TSA Electronics Rules 2026: Laptops, Tablets, Cameras, Power Banks & CT Scanners

SecurityWait Staff · April 2, 2026

Electronics create the most confusion at TSA security checkpoints. Which devices must be removed? Can I fly with power banks? Which airports let me keep my laptop in my bag? TSA's electronics rules are straightforward, but they're rapidly changing as CT scanning technology expands. Understanding what devices are allowed, which ones require special handling, and which airports have faster CT scanning lanes saves minutes at security.

This guide covers laptop rules, CT scanner airports, tablets, cameras, power banks, battery limits, and what happens when TSA screens your electronics.

Laptop Removal at Security: The Traditional Rule

At most U.S. airports in 2026, you must remove your laptop from your carry-on bag at TSA security and place it in a screening bin. TSA agents run laptops through the X-ray machine separately to detect suspicious items or explosives inside.

What TSA requires:

• Remove your laptop from your bag before reaching the screening officer
• Place the laptop in a clear screening bin (TSA provides bins)
• The laptop goes through the X-ray machine
• Once cleared, your laptop goes back in your bag
• This process adds 30-60 seconds to your total security time

The reason is simple: laptops are large enough to conceal prohibited items. TSA's concern is what's inside the laptop case, not the laptop itself. A laptop with a battery, hard drive, and internal components creates an image TSA wants to inspect more carefully than a soft-sided bag.

Laptop types with no exceptions: Regardless of brand (Apple, Dell, HP, Lenovo) or size, all laptops must be removed from bags at traditional security checkpoints.

Preparing for security: Wear easily removable shoes and place valuables on top of your carry-on. Reach the checkpoint with your laptop already accessible in your bag (not buried under jackets or other items). This small prep step moves your line faster.

CT Scanner Airports: Leave Your Laptop In The Bag

Computed Tomography (CT) scanners represent the future of TSA screening. These machines can scan liquids and electronics in detail without requiring removal from bags.

Airports with CT scanning in 2026:

• Denver International (DEN): CT scanners available in most PreCheck and main security lanes. Most of the time you can leave your laptop in your bag.
• Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX): CT scanners expanded to multiple lanes in 2025. Laptop removal usually not required.
• San Francisco (SFO): Pilot program with select lanes using CT technology. Check signage to identify CT lanes.

How CT screening works: You place your carry-on bag (with laptop and liquids inside) directly on the conveyor belt. The CT scanner creates a 3D image of your bag's contents. TSA officers monitor the scan. If the image is clear, your bag passes through. If there's something suspicious, the officer may ask you to open your bag or remove items.

Speed advantage: CT scanning is 20-30% faster than traditional screening because you don't have to remove laptops, liquids, or most shoes. Time savings add up for frequent travelers.

Rollout status: TSA's expansion of CT scanners is slow. Most airports still use traditional X-ray machines. Don't assume your airport has CT scanning unless you've confirmed it recently.

Checking your airport: Before your flight, go to tsa.gov and search your airport code or call the airport directly. Ask "Do you have CT scanning technology?" The answer tells you whether to prepare to remove your laptop.

Tablets, E-Readers & Smartphones

Tablets, Kindles, and smartphones have different rules than laptops because they're smaller and pose less risk of concealed items.

iPad and tablets: You can leave tablets in your bag during security screening at most airports. TSA does not require tablet removal. However, if your tablet is very large (12.9-inch iPad Pro) or an officer asks, removal may be required. To be safe, have your tablet easily accessible in case an officer wants to see it.

E-readers (Kindle, Kobo, Nook): No removal required. These small devices typically pass through security without issue in your bag.

Smartphones: No removal required. You can leave your phone in your bag or pocket. TSA doesn't care about phones for security purposes. However, you'll need your phone accessible for identification purposes at the checkpoint.

Smartwatches: No restrictions. Leave them on your wrist or in your bag.

Large-format tablets: The 12.9-inch iPad Pro is borderline. To avoid delays, consider removing it voluntarily if your bag is flagged. Most officers wave larger tablets through without issue, but a cautious approach is faster.

Power Banks and Portable Batteries

Power banks are allowed through TSA security, but battery capacity limits apply.

The rules:

• Power banks with 100 watt-hours (Wh) or less are allowed in carry-on
• Power banks with 100-160 Wh require airline approval but are sometimes allowed
• Power banks over 160 Wh are prohibited in both carry-on and checked bags
• You can carry up to 2 power banks per TSA rules

Understanding watt-hours: Most power banks are labeled with capacity in milliamp-hours (mAh), not watt-hours. To convert:

Watt-hours (Wh) = (mAh ÷ 1000) × Voltage
Typical power bank voltage is 3.7V. So a 30,000 mAh power bank = (30,000 ÷ 1000) × 3.7 = 111 Wh

Common power bank capacities in Wh:

• 10,000 mAh = 37 Wh (allowed)
• 20,000 mAh = 74 Wh (allowed)
• 30,000 mAh = 111 Wh (allowed, at the limit)
• 40,000 mAh = 148 Wh (allowed, at the limit)
• 50,000 mAh = 185 Wh (prohibited)

At security: Power banks are screened like other devices. You don't need to remove them from your bag. TSA X-rays them and allows them through if the capacity is within limits.

