
Call Logs
Documentation of incoming, outgoing, and missed calls with timestamps and durations. -
GPS Location Tracking
Identification of location data tied to texts, photos, apps, and device movement over time.
Legal and Investigative Uses of Smartphone Evidence
Mobile devices often contain critical evidence that can shape the outcome of an investigation or legal proceeding. The data recovered from smartphones has been successfully used in civil litigation, criminal cases, and internal corporate investigations.
This evidence plays a vital role in:
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Internal investigations of employee misconduct, policy violations, or data misuse
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Litigation support in intellectual property theft, breach of contract, and trade secret misappropriation cases
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Harassment or discrimination claims where mobile communication history helps establish timelines or intent
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Corporate espionage cases, revealing unauthorized data transfers or covert communications
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Alibi verification or refutation, using GPS and communication records to confirm location and activity
Mobile forensic data provides context, credibility, and insight that often makes the difference between uncertainty and a solid, evidence-based outcome.
Devices We Analyze
Swailes Computer Forensics has the tools and expertise to recover data from a wide range of mobile devices, both current and legacy. Whether the device is active, damaged, or no longer in use, our team can often extract and analyze critical evidence.
Devices we commonly analyze include:
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iPhones – All iOS models, including deleted messages, photos, app data, and backups
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Android Phones – Samsung, Motorola, Google Pixel, OnePlus, and other major manufacturers
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iPads and iOS Tablets – Including iPadOS-specific app and system artifacts
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Android Tablets – From Samsung, Lenovo, Amazon (Fire OS), and others
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BlackBerry Devices – Legacy analysis including BBM messages and encrypted content
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Windows Mobile Phones – Legacy systems with retrievable logs, files, and contacts
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Cloud Backups and Sync Services – iCloud, Google Drive, Samsung Cloud, and third-party platforms associated with mobile devices
Our ability to analyze both physical devices and connected cloud accounts ensures a thorough and accurate investigation, even when data has been deleted or obscured.
Trusted Mobile Forensics Experts
Mobile device investigations require more than just software, they demand experience, precision, and investigative insight. At Swailes Computer Forensics, we go beyond simple data extraction. We interpret the evidence, establish timelines, and deliver findings that support legal strategy and withstand scrutiny in court.
Whether you’re handling a sensitive internal matter or preparing for litigation, our team delivers discreet, defensible, and results-driven mobile forensic services.
Contact us today to learn how we can help uncover the evidence hidden in your mobile devices.
Need a Smartphone Forensic Expert?
Call 713.361.5222