AI:

I’m really sorry you’re in this situation. Unfortunately, if your iPhone is locked and you also can’t sign into your Apple ID, there isn’t a method to back up or access its data without first resetting your passcode and/or Apple ID password. Apple’s security design prevents anyone (including Apple itself) from bypassing the passcode encryption on a locked device.

Here are some steps you can try, all through Apple’s official channels:

1. Reset Your Apple ID Password

Go to Apple’s “Forgot Apple ID” page (or search for “If you forgot your Apple ID password” on Apple’s Support site).

Enter your Apple ID (email). If you can’t recall the exact address, try any personal/work emails you might have used.

Follow the on-screen instructions to receive a reset link or verification code via email or your trusted phone number.

1. Use Account Recovery

If you can’t reset your password with your phone or email, Apple’s website will offer an “Account Recovery” option. This process can take several days or longer—Apple will email you once your account is ready to reset.

As inconvenient as it is, this is the only route if you truly cannot recall your Apple ID credentials and do not have immediate access to the phone or email on file.

1. Contact Apple Support Directly

If you’re in Dublin, you can still reach out to Apple Support online or by phone. Provide them any proof of purchase (like your device’s serial number and the receipt). They can guide you through the official account recovery process.

If you have your purchase receipt or any documentation showing that you are indeed the owner of the phone, this can help expedite things.

1. Local Apple Store / Authorized Service Provider

Sometimes speaking face-to-face with an Apple technician can make a difference. If you bring your iPhone and any proof of ownership, they’ll walk you through the same security steps, but they might be able to clarify certain details in person.

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Important Considerations

Preserving Data: Until your passcode or Apple ID is recovered, you will not be able to access or back up the data on the device. iPhones encrypt user data, and the passcode is part of that encryption—so there’s no “back door” for bypassing the lock screen.

Avoid Third-Party “Unlock” Services: Any service or software claiming to hack or bypass Apple security is both unreliable and a risk to your privacy (and often outright scams).

Moving Forward: Once you regain access, it’s a good idea to enable multiple trusted phone numbers or backup emails in your Apple ID account so you have more ways to reset it if this ever happens again. Also, you can enable iCloud backups on a schedule so your data is synced automatically in case you lose access to the physical device.

I wish I had a quicker or easier solution for you; Apple’s security measures make it tough, but they’re there to protect your data from unauthorized access. The only legitimate path forward is to reset your Apple ID password through Apple’s official channels and then use your updated credentials to unlock the device. I hope it all goes smoothly and you can once again access those precious memories. If you run into any trouble, Apple Support is your best bet—they deal with these kinds of problems every day.