Unlocking phone
How do I unlock a phone that once was my late fathers?
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Hi Donovan, what you are likely encountering is activation lock.
Activation Lock for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support - This is a security feature, in part to deter re-selling of stolen devices. --> http://support.apple.com/HT201365
Read this link to find out how to "Turn off Activation Lock" but note an activation lock can only be removed using the log-in information for the account that applied the lock. --> https://support.apple.com/HT201441
The official owner of the deceased person's things as can be proven by documentation needs to try one of these things:
Read this link to discover "How to request access to a deceased family member's Apple accounts" [and devices] - https://support.apple.com/HT208510
- This can be a cumbersome process, but it is the legal and official one and has the best chance of success.
Alternatively the new official owner can try taking it to an Apple Store along with proof of identity, the original sales receipt for the device with the deceased's person's name on it, and documentation (will) indicating ownership has passed onto the person submitting the item. There is no official policy about this and it is up to the store manager if they will do it for you.
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Apple does provide a variety of ways for a user to recover forgotten log-in information. You might be able to use some of those if you have access to other accounts or devices your deceased relative used.
