Need to restore an iPhone without the iCloud password

[iRock1]

Ok, so a friend of mine forgot her iCloud password several months ago, and she was never able to recover it (even tried via phone but she wasn't aware of the security answers neither).

The thing is that now I need to restore this phone to the factory settings so she can sell it, but iOS is requiring me to disable Find My iPhone before trying anything, which obviously I can't do as not even the owner knows the damn password.

Any ideas?

 

[chrfr]

Ok, so a friend of mine forgot her iCloud password several months ago, and she was never able to recover it (even tried via phone but she wasn't aware of the security answers neither).

The thing is that now I need to restore this phone to the factory settings so she can sell it, but iOS is requiring me to disable Find My iPhone before trying anything, which obviously I can't do as not even the owner knows the damn password.

Any ideas?

With proof of ownership, Apple will unlock the phone. The original owner with the original receipt will be needed to make this happen. There's no other workaround.

 

[iRock1]

With proof of ownership, Apple will unlock the phone. The original owner with the original receipt will be needed to make this happen. There's no other workaround.

You gotta be kidding me. There's no possible software solution? I remember years ago you could use the DFU trick or something...

 

[chrfr]

You gotta be kidding me. There's no possible software solution? I remember years ago you could use the DFU trick or something...

No, I'm not kidding. It's a very effective anti-theft tool.

 

[aristobrat]

You gotta be kidding me. There's no possible software solution? I remember years ago you could use the DFU trick or something...

You can use the DFU trick to erase/reinstall the OS on the phone.

But when whomever goes to setup the phone gets to a certain point during the Activation part, the phone reaches out to Apple's servers, and if Find my iPhone is enabled there, it will prompt them for the original iCloud username and password (that turned Find my iPhone on) to continue.

Like chrfr mentioned, it's an excellent anti-theft tool. At least now Apple will help owners that can show proof-of-purchase. That hasn't always been the case.

 

[iRock1]

You can use the DFU trick to erase/reinstall the OS on the phone.

But when whomever goes to setup the phone gets to a certain point during the Activation part, the phone reaches out to Apple's servers, and if Find my iPhone is enabled there, it will prompt them for the original iCloud username and password (that turned Find my iPhone on) to continue.

Like chrfr mentioned, it's an excellent anti-theft tool. At least now Apple will help owners that can show proof-of-purchase. That hasn't always been the case.

Is it necessary to have the iPhone under guarantee in order to have it unlocked by Apple? If yes, then my friend seems to have a very nice and expensive piece of paperweight.

 

[chrfr]

Is it necessary to have the iPhone under guarantee in order to have it unlocked by Apple? If yes, then my friend seems to have a very nice and expensive piece of paperweight.

No, the warranty isn't necessary, but the owner of the phone will need ID and the receipt with their info on it. If the phone was bought used, Apple isn't going to be able to help.

 

[iRock1]

No, the warranty isn't necessary, but the owner of the phone will need ID and the receipt with their info on it. If the phone was bought used, Apple isn't going to be able to help.

Ok, I'll tell my friend then.

The only problem is that Apple doesn't have official stores here in my country, only authorized resellers.

Is there an official link or something on Apple's website regarding this?

 

[chrfr]

Ok, I'll tell my friend then.

The only problem is that Apple doesn't have official stores here in my country, only authorized resellers.

Is there an official link or something on Apple's website regarding this?

Your friend should just call Apple and discuss the options in that case. I believe there is a means where you can send the documentation and Apple will remotely unlock the phone.