iPhone 15 passcode needed for water damage repair

cindy-m wrote:

Can I use my iPad to help me?

It seems you’ve already shared your passcode. If that’s the case, I sincerely hope it was only with an Apple Authorized Service Center, since they’re the most reliable. Unfortunately, once the passcode is shared, there isn’t much that can be done. The only option left is to erase the device remotely using your iPad.

There are ways the two devices can work together in Apple’s ecosystem to increase security:

1. Apple ID / iCloud security:
   1. If both your iPhone and iPad are on the same Apple ID, your iPad can be used to approve logins, receive two-factor authentication codes, and help lock or erase the iPhone remotely via Find My.
2. Find My network:
   1. If your iPhone is lost, you can use your iPad to locate it, play a sound, put it in Lost Mode, or erase it.
3. Screen Time / Family Sharing:
   1. If managing someone else’s iPhone (e.g., a child’s), an iPad can set restrictions, app limits, and downtime remotely.
4. iCloud Keychain & Passkeys:
   1. Security codes and passkeys can sync across devices, so if your iPhone is compromised or unavailable, your iPad can still authenticate you.

Here’s the nuance:

1. Apple Pay
   1. Cards are stored in the Secure Element inside each individual device, not in iCloud, so your iPad has no control over the cards on your iPhone.
   2. If your iPhone is lost or stolen, you can use your iPad in Find My to remotely lock the iPhone or erase it, which automatically disables Apple Pay on that device.
   3. But the iPad can’t block someone from using Apple Pay on the iPhone in real time before you act.
2. Photos
   1. Photos that are only on your iPhone are not accessible or protected by the iPad.
   2. If you have iCloud Photos enabled, your iPad will have a synced copy, which is a form of backup protection.
   3. Again, in case of theft, you can remotely erase the iPhone with your iPad to protect local photos.

So the iPad acts more like a remote control/backup guardian, not a vault.

Is it being serviced by Apple or Authorized Apple Service Provider?

Never give your Apple Account password, device passcode, or account security details to anyone else. Neither Apple nor Apple Authorized Service Providers will ask for this information.

Prepare your iPhone or iPad for service - Apple Support

Remotely you can erase your phone, but that will depend on a network connection of your phone and is likely not possible if the phone is damaged.

Erase a device in Find Devices on iCloud.com - Apple Support

Liquid damage is not repairable.

Apple or an authorized service provider will not attempt to repair a liquid damaged device at all.

It needs to be replaced.