Can I Bring Electronics In My Carry on? 2025

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The TSA and FAA recommend that you pack your personal electronics in your carry-on or personal item bag when traveling.

You can bring most electronic devices and gadgets on planes in carry-on baggage. But, there are certain restrictions that you need to keep in mind to avoid any inconvenience or delays at the security checkpoint.

In this comprehensive guide, I will cover everything that you need to know about traveling with electronics, like mobile phones, laptops, e-readers, tablets, cameras, and e-cigarettes.

Let’s dive right in.

Flat lay of a workspace with electronics including a laptop, smartphone, camera, wireless earbuds, a smartwatch, and a cup of latte art, with the text Can I Bring Electronics On A Plane

Can You Take Electronics Through the TSA Security Checkpoint?

Before you go through the security checkpoint, there are some important things you need to remember to make your trip through the airport safe and quick.

You will need to remove any electronics larger than a cell phone from your bag and place them in a separate bin for additional screening (like laptops, larger headphones, tablets, etc.).

On the other hand, you can leave small electronic devices in your bag, as they won’t block the screening process (like a small cell phone, phone charger, etc.).

Ensure that your electronics are fully charged before taking them through the security checkpoint.

The security officers may want to turn on the device to ensure that it operates and is not used for something else.

You know those bad guys use different tricks to smuggle prohibited items.

I set out to get to more answers by checking what travelers are asking on X (formerly Twitter).

Dylan was packing a bunch of electronics, everything from a tablet and headphones to game controllers and wanted to know which items needed to be removed at the security checkpoint.

Tweet on X showing various electronics on the floor. User asks TSA which need separate screening. TSA replies: tablet, keyboard, and headphones must be removed.

The AskTSA responded that larger electronics like the tablet, keyboard, and headphones should be taken out and placed in a bin for screening.

The rest can stay in the bag.

Henry was working on a hobby project and wanted to bring some electronic switch components in his carry-on.

Tweet on X with a photo of electronic switch components and a timer. User asks if they can bring them for a hobby project. TSA replies: yes, in carry-on bags.

The AskTSA replied that yes, switch components are allowed in carry-on bags without any restrictions.

What Electronics Can You Bring in Carry-On Luggage?

You can bring a wide variety of electronics in your carry-on bag. Here’s a helpful list:

Can You Use Electronic Devices On Board the Airplane?

Yes, you can use your electronic devices on board the airplane, whether it is a phone or a laptop, to watch Netflix, listen to an audiobook, or play chess.

But there are some exceptions and limits to what you can do with your device.

For example, you will need to put electronics in flight mode during your flight, so you can’t make phone calls or FaceTime with a friend during the flight.

Also, you can’t turn on or use your device during takeoff and landing; that may block movement in case of an emergency or evacuation of the airplane.

It is better to keep your headphones handy in case you want to listen to music or watch a movie. You can’t just blast a song in the middle of a flight—your fellow passengers will get upset.

If you want to charge your device, you will need to ensure that the airplane you are traveling on has power outlets.

In case you did a little research and the airplane does not have power outlets, you can take a power bank with you.

Just ensure that you don’t take a power bank that is more than 100 Wh; otherwise, you will need to get approval from your airline.

Take Electronic Devices in Checked Baggage

Most electronic devices are allowed in checked baggage. Still, there are some devices that you can’t bring in checked baggage, like electronic cigarettes and separate lithium-ion batteries.

Lithium-ion batteries dominate almost all modern electronics, so it is preferred if they are packed in carry-on baggage.

The TSA and the FAA do not allow spare (uninstalled) lithium-ion batteries to be transported in checked baggage, as they are dangerous and might start a fire that can be difficult to stop.

But if you still want to take a device in checked baggage, you can remove the battery, take it with you on board, and pack the device in your suitcase.

Even though I don’t recommend placing any electronics in a checked bag.

Read also: How Often Are Items Stolen From Checked Bags?

How Many Electronics Can You Bring on a Plane?

When it comes to the number of electronics you can bring on a plane in both carry-on and checked baggage, there are no special restrictions.

But it’s better to only take what you really need for your trip to avoid any potential loss or damage.

Taking a large number of new electronics may also raise the eyebrows of customs officials on international flights, leading to additional scrutiny and possibly paying taxes.

So to make your travels smooth and stress free, it’s preferable to only bring what is essential.

Are Electronics Covered by Travel Insurance?

Not always.

Most standard travel insurance policies don’t cover valuable items if they were in your checked luggage.

Even when they are covered, there is usually a limit on how much you’ll be reimbursed for a single item, which can be much lower than you’d expect.

The safest bet, is to always keep your electronics in your carry-on. It just avoids so many headaches.

Also take a little extra time to read through the policy details.

Not the funnest way to spend an evening, I admit, but definitely worth it.

Final Thoughts 

You can pack any type of electronics in carry-on baggage as long as it is within your airline’s carry-on size.

You will need to remove any electronic devices larger than a cell phone from your bag and place them in a separate bin at the security checkpoint.

In case you want to send some of your electronics in checked baggage, ensure that you remove their batteries and take them with you on board.

Also, it is advised to avoid placing any expensive devices in checked baggage.

Checked luggage is more prone to being lost, damaged, or even stolen.

I hope this helps

Happy travels 

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Gargie, is writer, traveler & a digital marketing specialist passionate about traveling and exploring new cultures. She is a savvy traveler who likes to pack light, testing various luggage brands and seeking out budget-friendly airline options. Gargie enjoys creating unique recipes when she’s not on the go.