``My parent passed away suddenly and I don't know the passcode for my smartphone...'' ``I want to retrieve my photos and contacts, but I can't proceed beyond the lock screen'' - such voices are increasing on social media. As of February 2026, the reality is that carrier shops cannot unlock a deceased person's smartphone. But there is a way if you know the right steps.

In this article, we will explain in detail how to unlock the deceased's smartphone (iPhone/Android). Furthermore, for those who say, ``I don't want this to happen to my parents,'' we have compiled a list of settings that you should make before your parents die.

First thing you need to know: You can't unlock at the carrier shop

You might think, "Maybe if I take it to a Docomo, au, or Softbank shop, they'll open it for me." Unfortunately, Carrier shops can only handle things such as ``cancelling the contract'' and ``stopping the SIM card.'' We do not remove the passcode for the device itself.

In other words, unlocking the smartphone is outside the carrier's jurisdiction. So what should I do? The methods are different for iPhone and Android, so let's look at them one by one.

How to unlock your iPhone

For iPhones, there are three main options for unlocking.

Method 1: Guess and enter the passcode

You can try any passcode you can think of, such as a family member's birthday, the last four digits of a phone number, "0000" or "1234." However, be careful as there may be settings that will erase all data if you make a mistake 10 times. It is safe to wait until the 6th time (before the lockout warning is issued).

By the way, if the iPhone's "Erase data" setting is turned on, it will return to the factory default state after 10 failures. Carefully.

Method 2: Use Apple's "Deceased Account Access Request"

Apple has an official process for families of the deceased to access their data. As of February 2026, you will need the following:

  • Death certificate (English translation may be required)
  • Court Order or Access Key for Deceased Account Management Contact
  • Requester's ID

If a "Legacy Contact" was set up before the deceased's death, the data can be accessed without a court order. This is the smoothest route. If not, you will need a court order to prove your heir status.

Roughly speaking, it may take a few days if it is set before death, or several weeks to several months if it is not set.

Method 3: Ask a specialist for digital belongings arrangement

If you think ``a court order is too difficult'' or ``but you still want to retrieve the data,'' there is an option to ask a digital forensics (data recovery) specialist. The average cost is around 50,000 to 300,000 yen, but the success rate and scope of coverage vary depending on the provider.

When making a request, please check the following points.

  • Do you have a track record of unlocking
  • Is the fee structure clear (success fee type or fixed fee)
  • Is there a system in place for privacy protection

How to unlock Android

For Android, there are slightly more options than for iPhone.

Method 1: Remote initialization using Google account

If you know the deceased's Google account (email address and password), you can initialize the device remotely from Google's "Find my device". However, data will be lost after initialization. This is only a method if you want to reuse your device or unlock it and dispose of it.

Method 2: Unlock using Google account password

On older devices running Android 4.4 or earlier, if you enter the wrong passcode five times, an option to "Unlock with Google Account" will appear. However, this method cannot be used on recent Androids (5.0 or later).

Method 3: Consult the manufacturer's support

Responses vary depending on the manufacturer, such as Samsung, SONY, and SHARP, but in some cases you can receive support by submitting a death certificate, etc. First, please contact the manufacturer's support center.

Three settings you should do before you die

If you think, "I don't want my parents to feel like this," or "On the other hand, my family would be in trouble if I suddenly disappeared," make the following settings now. It will be over in less than 10 minutes.

① Set up “deceased person account management contact” on iPhone

This is an Apple official feature available for iOS 15.2 or later. The setting procedure is as follows.

  1. Open the "Settings" app
  2. Tap your name (Apple ID)
  3. Tap "Sign-in & Security"
  4. Tap “Decedent Account Management Contact”
  5. Add trusted family members
  6. Send your access key via iMessage or print it for safekeeping

An "access key" will be sent to the person you set up. In the unlikely event of an emergency, with this key and your death certificate, you will be able to access your photos, notes, contacts, and other data.

② Set up Google's "Account Disablement Management Tool"

If you are an Android user, set up Google's "Account Inactivation Management Tool". This is a mechanism that shares data with specified parties if the account is not used for a certain period of time.

  1. Access Google account deactivation management tool
  2. Click “Start”
  3. Set the waiting period (3 months to 18 months)
  4. Specify the scope of data to be shared with notification recipients

You can automatically transfer data from Gmail, Google Photos, Google Drive, etc. to someone you trust.

③ Record the passcode in "Ending Note"

In addition to digital settings, analog preparation is also important. The simplest and most reliable method is to write down your smartphone passcode and passwords for major services in a paper ending note. Put it in a safe or an envelope and tell a trusted family member where it is kept.

You may think, "Isn't it dangerous to write down your password on paper?" However, keeping it in a safe at home is much safer than the risk of it being leaked online.

Bad actions that you should not do

It's easy to rush into things, but there are some things you should never do.

  • Entering the passcode randomly over and over again: If you fail 10 times on your iPhone, all data may be erased
  • Using non-official "unlock tools": Risk of data corruption and malware infection. In some cases, it is legally gray in the first place
  • Repeatedly asking carrier shop to "unlock": If they can't handle it, they can't handle it. It will be a waste of time
  • Leaving the deceased's smartphone for a long time: If the battery is completely discharged, it may be difficult to recover some data. Let's just charge it

FAQ

What documents are required to cancel the deceased's smartphone?

Generally, a death certificate (or certified copy of removal from register), identification documents of the visitor, and documents proving the relationship with the deceased (family register, etc.) are required. This varies by carrier, so we recommend calling ahead to confirm.

How much does it cost to hire a professional unlocker?

For digital forensics companies, the average price is 50,000 to 300,000 yen. It varies depending on the type of device, OS version, and lock type. Many companies offer free estimates, so please inquire first.

Can I log in to iCloud with the deceased's Apple ID and retrieve data?

It is technically possible if you know the Apple ID password, but if two-factor authentication is enabled, the authentication code will be sent to the deceased's device, making it impossible to access it without a locked device. The official route is Apple deceased account request.

It's hard to ask parents to make settings before they're alive, so how should I go about it?

The trick is to naturally invite them by saying, ``Let's set it up together when you show me the photos on your smartphone.'' If you combine it with the topic of ending notes, you can also organize information not only about your smartphone, but also about your bank account and insurance.

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