Level 2

265 points

Enter passcode with dead screen?

I've had an iPhone brought in by someone who's dropped their device in the ocean in the hopes that I can recover their wedding photos. The screen is completely dead (pins of the main board are corroded). The only good news is, the iPhone still "works"—it shows up in iTunes in both regular and recovery modes, Siri still responds, etc. But, the problem is, since the screen is dead, there's no way to access the photos because there's a passcode on the phone.

To add to their frustration—the phone has never been synced to either iCloud nor a computer—so the only way to access the phone is by entering the passcode—which, at this point, is impossible to do.

Are there any options?

Apple will replace their phone (it's 3 months old) for ~$200, but is unable to help with getting the photos back.

Thanks,

Kristin.

Posted on Aug 6, 2013 11:06 AM

32 replies

kristin. Author

Level 2

265 points

Aug 6, 2013 11:40 AM in response to pdroth

100% positive. They don't "trust" cloud services (yes, I've been biting my tongue all day).

It's too bad there's no way to enter the passcode via iTunes or something like that. I mean, I can understand why not, but it'd be nice if it were possible. 8)

KiltedTim

Level 10

233,884 points

Aug 6, 2013 11:47 AM in response to kristin.

kristin. wrote:

TJBUSMC1973: I opened it up and tried to use another (functional) screen. But, the pins on the main board are corroded beyond repair so a new screen did no good.

FYI: Apple will NOT replace their 3 month old phone at all. Your opening it has forfeited any chance of that happening. They're going to have to purchase a new phone at full retail or find a used one somewhere if they still want to use an iPhone when you're finished with it.

KiltedTim

Level 10

233,884 points

Aug 6, 2013 11:56 AM in response to kristin.

That would be a first... Good luck with that. I'm willing to bet money that having a third party toro and recover the photos did NOT include having a third party open the device.

Odds are they misunderstood badly, or whoever told them that was mistaken.

kristin. Author

Level 2

265 points

Aug 6, 2013 11:57 AM in response to TJBUSMC1973

Thanks for all the concern guys (and gals). Appreciate you all chiming in on the technicalities of warranties, etc. but let's just keep the post on-top. I was well aware of all warranty issues prior to picking up my 5-Point Pentalobe. Thanks.

Aug 6, 2013 12:17 PM in response to kristin.

I really don't think that you were. Apple does not honor warranties after a non-Apple certified tech has worked on the device. If you are not Apple certified, then the warranty is voided. Someone gave you incorrect information, I'm sorry to say.

I really hope they can get their photos back. But, Apple doesn't just 'discount' devices. It has to be under the Out-of-Warranty program.

kristin. Author

Level 2

265 points

Aug 6, 2013 12:27 PM in response to TJBUSMC1973

Yea, this is part of the out-of-warranty program. They said they would consider it "water damaged" and they would swap it with a new phone for $229 (Canadian). They were cool about it being opened first, before the swap. Seriously guys, I've been fixing Macs for over 15 years—it's all good. I made sure everything was approved before I opened it. And honestly—it's all OK if you don't agree with me/believe me (it's no skin off your back)—like I said, it's all good. I'm not dealing with some dude behind the Genius Bar. I'm well aware of all the issues surrounding dealing with Apple repairs, warranties, etc. Not looking for advice there—was just hoping there might be a way to help this person out after all other avenues had been exhausted.

Aug 6, 2013 12:39 PM in response to kristin.

Fair enough. Just going off of my years of experience as well, and I've never heard of Apple allowing a non-Apple authorized tech to work on a device without it voiding the warranty. And, with respect, Macs are treated differently than iOS devices in a lot of ways. And I've got about 6 years experience with iPhones myself; about triple that with Macs (Man, I just realized how old I am, lol.) It's all good.

kristin. Author

Level 2

265 points

Aug 6, 2013 12:44 PM in response to TJBUSMC1973

I hear ya TJBUSMC1973. And if you've been working with Apple and Authorized Service Providers that long, you know that, as long as you're dealing with the right people, things are "by the book"...unless they decice otherwise. 8)

Aug 6, 2013 1:00 PM in response to kristin.

Just so long as the 'right people' have the authority to change/suspend policies, of course. Like I was saying, I've never hear of your situation before, but I hope it all works out for them. As a prior professional pgotographer, I know how important those kinds of pictures are. I wish you, and them, the best!

Nov 20, 2017 5:47 AM in response to kristin.

My iPhone 6 randomly powered down yesterday, and I can't access any of my photos. After reading many different forums and trying the steps they include nothing has worked. I would just reset my phone entirely, but I have photos there that I want kept. I took the photo's yesterday at a show choir event and haven't had the time to back them up. If you can tell me anything that would help me without having to clear my phone entirely without having to lose my picture that would be phenomenal. Thanks (Sorry for posting on this old thread I just really need assistance)

Nov 20, 2017 11:09 AM in response to Lawrence Finch

I don't think I have any device that has a trust relationship with the phone. Is there any way to be able to enter the passcode on the computer, or is that an impossibility? I also never felt the need to enable iCloud so I don't have any of that set up. When I get this thing sorted I will certainly start.

Aug 6, 2013 11:22 AM in response to kristin.

How do you know the main circuit board is corroded?

kristin. Author

Level 2

265 points

Aug 6, 2013 11:43 AM in response to Michael Black

Michael: When restoring an iPhone, is it a secure erase? Or, would it be possible to restore the iPhone and then run data recovery on the device?

pdroth

Level 5

5,181 points

Aug 6, 2013 11:44 AM in response to kristin.

I have no other ideas on how to get the photos off. Sorry.

I do have lots of ideas on how to pound into this person how dumb they can be for not backing up wedding photos.😉

kristin. Author

Level 2

265 points

Aug 6, 2013 11:59 AM in response to KiltedTim

I'll keep you updated, Tim.

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Enter passcode with dead screen?