Devices, Passwords, and Security
What if the deceased's phone is locked with Face ID or Touch ID?
Short answer
Face ID requires the registered face — using it after death is not possible and attempting to force it can disable the phone. Touch ID with a fingerprint may technically work for a brief period after death before the device locks —…
What this usually means
Face ID requires the registered face — using it after death is not possible and attempting to force it can disable the phone. Touch ID with a fingerprint may technically work for a brief period after death before the device locks — but this raises legal and ethical questions. The legitimate path is through Apple's Legacy Contact program or a court order.
What to do next
- Start the PathAfter checklist for situation-aware first steps.
- Find California county phone numbers for coroner, vital records, and local offices.
- Open the First 72 Hours Call Log before making calls.
- Open the Documents to Find Checklist when you are ready for paperwork.