Well, back in 2011, my father got himself an Iphone 4 via the Maxis 24m normal contract. Somewhere around 2012, my father got the phone replaced with another unit with is a refurbished unit.
Later in 2017, I was tinkering with the refurbished phone, trying to replace the battery as well as registering a new apple ID for this device.


Unfortunately, the phone was left in the drawer and I literally forgot about the password I created back then. Now, the phone keep asking for Apple ID password to confirm that I am the owner of the phone. I tried iforgot on Apple website but to no avail because I don't remember the security question and I failed to set up a secondary email back then. After a lot of research, I saw people suggest on reddit that it might be possible to go to Apple store and have them factory reset the phone for you, but I have to prove that I am the rightful owner of the phone. I tried to factory reset the phone to erase all content and settings, but it required me to have the Apple Id password as well. Actually, there are another option which seem to be similar which is the activation lock support on Apple website. Although my phone is not activation locked, but in order for Apple to proceed with removing activation lock for you remotely, you also need to prove that you are the rightful owner of the phone.


Now come the problem, that refurbished Iphone 4 doesn't seem to come with box, and my father don't seem to keep the Maxis Service/warranty card or any receipt. Is there anyone with knowledge or experience regarding this issue? Is the Maxis warranty card enough to prove our identity to remove activation lock? Do Maxis provide anything like receipt that prove we are the rightful owner for the refurbished phone back then/now, or they don't actually give anything to prove that we are the owner at all, no warranty card no receipt?

Yeah, I know. I am not going to use it. Just want to keep it as replacement phone, of course it still can be used for phone call which is the most important.