HT201351: What to do before selling or giving away your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch

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ben2funk
Level 1 (0 points)

Q: Unlocking Iphone

My uncle passed away a few months ago, I now have his iPhone. I have a deactivation code but the phone is erased and we don't have his old icloud password.

 

Any ideas how to get this phone unlocked so i can use or sell it?

iPhone 5c, iOS 7.1.2

Posted on Jul 23, 2015 7:55 PM

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ben2funk

Q: Unlocking Iphone

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  • by Rysz,

    Rysz Rysz Jul 23, 2015 8:05 PM in response to ben2funk
    Level 7 (20,274 points)
    iTunes
    Jul 23, 2015 8:05 PM in response to ben2funk

    Sorry for your loss.

    THe only wa to reset the phone to factory settings is behaving the Apple ID and password that was used to set it up. It's also a lot easier if it's connected to the video mputer that is normally used to sync the phone.

  • by Philly_Phan,

    Philly_Phan Philly_Phan Jul 23, 2015 8:44 PM in response to ben2funk
    Level 6 (13,571 points)
    iPhone
    Jul 23, 2015 8:44 PM in response to ben2funk

    It's called an "activation lock."  It's an anti-theft mechanism.  It makes the iPhone worthless to a thief.  Having said that, there are issues faced by legitimate owners.  In those instances, Apple will remove the lock if AND ONLY IF the owner provides a government photo ID and incontrovertible proof (i.e., proof that will hold up in court) that he/she is the owner.  This proof must be trackable back to the original owner.

     

    In your case, you'll also need proof that you are, in fact, the heir for the phone.

     

    If an Apple Store is convenient, make an appointment with the resident "Genius."  Otherwise, you must ship the device to Apple.  To make arrangements, call 800-275-2273 in the U.S.A. and I think Canada.