Connect Wi-Fi

Connecting Android phones via Wi-Fi

Connecting via Wi-Fi extracts a limited amount of data in comparison to a USB extraction. It is possible to extract data from Android only. Extraction using this method will not access any data from sandboxed applications, which the majority of apps now are, due to device and user security. It is not possible to use Advanced data extraction, App downgrade, or Screen capture methods.

A USB cable connection is always preferable, as more data is extracted using the Android Debug Bridge (ADB) over USB.

The device needs to be unlocked (AFU), and data is extracted through Android content providers.

Examples of data extracted are:

• Phone Contacts

• Organiser

• Messages

• Calls

• SIM contacts

• Photos

• Image files

• Audio files

• Video files

• Files (Limited system & application files)

• Bluetooth pairings

• User dictionary
  

To begin, download the MOBILedit Forensic Android Connector application from our User Portal, and install it on the device. Once installed for the first time, the app can be updated via Wi-Fi if a newer version is available. However, the operating system may block the installation as an “incompatible app” on the latest Android OS’s.

The best option is to always download the latest Forensic connector app version from the User Portal.

Now start the connector app on your phone and follow the steps below:

1. Ensure the Wi-Fi is turned on, and the device and workstation are connected to the same network.

2. Run MOBILedit Forensic and click on the Connect device button. 

3. Select Phone – Wi-Fi Connection and then enter the IP address as displayed in the Forensic Connector app on the phone.

4. Allow the connection on your phone if the keys correspond on the device and the PC.

5. Once your phone is identified, click on the “Finish” button, and the device will connect automatically.

6. Ensure that all permissions are allowed, including “All files access”.

If your working practises do not allow for your workstation or network to be internet-connected (air-gapped), you can still connect via Wi-Fi by using a standalone Wi-Fi router not connected to the internet.

Software security bypassing methods, including advanced data extraction and app downgrade techniques, are not supported over Wi-Fi, as these methods require a direct physical connection to a forensic workstation to execute low-level code and establish the necessary privilege and control on the device.

Whilst it was possible to extract from iOS devices via Wi-Fi, it is no longer possible, due to Compelson’s apps being removed from the Apple App Store.

It is not possible to activate a phone with Android 10 OS or above with a single phone licence through Wi-Fi. However, if you activate a phone through a cable, you will be able to use it with Wi-Fi later.