iPad of deceased partner locked with unknown passcode. How to unlock?

[Haggertyjane]

Relative has, or will shortly have, the death certificate and identification so will an Apple shop unlock it? He doesn't want to lose the data on the iPad and access to the email account, but of course everything everywhere is password protected.

Bumping for you, OP.

Bumping for you.

There's various articles online but check that they are up to date 2020. It sounds like you might need power of attorney as well as certification for Apple to unlock. If deceased was syncing with a desktop and your relative can access the iTunes account it may be possible to unlock from there. I'm sorry for your loss.

I'm so sorry for your loss. It doesn't look hopeful that you will gain access to the iPad either.

Apple Community Answer
Unfortunately, if Apple was to unlock the device, it would only be after restoring it. There is no way for them to unlock it without wiping it. If he had been syncing it to a computer at home, the family may be able to import photos by connecting it to the computer. However, if the battery has died, or it has been some time since the last sync, it may ask for a passcode to import the photos, and you don't have that, and the only way to get past a lost/forgotten passcode is to restore the device, which will wipe it.

If you still want to use the unit, you need to get a copy of the death certificate, something that shows it was willed to you, and bring those things to a physical Apple store and request assistance.

The death certificate and confirmation that you now own the iPad is used to give permission for them to wipe and restore the device, making it a usable item again. Not to allow you access to the existing content on the device. I really hope they are able to help you though. My fingers are crossed for you.

Thank you 🙏🏻.

It will involve wiping the iPad. As there is access to the email address then it will be possible to access a backup to restore the data (assuming there is a backup) . This can be tested by attempting to log onto iCloud.com and checking the content under ‘storage’

(I’ve just reread the original post that access to emails on the iPad is wanted)

If the email account password is not known then that would ideally be the first route to get that reset with the email provider.

Once there is access to the email account then the Apple password can be reset via iforgot.apple.com

Once the Apple password is reset then the iCloud account can be accessed

@tommika Hadn't thought of that. Definitely needs a bit of lateral thinking, but worth a try.