Need to have a device unlocked

Apple can completely reset a device if a person can provide sufficient evidence of valid ownership. This is done online* at: Activation Lock support request - https://al-support.apple.com/#/additional-support Apple says, "Proof of ownership documentation is required," but does not provide many details in the article as to what is acceptable proof. Prior to this official service Apple typically required the original receipt** issued by Apple or an Apple Authorized Reseller and documented provenance (so typically it would be the first owner who does this, or a descendant with legal proof of ownership transfer). Note that while this will let you get use of the device again, it will not help you with lost access to an account.

* There is a special link for this service. To save time you should use it instead of https://getsupport.apple.com/

**Apple recommends you keep your receipt after you buy an Apple device. --> Keep your receipt after you buy an Apple device - Apple Support

To prevent repeated need for this service:

"Learn how to manage Find My iPhone Activation Lock and Lost Mode on supervised devices with Mobile Device Management (MDM). This article is intended for system administrators at businesses and educational institutions." - Use MDM to manage Activation Lock and Lost Mode - Apple Support

https://www.apple.com/business/resources/docs/Managing_Devices_and_Corporate_Data_on_iOS.pdf

https://www.apple.com/business/site/docs/iOS_Deployment_Overview.pdf

Apple Configurator - Official Apple Support