I have an iPhone 7Plus with iOS 12 recently installed, that belonged to my late husband. I have tried to change ownership name, email, Apple ID to me. Some data changed, some data could not be changed, namely his email and password for Apple ID, and his birthdate. How do I make these changes?
Thank you for any help.
Silverfox
iPhone 7 Plus, iOS 12
The phone is most likely Activation Locked. If you know his password, you can just go to Settings, tap on his email address, then iCloud, then turn off Find my iPhone.
If you don't know his password you can try recovering it by following these instructions: If you forgot your Apple ID password - Apple Support
If you can get that far you can also continue using the phone with his ID, or you can erase it and set it up with your Apple ID.
If none of this works make a Genius Bar appointment at an Apple store and the tech can help you, and probably even reset Activation Lock if you have proof of his death and your identity. Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple
The phone is most likely Activation Locked. If you know his password, you can just go to Settings, tap on his email address, then iCloud, then turn off Find my iPhone.
If you don't know his password you can try recovering it by following these instructions: If you forgot your Apple ID password - Apple Support
If you can get that far you can also continue using the phone with his ID, or you can erase it and set it up with your Apple ID.
If none of this works make a Genius Bar appointment at an Apple store and the tech can help you, and probably even reset Activation Lock if you have proof of his death and your identity. Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple
Follow the instructions here: What to do before you sell, give away, or trade in your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support
If he was the original owner of the phone contact Apple Support and explain the situation to them. If you have a death certificate Apple can remove Activation lock. This will not recover his data, but will allow to use the phone. His data may be in an iTunes backup.
Thank you Kilted Tim. This is what I was afraid of as I have been so frustrated, I feared only a clean sweep would help. I do appreciate your link to the proper steps because I didn't know what to do.
Silverfox
I seem to be paralyzed by fear. I can still use this phone even though I don't remember the password for my husbands email. But I want to eliminate the constant asking for that password and if I need something from the App Store I would surely need it.
I have spent the last several days searching and researching this issue as well as the solution provided in the link you gave me. I cannot find out what is put back into the iphone if you erase everything and then 'restore using your backup' option. I wouldn't want to put his email data back into the iPhone.
Also, a real concern is this: I want to keep the same Apple ID I now have on my iMac computer, iPad, MacBook Pro, and the iPhone. If I erase everything on the iPhone and start as if I had a new phone, won't I be told I cannot use my Apple ID because it is being used by another person?
I really don't want to call support about my husbands death, but I do have the death certificate if that is the only option that will work to keep my present Apple ID on all my devices.
Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated.
Silverfox
Thank you. I have a lot of information on this site, and believe me I will search through it all. I always feel better when I know something about the items I am using, and iPhone is a bear. I had never heard of the Genius Bar before. All new thoughts and wise folk help.
Thank you Lawrence Finch. This is really interesting.
Silverfox
How do I change ownership on iPhone?
