I work for a company which has a number of iPhones, out in the business. From time to time, we get devices returned when people leave, and sometimes, we are not provided with the pin to unlock it. Is there a way that we can, with or without the help of Apple, reset the phones, as of this moment, they are pretty much "bricked"
You can restore it using a computer to get past the Lock Screen passcode.
If you forgot your iPhone passcode or your iPhone is disabled - Apple Support
The more critical piece will be an activation lock if you allowed them to use their personal Apple account and do not have the device under MDM management.
If that’s the case, you’ll need to provide Apple with the original proof of purchase to have the activation lock removed.
Note that if you DO have it under management, you should be able to use your MDM to clear the Lock Screen passcode.
You can restore it using a computer to get past the Lock Screen passcode.
If you forgot your iPhone passcode or your iPhone is disabled - Apple Support
The more critical piece will be an activation lock if you allowed them to use their personal Apple account and do not have the device under MDM management.
If that’s the case, you’ll need to provide Apple with the original proof of purchase to have the activation lock removed.
Note that if you DO have it under management, you should be able to use your MDM to clear the Lock Screen passcode.
If a device is enrolled in Apple Business/School Manager and not enrolled in MDM, it is now possible to remove activation lock without calling Apple using new tools in ABM/ASM.
Unlock a company returned Company owned iPhone
