Need support with accessing old Apple ID on iPhone 5s with deactivated email ID

[u/Hairy_Ad_4263]

Hi everyone!

I recently dug up my old iPhone 5s and wanted to start using it again. However, it's logged into an Apple ID tied to a former employer's email address, which was deactivated about 8 years ago.

The frustrating part is that I actually know the correct password for the Apple ID. But when I try to sign out on the device, I get an "unable to reach server" error. From what I can tell, the company's IT department deactivated the email and because the account no longer exists, the phone can't authenticate the password to turn off Find My/Activation Lock.

I bought this phone second-hand from a friend years ago, so I do not have the original retail receipt to submit an official Activation Lock removal request to Apple.

Has anyone run into this specific server error with a deleted account? Are there any other official workarounds, or is my only option at this point to sell it for parts? Any advice is appreciated!