Can You Bring AirPods or Headphones to Court or Jury Duty? (2026)
Short answer: Usually allowed through security, not allowed in your ears in a courtroom. Each courthouse sets its own security rules, so check yours before you go.
At court (visitors, defendants, witnesses)
Earbuds and headphones generally pass security where phones are allowed. In courtrooms they must be out of your ears. In phone-ban courthouses, wireless earbuds are often refused with the phone.
At jury duty
Fine in the jury assembly room with your phone or e-reader in most courts. Not allowed during jury selection or trial.
Tips
- Keep the case in your bag for the x-ray.
- Remove them before you enter any courtroom.
104 of the 399 large county courthouses we track ban phones for the general public. Electronics rules follow the phone rule, so look up your courthouse: phone policy by county or the phone checker.
Other Items
- a Laptop
- a Smartwatch (Apple Watch)
- Food and Snacks
- a Water Bottle
- a Book or Kindle
- a Phone Charger or Power Bank
- Medication
- a Vape or E-Cigarette
- a Pocket Knife
- Pepper Spray
- an Umbrella
- Your Children
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you bring airpods or headphones to court?
Usually allowed through security, not allowed in your ears in a courtroom. Earbuds and headphones generally pass security where phones are allowed. In courtrooms they must be out of your ears. In phone-ban courthouses, wireless earbuds are often refused with the phone.
Can you bring airpods or headphones to jury duty?
Fine in the jury assembly room with your phone or e-reader in most courts. Not allowed during jury selection or trial.