Activation Locked after a full restore.
Here's a detailed message drafted specifically for the Apple Support Communities, designed to get advice from other users or draw attention from Apple Community Specialists:
Subject: Activation Lock Issue: iPhone XR (Gifted by Deceased Owner, No Original Receipt) - Seeking Community Guidance
Dear Apple Support Community,
I am writing to seek advice and assistance regarding an iPhone XR that I currently possess. I am facing a challenging Activation Lock issue and am hoping to find guidance on how to best proceed to get official help from Apple, given my unique circumstances.
Device Status:
My iPhone XR is currently Activation Locked after a full factory reset. The screen displays a hint for the locking Apple ID as a*@icloud.com.
My Situation:
This iPhone XR was a heartfelt gift to me from a family friend's uncle, who has unfortunately passed away. Due to his passing, I do not have any access to his Apple ID credentials, nor do I have the original proof of purchase (receipt) for the device. This makes it impossible for me to use Apple's standard online Activation Lock removal form, as it requires purchase details that I simply do not possess.
When I try to use my own Apple ID, KAM****15@gmail.com, on the Activation Lock screen, I receive the message: "Incorrect email or phone number the apple account KAM****15@gmail.com cannot be used to unlock this phone."
My Connection to the Device (Proof I Possess):
Despite not having the original receipt or the locking Apple ID, I have strong evidence that my Apple ID, KAM****15@gmail.com, is legitimately linked to this specific iPhone XR:
* Official Apple Email Notification: I possess an official email from Apple, sent to my KAM****15@gmail.com address, with the subject "Your Apple ID was used to sign in to iCloud on an iPhone XR." This email, dated January 17, 2023, at 12:11 PM UTC, explicitly confirms: "Your Apple ID KAM****15@gmail.com was used to sign in on iCloud on an iPhone XR."
* Live Find My Location: When I log into the "Find My" application on another Apple device using my KAM****15@gmail.com Apple ID, this specific iPhone XR is accurately visible and listed under my devices, and its current live geographical location is displayed.
I understand the importance of Activation Lock for security. I am the legitimate current owner of this device and want to use it legally. I have the device's IMEI number readily available and can provide it directly to Apple Support through a private, secure channel if they require it for verification.
My Question to the Community:
Given that I cannot use the standard Activation Lock removal form due to the lack of original purchase proof, and I'm facing challenges with direct call/chat access from my region (Pakistan), what is the best recommended approach to effectively reach Apple Support and present my case for Activation Lock removal? Are there specific contact methods or pathways that are more suited for unique situations like mine, where I have strong circumstantial evidence but no original receipt?
Any advice or successful experiences from others in similar situations would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you for your time and assistance.
[Edited by Moderator]
