An investigation of a phone takes at least 1 week and can extend to several months. This is because we have to try every possible option with our equipment to determine the code. If you know that, for example, a 6-digit code has a total of 1 million possibilities, and you also know that a phone often blocks if you enter a code more than x times in a short period, you understand that such an investigation can take a while.

Due to high demand, the average investigation duration is currently between 2 and 6 weeks.

Upon an initial request, we can usually make a good estimate based on make, model, and type whether it is realistic to retrieve the passcode.

If there is an 80% chance or more that we can retrieve the code without the risk of data loss, we will let you know.

However, there may be circumstances that cannot be fully foreseen in advance. Examples include a recent security update from the manufacturer, an installed custom ROM, additional security settings, or a device that has been permanently blocked after entering an incorrect code too many times.

Should it still not be technically possible to gain access at that time, you can choose to store the device with us for a maximum of one year. As soon as new technical possibilities arise within that period and access is eventually achieved, any previously paid investigation costs will be deducted.

You can, of course, choose to receive the device back at any time.

Please note! At this moment, we do not (yet) support Apple devices newer than the iPhone 8 or iPads from 2018 onwards.

With our BASIC service, you are responsible for ensuring the phone reaches us.

This can be done by sending it (by registered mail), but it is also possible to drop off or pick up the phone—by appointment only—at our head office in Maastricht or a location in Lelystad.

Our PREMIUM service includes free pickup and return of the phone throughout Europe and a few countries outside of it.

We always charge the investigation costs of €149.00 prior to the investigation. These costs will be deducted from the total price if we successfully recover the access code.

If we are (still) unsuccessful, you can indicate whether we may keep the phone for up to 1 year so that we can keep trying again and again during that period using hardware and software updates we receive during that year.
Naturally, you can also choose to have the phone returned immediately or in the interim if the investigation has not (yet) yielded the desired result.

There are indeed many (online) companies and obscure programs to be found that promise the same thing and have exclusively positive reviews.
You are, of course, free to try this first, but… The result is often that the phone is reset to factory settings; while you get rid of the code, you simultaneously lose all your data! Furthermore, identity fraud is a lurking danger.

Making a phone equipped with an unknown code accessible is highly specialized custom work and inevitably entails technical risks.
Due to our techniques, the phone can become very hot, posing a risk of malfunctions, data loss, or permanent damage; the phone may sometimes even fail due to the number of attempts.
In some cases, the phone must be (partially) disassembled, which may invalidate the warranty on the phone or mean that water resistance can no longer be guaranteed.

And although you probably cannot do anything with the phone now anyway, Digital Life Legacy cannot be held liable in any way for damage to the phone or loss of data, except in cases of intent or deliberate recklessness. Naturally, we do everything we can to minimize risks as much as possible and inform you as clearly as possible in advance.

We only repair phones if it is necessary to access the code, and only after consultation with and permission from the client.

The costs for this are the responsibility of the client.

If there are questions following a death, for example as a result of suicide or if specific questions are involved, we can provide an additional ADVANCED forensic investigation and report regarding the phone with our partners.

This allows even more detailed information to become available, and enables advanced searching of accounts, passwords, contacts, chats and communication, performed searches, deleted files, timeline activity, etc.

Please contact us separately regarding these options.

It may be necessary to gain access to a phone for various reasons.

Not only for processing grief, but also for settling administration, keeping an overview of accounts, subscriptions, and memberships, or gaining insight into assets or debts.

In some situations, (part of) these costs may be covered by the discretionary amount within a funeral insurance policy.

Additionally, it is sometimes possible to claim under your own contents, equipment, or valuables insurance: the phone has, after all, become your property (such as by operation of law, via a will, or a certificate of inheritance).

We can assist you in providing the necessary information or documentation, but we cannot guarantee that an insurer will actually provide reimbursement.

We physically need the phone at our research location.

Except for computer equipment, we do not need chargers, cables, packaging, cases, SIM cards, etc. for phones and tablets.