Apple ID of deceased member of family deleted but devices are still locked

The apple ID of my deceased brotjher has been deleted as per my request to Apple but the devices are still locked to the apple id. i tried to erase and restore the iphone and the mac mini but they are still locked to the Apple ID. What can i do?

Mac mini (M1, 2020)

Posted on Dec 15, 2025 9:22 PM

Reply
3 replies

Dec 16, 2025 4:03 AM in response to Sopor1928

Did you follow the procedure in this support article? How to request access to a deceased family member’s Apple Account - Apple Support


If you did, contact Apple again.


If you did not and you simply requested Apple delete the account then you may have to try the standard activation lock request route. -->


Apple can completely reset a device if a person can provide sufficient evidence of valid ownership. Read the requirements and steps for an Activation Lock support request at: https://al-support.apple.com/#/additional-support and links at the bottom right for the type of service requested. Apple says they may require "proof of purchase documentation” and that you need “proof of ownership documentation”, but does not detail what currently constitutes proof other than it “must include the product serial number, IMEI or MEID.” User reports on this community indicate that typically Apple will ONLY accept an original receipt issued by Apple or an Apple Authorized Reseller. Presumably this is the only kind Apple can authenticate against fraud since Apple is not involved in third party sales. Apple recommends that you "Keep your receipt after you buy an Apple device" --> Keep your receipt after you buy an Apple device - Apple Support


Dec 16, 2025 5:50 AM in response to Limnos

I have already done that. I have sent the original receipt and invoice bearing the serial number of the mac mini, the Death Certificate and an affidavit were also sent to Apple. But they replied that it was not enough. I have contacted the local reseller for Apple products here and they said the invoice is the only document they can provide as proof of ownership.

Apple ID of deceased member of family deleted but devices are still locked

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.