For checked baggage: You cannot pack power banks in checked bags, even small ones. The restriction applies to both carry-on and checked baggage. If you're traveling with a power bank, it must go in your carry-on.

Damaged or recalled power banks: If your power bank is recalled or visibly damaged (swollen, dented, leaking), TSA may confiscate it or ask you to leave it behind. Do not attempt to bring a visibly damaged power bank through security.

Cameras, Lenses & Photography Equipment

Photography equipment is fully allowed in carry-on and checked baggage with no restrictions on TSA's part.

What's allowed:

• DSLR and mirrorless cameras: No restrictions. Any size, any brand.
• Lenses: Unlimited lenses in carry-on or checked baggage.
• Tripods: Allowed in carry-on and checked baggage. If the tripod is compact, it fits in carry-on. Full-size tripods are fine in checked baggage.
• Lighting equipment (strobes, continuous lights): Allowed in both carry-on and checked baggage.
• Reflectors and diffusers: No restrictions.
• Memory cards and USB drives: Unlimited in carry-on.
• GoPro and action cameras: No restrictions.
• Drones: DJI, Parrot, and other drones are allowed in checked baggage ONLY. Drones are prohibited in carry-on because they contain lithium batteries.

Screening for cameras: Large camera bags may be opened by TSA for inspection, but cameras and lenses are never confiscated just for being cameras. If TSA opens your bag, they're checking for liquids, sharp items, or other prohibited items, not the camera itself.

Batteries in cameras and flashes: Lithium batteries in cameras are allowed. However, spare lithium batteries (AA, AAA lithium disposables) must follow TSA battery rules. Rechargeable batteries are not subject to the same limits as power banks.

Tripod sharpness: Some tripods have sharp points or spikes (for soft ground). These are not prohibited. If a tripod has detachable spikes, you can pack the spikes separately in checked baggage.

Other Electronics: Allowed and Prohibited

Lithium Battery Restrictions Explained

Many prohibited items are actually prohibited because they contain lithium batteries, not because of the device itself.

Why lithium batteries are restricted: Lithium batteries can overheat and catch fire in the pressurized cargo hold of an aircraft. This is a legitimate safety concern supported by FAA data. TSA prohibits them in checked baggage to prevent in-flight fires.

Devices prohibited in checked baggage due to lithium batteries:

• Power banks
• Drones
• E-cigarettes/vapes
• Removable laptop batteries
• Hoverboards and self-balancing scooters
• Spare AA/AAA lithium disposable batteries
• Some smart luggage (if battery cannot be removed)

Devices allowed in both carry-on and checked baggage despite lithium batteries:

• Laptops (battery attached)
• Cameras (batteries inside)
• Phones (batteries inside)
• Tablets (batteries inside)

The distinction is that some devices have batteries that cannot be easily removed (internal batteries), while others have batteries that are meant to be swapped out or charged separately. Removable batteries are the concern.

Pre-Screening Your Electronics

Before your flight, check your devices for problems that might slow security:

• Ensure your laptop and tablet charge and turn on. Dead devices are sometimes opened for inspection.
• Remove metal cases from cameras; they slow X-ray screening.
• Check power bank specifications (find the Wh rating) before packing.
• Ensure drones are packed in checked baggage, not carry-on.
• If traveling with professional camera equipment, have a list ready. TSA officers sometimes ask about expensive equipment for record purposes.

Final Electronics Checklist

• Check your airport for CT scanner availability (ask or check tsa.gov)
• Prepare to remove your laptop unless at a CT scanner airport
• Tablets can usually stay in your bag; removal is rare
• Power banks must not exceed 100 Wh capacity; carry-on only
• Cameras, lenses, and tripods have no restrictions
• Drones must go in checked baggage, never carry-on
• Spare lithium batteries go in carry-on only, not checked bags
• If traveling internationally, register valuable electronics with U.S. Customs first

FAQ: TSA Electronics Rules

Will TSA damage my laptop during screening?
TSA agents are trained to handle electronics carefully. Modern X-ray machines do not damage electronics. Laptops go through X-rays millions of times without issue. Your laptop is safe.

Do I need to turn on my laptop for security?
No. You do not need to power on your laptop at security. If an officer suspects an issue, they may ask you to turn it on, but this is rare (maybe 1 in 500 passengers). Powered-off laptops pass through security like any other item.

Can I bring my laptop battery in checked baggage?
No. Spare lithium laptop batteries are prohibited in checked baggage. They must go in carry-on. However, if the battery is inside your laptop (not removable), it's fine in checked baggage.

What if TSA asks me to unlock my laptop?
TSA cannot force you to unlock your laptop or reveal passwords. However, if you decline, TSA may deny you boarding. To avoid this, have your laptop accessible and ready to power on if asked. In most cases, powering on and showing the desktop is sufficient.

Can I bring external hard drives?
Yes. External hard drives and USB drives are allowed in unlimited quantity in carry-on. They don't require removal from bags.

Are gaming devices (Nintendo Switch, PlayStation Portable) allowed?
Yes, all gaming devices are allowed in carry-on without removal. No restrictions.