Factory resets on Apple devices after someone dies

To get that detail you would need to hear from somebody who has done this.

Our resources are largely information in:

For information about how to request access to a deceased family member's Apple account data, and possibly their equipment, click here --> How to request access to a deceased family member's Apple account - Apple Support

In that Apple says: ""While we may also be able to help remove Activation Lock from devices that use your loved one’s original Apple ID, their iPhone, iPod, and iPad will need to be restored to factory settings before they can be used with another Apple ID. Please note that devices locked with a passcode are protected by passcode encryption, and Apple can't help remove the passcode lock without erasing the device."

This applies to any device as far as I know: Apple can completely reset a device if a person can provide sufficient evidence of valid ownership. Do this online at: Activation Lock support request - https://al-support.apple.com/#/additional-support Apple says, "Proof of ownership documentation is required," but does not detail what currently constitutes proof. Prior to this new online service Apple typically required the original receipt issued by Apple or an Apple Authorized Reseller and documented provenance (so typically it would be the original owner who does this, or a descendant with legal proof of ownership). This will give you access to the device but won't restore access to the account used to lock it. There is nothing that can be done to expedite an Activation Lock request.

Apple recommends you "Keep your receipt after you buy an Apple device" --> Keep your receipt after you buy an Apple device - Apple Support

As for the carrier lock, that's not something Apple controls. Click on the link to read Apple's support article on how to unlock your iPhone for use with a different carrier. - How to unlock your iPhone for use with a different carrier - Apple Support - Only some carriers offer the ability to unlock iPhone for use on any carrier. Follow the instructions in this article to unlock your iPhone.

Click on this link for iPhone: Wireless carrier support and features in the USA and Canada - Wireless carrier support and features for iPhone in the United States and Canada - Apple Support - including a list of which ones offer unlocking.

Hello 1Fireball, The only thing I can add in possible learning the Apple ID of the deceased family member is if the family member sent an old email to any member of the family and used their Apple ID email address in the From header of the email. If you have and old email click on the name in the From header to expand it and show the full email address name. That could be the Apple ID. Also if any family member has the deceased family member's Contact Info in their iPhone and that Contact Info shows an email address that too could be the deceased member's Apple ID. Forgive me if you have already gone through this with no luck. Best then to Follow Limnos advice below and work with Apple Support.

Run web searches for variations of the person's name with a Yahoo.com email address, or a first name and an interest area and a Yahoo.com address, and see if you can find social media or other postings from them.

Given Yahoo has been breached twice per reports and its internal data leaked, you might also find other postings.

Hello 1Fireball, It could be your family member had two Apple IDs. I myself have two Apple IDs. It is possible the iCloud email address is an Apple ID and you could work with Apple Support using that iCloud email address and any executor of the deceased estate paperwork Apple requires to access the devices for Factory reset.