How can you get the unknown previous owners on iPhone 5 Apple ID account be removed old device from Find iPhone ?

I have the same issue. My father passed away suddenly and very unexpectedly leaving a practically brand new iPhone 6s plus. His APPLE ID is activated own the phone with an old email address that he hadn't used for years. So naturally when attempting to reset password via the "Send you an email" way - it sends it to the email address that he no longer has or has access to because it was provided by an old cable/ internet service provider (COMCAST) where he no longer has an account with, and hasn't for years!! Ugh! So it basically sends the email into the abyss where I cannot retrieve it. Now what?

His estate has had to buy the phone to close out his cell phone account. Its literally brand new and its JUNK?? Really??

If this is the case... Apple (whose products I love) is slowly becoming a nightmare of company that is screwing people right and left. I say this not only because of this issue, but because this would be just another issue of many Ive had with apple products in past year. Whats going on? And can anyone help?

lisa0721 wrote:

I can understand the need for this sort of security, but imagine being in a corporate environment, where the policy to to allow end-users to input their own apple ID. Employee is run over by a bus and is now dead. No one has their password (Dead employee has left their iphone in the office).

Now what?

Should we just throw this iphone out, or what?

With a stupid policy like that, yes, you throw out the phone.

Chris Mock wrote:

I have the same issue. My father passed away suddenly and very unexpectedly leaving a practically brand new iPhone 6s plus. His APPLE ID is activated own the phone with an old email address that he hadn't used for years.

If you have proof of original purchase and documentation that you are the executor or heir, Apple may be willing to remove the activation lock. You should contact them and find out what the proper procedure is.

My condolences on the loss of your father.

I don't think she waited around 2 and a half years for your advice.

I no longer provide apple products for this reason. I tried to get help from Apple support but they were condescending and could care less. Suggested I buy new devices. I have thrown away a couple thousand dollars worth of Iphones and Ipads due to employees changing the pass codes and then leaving the company. While I appreciate Apples strong security I cant afford to keep throwing away money. I only provide Android devices to employees since I can set them up with an admin password that can be accessed later even if someone adds other accounts.

Gtilly wrote:

I no longer provide apple products for this reason. I tried to get help from Apple support but they were condescending and could care less. Suggested I buy new devices. I have thrown away a couple thousand dollars worth of Iphones and Ipads due to employees changing the pass codes and then leaving the company. While I appreciate Apples strong security I cant afford to keep throwing away money. I only provide Android devices to employees since I can set them up with an admin password that can be accessed later even if someone adds other accounts.

And yet, a number of people who post on these forums have had no trouble having Apple unlock the phones if they were able to provide proper documentation. Of course, most of those people also worked to put into place company policies that prevented the problem.

Android phones also have a similar feature and Google has similar policies.

What makes you think you wouldn't be "throwing away money with Android" when they have the same policy? Plus Apple has corporate tools that allow you to manage Activation lock on corporate iPhones.

You are obviously clueless.