My brother-in-law tragically passed away in a fatal air crash in Nepal. I possess his iPad, which I gifted to him a few years ago. Unfortunately, I am not designated as his legacy contact, which complicates matters. I require access to the device, but I do not have his password. Is there anyone who can assist me? I do know the email associated with the account though…
For information about how to request access to a deceased family member's Apple account data, and possibly their equipment, read this support article --> How to request access to a deceased family member's Apple account - Apple Support
Alternatively, Apple can completely reset a device if a person can provide sufficient evidence of valid ownership. Check the requirements and steps 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 other than it “must include the product serial number, IMEI or MEID.” Apple may typically require the original receipt* issued by Apple or an Apple Authorized Reseller. If Apple resets the device 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
For information about how to request access to a deceased family member's Apple account data, and possibly their equipment, read this support article --> How to request access to a deceased family member's Apple account - Apple Support
Alternatively, Apple can completely reset a device if a person can provide sufficient evidence of valid ownership. Check the requirements and steps 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 other than it “must include the product serial number, IMEI or MEID.” Apple may typically require the original receipt* issued by Apple or an Apple Authorized Reseller. If Apple resets the device 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
There is no way to gain access to a device you do not know the Passcode/Password by bypassing the security measures.
With proper court/legal documentation, it may be possible to gain access to a deceased family member device:
How to request access to a deceased family member's Apple account - Apple Support
If you have the original purchase receipt from Apple or Authorized Apple seller when you purchased the device, then you may also be able to remove the Activation Lock. You would need the receipt for the purchase before you gifted it to him.
Retrieve Deceased Persons Account access
