I have an old phone that my dad used. He passed way a few years ago and I was going to go thru some older photos. It has been powered down for a few years and it's asking for a pin to get back in it. I've tried every number I can think of. Is there any way to circumvent this without destroying all the pictures/data on it? Phone is a galaxy s9 and was activated on my att phone plan. I have access to the Google account that was tied to the phone, but that account does not have all the pictures.

DantheAggie said:

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I have an old phone that my dad used. He passed way a few years ago and I was going to go thru some older photos. It has been powered down for a few years and it's asking for a pin to get back in it. I've tried every number I can think of. Is there any way to circumvent this without destroying all the pictures/data on it? Phone is a galaxy s9 and was activated on my att phone plan. I have access to the Google account that was tied to the phone, but that account does not have all the pictures.

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You're most likely SOL but next step would be to hook it to a computer and see if you can access the storage as a drive. It likely won't give you access unless it's unlocked though. Doesn't hurt to try.

This almost feels like a useless post since there's no useful information in it, but Dan, good luck! This is a big deal. I hope someone can help you.

Removable sd card maby? Thats the only hope other than brute forcing the pin. If it wont wipe due to wrong entries, you can get it open with programs that will try every pin combo for you. A cell phone repair shop might also have some "tricks" to help get into the phone.

You might try pin numbers using patterns, like 1397 (four corners) or something similar. He might have used a pattern like that to help remember the pin if it's not something like a birthday or anniversary date.

I would not randomly try PIN numbers, I believe the iPhone will lock out permanently if too many are entered correctly. I would look up instructions on how to check if the phone is encrypted (which it probably is) and if it is, In this scenario, contact Apple, see if there is something they can do? I wouldn't hold out much hope, but you never know.

Other ideas are see if it's linked to any email accounts you have access to now

There's not many options if the device is encrypted and you have no access to any of his accounts. Such is the nature of a secure device.

It's a Galaxy S9.

akaggie05 said:

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It's a Galaxy S9.

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Ha! I should know better than to try to be helpful while getting the kids to bed right after the spring time change!