You can make a difference in the Apple Support Community!

When you sign up with your Apple Account, you can provide valuable feedback to other community members by upvoting helpful replies and User Tips.

Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

I cannot unlock my father's iPhone SE Help!

I cannot unlock my father's iPhone SE Help!

iPhone SE

Posted on Jan 13, 2021 12:49 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jan 13, 2021 12:54 PM

"Activation Lock for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch" is a security feature, in part to deter re-selling of stolen devices. To learn more click here --> http://support.apple.com/HT201365


Turn off Activation Lock. To read more click here --> https://support.apple.com/HT201441 - An activation lock can only be removed using the log-in information for the account that applied the lock.


If this is a device for which you are not the original owner, get the owner of the account to remove the lock or return the device for a refund. The device is otherwise useless to you. If the owner has not provided contact information as a message showing in the login screen there is no way to contact the owner unless the person who gave you the device knows them.


If you are the original owner and have forgotten the log-in information, try to recover it:

- "If you forgot your Apple ID" [this is likely an email address you are using or used in the past] click here --> https://support.apple.com/HT201354

- "If you forgot your Apple ID password" click here --> https://support.apple.com/HT201487


Otherwise:

Apple may possibly remove a lock if a person can provide sufficient evidence of valid ownership. The device is normally taken to an Apple Store with identification and the original sales receipt. I.e., the receipt when the item was sold to the first owner, and preferably by that person. This is unofficial and there is apparently no set policy (I asked at an Apple Store). A store may simply refuse, particularly if they are not satisfied you have proven ownership by provenance.


To include all scenarios, and which I hope isn't the case:


How to request access to a deceased family member's Apple accounts [and devices] - https://support.apple.com/HT208510

1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jan 13, 2021 12:54 PM in response to Wiggly-World

"Activation Lock for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch" is a security feature, in part to deter re-selling of stolen devices. To learn more click here --> http://support.apple.com/HT201365


Turn off Activation Lock. To read more click here --> https://support.apple.com/HT201441 - An activation lock can only be removed using the log-in information for the account that applied the lock.


If this is a device for which you are not the original owner, get the owner of the account to remove the lock or return the device for a refund. The device is otherwise useless to you. If the owner has not provided contact information as a message showing in the login screen there is no way to contact the owner unless the person who gave you the device knows them.


If you are the original owner and have forgotten the log-in information, try to recover it:

- "If you forgot your Apple ID" [this is likely an email address you are using or used in the past] click here --> https://support.apple.com/HT201354

- "If you forgot your Apple ID password" click here --> https://support.apple.com/HT201487


Otherwise:

Apple may possibly remove a lock if a person can provide sufficient evidence of valid ownership. The device is normally taken to an Apple Store with identification and the original sales receipt. I.e., the receipt when the item was sold to the first owner, and preferably by that person. This is unofficial and there is apparently no set policy (I asked at an Apple Store). A store may simply refuse, particularly if they are not satisfied you have proven ownership by provenance.


To include all scenarios, and which I hope isn't the case:


How to request access to a deceased family member's Apple accounts [and devices] - https://support.apple.com/HT208510

I cannot unlock my father's iPhone SE Help!

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.