iPhone 13 Activation Lock for deceased owner's heir

This is not the Apple Support Team.

You have posted to a user-to-user site. We are all users here.....just like you. Unfortunately, we are not able to help.

Please follow up with Apple Support regarding your case.

Support

Have you read this document...?

How to request access to a deceased family member’s Apple Account - Apple Support

You likely need a court order from a judge as well as other documentation. If you just sent a Death Certificate to Apple that's not going to do it.

You also fail to mention what country you are in as probate laws can be different based on where you live.

Firoza9 wrote:

Dear Apple Support Team,

This is not Apple Support. Apple rarely participates in these forums, except to moderate them, and I have never seen them address any sort of Activation Lock support request here.

​I am writing to provide more context regarding my request for the iPhone 13 (Serial: XH***W1F). This phone belonged to my elder sister, who has recently passed away.

​I have searched through all her personal belongings and notes, but unfortunately, I could not find any recorded Apple ID, password, or the original purchase receipt.

Without the original purchase receipt, it may be difficult or impossible to get the phone unlocked. Since you say that you have an Activation Lock Support request case number, it sounds like Apple has turned down your initial request. Whether they eventually grant your request, or not, you must work with them.

How to request access to a deceased family member’s Apple Account - Apple Support

I am the legal heir responsible for her estate.

​I have already submitted her official Death Certificate for your verification.

You do not say whether you have official court documents naming you as the executor or administrator for her estate; and if so, whether you have submitted an official notarized copy of those documents to Apple.

I do not know what Apple requires, but it is quite possible that they would want to see those documents, as well as the official death certificate. With financial institutions in the United States, you can hardly turn around unless you have a court order naming you as the executor or administrator in hand. Even if you had legal power of attorney, that alone would get you nothing, as it expires on the instant of a person's death.

[Edited by Moderator]