Cellebrite UFED

Cellebrite UFED (Universal Forensic Extraction Device) is the most widely deployed mobile forensic acquisition platform in the world. It supports thousands of device models across iOS, Android, and legacy operating systems, with regular updates as manufacturers ship new hardware and OS versions.

What a UFED extraction actually produces

UFED performs logical, file system, and (on supported chipsets) physical extractions. A logical extraction returns what the phone's own backup interface exposes — contacts, call logs, SMS, and some app data. A file system extraction reaches deeper into app containers and SQLite databases, which is where deleted-but-recoverable messages usually live. A physical extraction captures the raw flash, allowing carving of unallocated space.

Which level is achievable depends on the device model, OS version, and lock state — not on how badly the matter needs it. We tell counsel up front what is realistically obtainable before any invoice is raised.

Locked and damaged devices

For modern locked iOS devices, Cellebrite Premium adds advanced workflows including BFU (Before First Unlock) and AFU (After First Unlock) extractions on supported chipsets. Where UFED cannot complete an acquisition, advanced techniques — chip-off, JTAG, and ISP — are the next step in our lab.

How Teradrive uses UFED in Canadian matters

We run UFED Touch and UFED 4PC daily, with Cellebrite Inseyets for analysis. Cellebrite is one of several platforms in our toolset; Magnet AXIOM, Oxygen Forensic Detective, and Elcomsoft are others, and tool selection is documented in every examiner report.

Every extraction is hash-verified, logged in a written chain of custody, and reported in a format built for filing. Mobile evidence in Canada is authenticated under section 31.1 of the Canada Evidence Act — the documented acquisition is what supports admissibility, not the tool brand.

Next step

If you have a phone that needs to be extracted for a Canadian proceeding, see our mobile forensics service or book a free case consultation. Our examiners are EnCE-certified and available for cross-examination.