locked iPhone (iphone unavailable)

[avro707]

A friend of mine went to have major surgery which should have been fairly normal - but unfortunately ended up having a lot of complications, one of the lesser ones being memory loss.

He's in care at the moment and the problem is he's managed to lock his iPhone up completely (iPhone unavailable, no timer message). He doesn't know the passcode to get into it. He's got no other family to help him locally. We are just friends from when we used to catch up over coffee.

I'm not sure how he might have set the phone up or even if he has a linked computer. If there is a computer, he most certainly doesn't have access to it at the moment and remembering any key details is probably hit and miss.

He cannot get to an Apple store or genius bar unless one of the carers takes him there and he's also not supposed to be under any kind of stress.

Is there any chance the associated iCloud account will also be lost and how much time does he have to sort this out? I also don't know if he has backups of the content on the phone. I've told him now just leave the phone, don't try to do anything more.

He should have probably written down the passcode for the phone before the surgery. But too late for that now.

I didn't see exactly what model of iPhone it was, but it definately isn't a newer one, probably an iPhone 8.

 

[Bigwaff]

This is Security Lockout. After so many attempts (like 10), you will be permanently locked out and you will have no choice but to erase the iPhone (it is an option on the Lockout screen). .. but you will need your Apple Id and Password to do so. After iPhone is erased, you can restore it from a iCloud backup. Restore will prompt you for an Apple Id and Password and allow you to create a new passcode, etc. You can also remotely erase the iPhone by logging into iCloud (need Apple Id and Password) and managing devices. Depending on the version of iOS the iPhone is running, you may be able to use third-party hacking software to disable the Passcode. Some third-party repair shops offer this type of service.

 

[avro707]

This is Security Lockout. After so many attempts (like 10), you will be permanently locked out and you will have no choice but to erase the iPhone (it is an option on the Lockout screen). .. but you will need your Apple Id and Password to do so. After iPhone is erased, you can restore it from a iCloud backup. Restore will prompt you for an Apple Id and Password and allow you to create a new passcode, etc. You can also remotely erase the iPhone by logging into iCloud (need Apple Id and Password) and managing devices. Depending on the version of iOS the iPhone is running, you may be able to use third-party hacking software to disable the Passcode. Some third-party repair shops offer this type of service.

I feared that would be necessary. Got to hope when the time comes he will be able to remember other things like access to email and the like after it is restored.

Sounds like there is time to spare and he can just worry about getting better for now.

I doubt the phone is on the latest iOS, it's probably quite a bit older than that.

 

[chown33]

Is there any chance the associated iCloud account will also be lost and how much time does he have to sort this out? I also don't know if he has backups of the content on the phone. I've told him now just leave the phone, don't try to do anything more.

He should have probably written down the passcode for the phone before the surgery. But too late for that now.

I didn't see exactly what model of iPhone it was, but it definately isn't a newer one, probably an iPhone 8.

Regarding a possible time limit on the iCloud account (Apple Account), you should probably contact Apple Support directly, and explain the exact situation to a support specialist. Be sure to ask the specific question about a possible time limit for recovering the Apple Account (aka Apple ID).

Contact - Official Apple Support

Contact Apple support by phone or chat, set up a repair, or make a Genius Bar appointment for iPhone, iPad, Mac and more.

support.apple.com

If the Apple Account is configured for 2FA with a trusted device, and the only device is the now-locked iPhone, then that's a Catch-22 situation that a support specialist should be able to advise you about. You should also point out that you're not trying to recover the account at this time, only find out what any future recovery pathways might be, and discover if there's a time limit.

I found some informative pages at support.apple.com. There are probably more, in addition to whatever a well-informed support person might tell you.

Search terms: iphone recovery support
Most informative results:

If you forgot your iPhone passcode or your iPhone is disabled - Apple Support

Locked out of your iPhone and forgot your passcode? Use a computer to put your iPhone into recovery mode so you can erase your phone and set it up again.

support.apple.com

If you can't update or restore your iPhone or iPod touch - Apple Support

You can put your iOS device in recovery mode, then restore it using your computer.

support.apple.com

Search terms: apple account recovery
Most informative results:

How to use account recovery when you can’t reset your Apple Account password - Apple Support

If you use two-factor authentication and can’t sign in or reset your password, you can regain access after an account recovery waiting period.

support.apple.com

How do I request account recovery - Apple Community

discussions.apple.com