iPhone 5 or earlier iPhone 4/4S Apple ID locked. How to unlock?

[jas5279]

Its either 4 or 4S. Phone belongs to an elderly person and they forgot both the email and password (says remember the password but don't remember the email). They have no idea how it happened. It was working fine. And after charging it, this showed up. No Apple store here so can't go to an Apple certified technician. How do I help them get access to their phone again?

The login screen shows up when you 'slide to unlock'.

Screenshots attached.

 

[noobinator]

Since they can't go to an Apple store, it is now a paperweight. Even then it might be. They'd have to show proof of ownership and Apple might help. This is the only possible way.

 

[Table Top Joe]

There are only two ways back into Activation Lock, password or proof of purchase

Im not 100% on the USA but in Europe the store will be no good to you(id be amazed if the US is different but stores don't usually have access to password related stuff), you need to call the support line with your grandmother (they have to speak to account holder and presumably its her name on the account too)

They can try and figure out the email and verify her and tell her/you what the email is and that can lead to you resetting the password......or else call them with the proof of purchase and they can unlock it that way

Those are your only options I'm afraid