Unlocking my deceased Dad’s phone

[AN4PPY]

My dad passed away last August and I have kept his phone for sentimental reasons (looking at his photos, reading his texts, etc). He was a Vodafone customer so the phone is locked.  I cancelled his account when he died. My son is turning 11 and with the recent pandemic situation I thought it would be a nice present to give him his geandad's pbone (iPhone 8 I think).  More than ever he needs to socialise and only has Skype. My dad never fully finished setting up his phone (he didn't really get them!) and so when I tried to reset his phone it didn't work. (Another problem!)  So....I have got coming a free SIM card as I see this as the only option. Is this right? Will it work and have I got other issues with the phone anyway once it's unlocked?  I don't know his iTunes password, I've tried guessing but it's not right. Any help and advice gratefully received. Anna

[BandOfBrothers]

Hi @AN4PPY 

I'm sorry we all meet you under such sad circumstances.

When the free Vodafone Payg sim card comes you'll need to use that for a period of 30 days making calls etc in the phone and then after 30 days fill out the Nuc form which is 》Unlock-code-request form. 

This is to allow any network sim card be used in the iPhone.

An iPhone is not unlocked via inputting a Nuc {unlocking code} like other phone models are, but instead is unlocked remotely by Apple themselves and their Database.

So no actual Nuc is sent by Vodafone UK. 

The Vodafone Network lets a person know by email it's unlocking has been requested to Apple after accepting your Nuc online unlock request. (Please Check Spam Inboxes too) 

Please Note > The iPhone isn't actually usually unlocked to all networks at this stage when Vodafone email you. 

What happens is Apple then process the Networks request and occasionally this can take Apple approximately from a few days upto a further 30+ days sometimes from Vodafone's email to complete an unlock request made by a Network. 

To complete the process please periodically insert an active i.e. connects to mobile network data, alternative Networks Sim Card in the iPhone with hooking upto iTunes is only typically needed if its an iPhone 4 or older although it wouldn't harm to do so. 

From the iPhone 5 onwards there's not normally the need to hook up to iTunes to complete the process. 

When it's unlocked you should see a pop up message and the alternatives Networks name will show in the iPhone's status bar.

In regards to what usually has to happen when an iPhone is sold or passed onto another.

What to do before you sell, give away or trade in your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch 

And...

Activation Lock for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. 

Contact Apple for help with Apple ID account security. 

May I assume you've tried all the passwords he may have used.

This is about being able to have your late fathers Apple ID removed so your son can enter his own Apple ID to be able to update the iPhone and download Apps from the Apple Store etc.

You will most probably have to contact Apple Customer services to ask them to help.

Also take into consideration photos and texts maybe lost if Apple help you as the operations above include erasing content.

I truly wish you all the best with this situation. 

[AN4PPY]

Thank you very much for the information, it was very kind of you to be so thorough. 
Anna

[BandOfBrothers]

You're very welcome for my reply @AN4PPY 

I hope you find a good resolution.

Be safe.  🌈