Deceased husband’s iPhone and iPad

frostyspice

As in the title ... my husband died unexpectedly very recently and has left us a relatively new iPhone and an iPad. We don’t have the passcodes for these. It seems like a waste to just have them sit there. Also - I’ve been told to hold on to the iPhone in case the coroner wants it, but what could they do with it without the passcode? I’d be grateful for any advice here.

elsien

You can reset the passcode but that erases the data.
Did he get them directly from Apple? If so, you could try Apple support or go into an Apple shop for advice.

bengalknights

If you have proof of purchase you can take it apple store and they will reset it (not give you access to existing data)

GDB2222

There are a few threads around about this. If you want access to the data stored on iCloud, Apple can provide this, but they require a court order. If you don't need the data, then just getting the phone reset is straightforward.

DCFC79

Do you want the data on the 2 items ?
If you do then do you have any idea what the passcode could be ?


If your not bothered about whats on the items then try the above advice.

RumRat

Firstly, sorry for your loss.
A friend of my sister had a similar problem, I think they made a lucky guess on his iTunes password and did something via that.
Otherwise, it's a hard reset probably.
I think it's a reminder that it's worth thinking about making digital wills, or, at the very least leaving something for NOK to have half a chance of recovering things like photos and documents.
I think Google, Facebook etc have a system where you can authorise someone to access your account should anything happen.

A complicated area that few think about...

Steve_KK

Sorry for your loss.

Working in IT Forensics I have in the past been presented with Apple devices like iPhones and iPads without passwords and been asked to retrieve data. Usually there is very little that can be done without a password to an iTunes account and/or passcode for the device.

However, in the case of a sudden death like this, and with the comment relating to the coroner potentially wanting the iPhone, I would not touch the devices at the moment.

Once you have clearance from the coroner you could approach Apple to explain your predicament and they may be able to assist with access, although I believe this to be highly unlikely. More likely is that Apple will be able to assist in resetting the devices, wiping all data/photos/music etc. in the process, so the devices can be reused.

Regards,
Steve

Gers

If the devices have been backed up lately then it could be possible to connect to iTunes and do it that way - if you know the Apple account password. Sometimes it's not required though I just don't know.

I'm no expert, there is loads of help online in the Apple Community forum.

For instance - https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204306

The front passcode is not held by Apple so they can't help retrieve it.

As RumRat said:

I think it's a reminder that it's worth thinking about making digital wills, or, at the very least leaving something for NOK to have half a chance of recovering things like photos and documents.

Ganga

I was given an i-phone 5,passed on from my grandaughter but was locked after i tried the access code ( wrongly),took it in to our local apple store who plugged it into a laptop and re-booted it,lost any pictures,info etc but there was none on anyway,there was no charge for this.