When the police are interested in a locked mobile phone, it usually means the device is suspected to contain crucial evidence — often in cases of:
- Harassment, stalking, or domestic abuse
- Threats, blackmail, or coercive control
- Fraud or financial manipulation
- Sharing explicit images or recordings without consent
- Violations of restraining orders
- Evidence of mental cruelty or manipulation via messages
Here’s what typically happens when police need access to a locked device in Spain or most EU countries:
🔐 1. The Phone is Seized with Legal Authorization
Police need either:
- Voluntary consent from the phone’s owner
- OR a judicial warrant issued by a judge
Without a warrant or consent, they cannot legally force entry — unless it’s an emergency involving imminent danger.
🛠️ 2. Digital Forensics Specialists Step In
Once they have legal access:
- The phone is sent to a forensic laboratory
- Experts use high-end tools like Cellebrite, Oxygen Forensic, or Grayshift to bypass locks and extract data
These tools can:
- Bypass many types of passcodes and encryption
- Recover deleted messages, photos, and chats
- Extract full chat histories from apps like WhatsApp, Signal, iMessage, Telegram
If the phone is too secure, they may:
- Request assistance from the app providers (WhatsApp, Apple, etc.)
- Work with international cybercrime units
⏳ 3. Timeframe for Access and Analysis
This depends on:
- How cooperative the phone owner is
- The type of phone (iPhone encryption is harder)
- The urgency of the investigation
Rough timelines:
- Simple extractions: 1–2 weeks
- Complex, encrypted devices: 1–3 months
🚨 4. If Incriminating Evidence Is Expected
When officers believe the phone holds dangerous, abusive, or criminal material, the case is considered high priority, especially if:
- Victims are at risk
- There’s evidence of planning, threats, or violations of protection orders
In these cases:
- Precautionary arrests may occur before data is accessed, based on testimony or visible evidence
- Once extracted, the data can confirm charges or lead to new ones
🧠 From a Psychological and Survivor-Centered View
For survivors of abuse, knowing that the phone — once a tool of control or threat — is now in the hands of justice can be emotionally complex:
- There’s relief, but also anxiety about how long it will take
- There’s fear the abuser will find ways to lie, manipulate, or delay
- And there’s hope that proof will finally speak louder than charm
