Can you reuse a deceased person's iPhone after removing Activation Lock?

✓ Accepted answer

Yes, you can reuse a deceased person’s iPhone after Activation Lock is removed, but only after you complete Apple’s formal Legacy Contact request and the device is fully erased and restored.

• Initiate a Legacy Contact request: Apple treats digital assets as private property, so you must go through the specific deceased user account process. You will need to submit a death certificate and may require a court order depending on your location in the US or UK.
• Request Activation Lock removal: Once your request is verified by Apple, the company will remove the Activation Lock associated with the deceased’s Apple Account. You cannot bypass this security feature yourself or through third-party sites, as this is a security measure to protect the previous owner's data.
• Erase and restore the device: After the lock is lifted, you must perform a factory reset on the iPhone. This wipes all data, including photos and contacts, which is a critical step before the phone can be connected to your own Apple Account.
• Set up with your credentials: Once the device is reset, you can set it up as a new device using your email and password. This ensures the phone functions normally for calls, apps, and messaging without inheriting the previous user’s profile.
• Handle digital security risks: Be aware that accounts of the deceased are sometimes targets for fraudsters who attempt to access sensitive financial or personal data. By properly closing the Apple Account through Apple’s verification system, you help secure the digital estate and prevent unauthorized access to associated services.

admin · 2026-10-12 01:30:28