Preserving evidence in the age of inactivity timers: When time becomes the threat
The pace of change in mobile technology is relentless, and with each new mobile OS release, digital investigators face fresh challenges in preserving and accessing vital evidence. The recent introduction of reboot timers in mobile operating systems has become an urgent race against time. This blog serves as a companion to our full-length article, which offers expanded, detailed guidance on mobile data preservation, including:
- Operational guidelines for lawful preservation
- Sample affidavit language
- Strategies for anticipating and rebutting defense challenges
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Read the full article: How Magnet Graykey and Graykey Preserve protect evidence without crossing constitutional lines
The hidden timer that threatens evidence
Both iOS and Android operating systems have introduced an inactivity reboot feature that automatically restarts a phone if it remains locked for a specific duration (ex, 72 hours in the case of iOS). When that timer expires, the device returns to a Before First Unlock (BFU) state and encrypts all user data under a new class key. Once this reboot occurs, the decryption keys needed to access data are lost until a user enters the passcode, making even lawfully seized evidence suddenly inaccessible.
This change has far-reaching implications. Investigators can no longer assume that a phone will remain in a stable, accessible state while waiting for a warrant. The simple passage of time can now erase or lock away the very data needed to establish timelines, communications, or intent.
To read more on the iOS reboot timer, visit: Understanding the security impacts of iOS 18’s inactivity reboot.
Evidence that disappears on its own
Even before iOS 18’s inactivity timer, Apple devices routinely removed older or unused data as part of regular system maintenance. Artifacts such as cached location data, BIOME and KnowledgeC records, and recently deleted messages or photos can vanish in days or weeks. These processes occur automatically and continue even if a phone is placed in airplane mode, powered off, or placed in a Faraday bag to isolate it from networks.
That means in today’s mobile environment, waiting is not neutral; it’s destructive. Without preservation, valuable evidence can disappear before an examiner or prosecutor ever sees it.
To read more, check out our blog: 5 iOS forensics evidence sources to capture before they expire.
The rising urgency for lawful preservation
Preservation is no longer optional; it’s the first step in any sound digital investigation. The challenge is to ensure data integrity without crossing constitutional boundaries or infringing on privacy. The goal is simple but critical: maintain the device’s current state so evidence isn’t altered or destroyed while seeking judicial authorization to search the data.
This principle mirrors well-established case law that enables law enforcement to secure a physical scene to prevent evidence loss while securing judicial approval for a search warrant. In the digital context, the same logic applies—investigators must be able to prevent automatic data destruction without viewing or extracting the device’s contents.
Magnet Forensics’ commitment to preservation
At Magnet Forensics, we’ve made it our mission to support lawful access to unlock the truth. When inactivity reboot features began appearing in mobile operating systems, our team moved quickly to develop preservation solutions that meet the challenge head-on; protecting data integrity while maintaining user privacy.
Our technology provides agencies with a constitutional, controlled, and time-sensitive preservation capability, ensuring that evidence on a phone remains intact and unaltered while law enforcement obtains a warrant. No data is viewed, no contents are extracted, and no privacy boundaries are crossed; the device simply remains in its current state so investigators can act within the law and within time.
Why it matters
Digital evidence is more than data; it’s the details behind the case. It can prove intent, establish timelines, and corroborate testimony. But in the age of inactivity timers, even a few minutes can make the difference between preserving the truth and permanent data loss.
By focusing on lawful, immediate preservation, Magnet Forensics empowers investigators and prosecutors to protect that truth, ensuring that a ticking clock does not impede justice.
Learn more
To explore this issue in greater depth, including a full breakdown of the technical challenges, the constitutional framework that supports lawful preservation, and practical tools to assist in drafting warrants, read our detailed article, “Freezing the Timer: How Graykey Preserve Protects Mobile Evidence Without Crossing Constitutional Lines.”
This in-depth piece walks through the underlying legal analysis, explains why Magnet Forensics’ preservation solutions comply with Fourth Amendment principles, and even includes modifiable template language for use in your own legal process documentation.
Read the full article: How Magnet Graykey and Graykey Preserve protect evidence without crossing constitutional lines