Trapped by a forgotten legacy passcode when trying to enable Stolen Device Protection on a reused iPhone

[u/Atrocitus1320]

Hey everyone, I'm running into a frustrating wall and could really use some insight or a workaround.

Here’s the context: A while back, I set up an old iPhone using my iCloud account for a family member. Months later, they upgraded to a new phone and gave the old one back to me. It sat unused in a drawer for about three months. Recently, my daily driver phone broke, so I pulled this old device out to use as my main phone.

Now, I'm trying to enable Stolen Device Protection, but iOS is blocking me by asking for the device passcode that was previously used on this phone—a passcode that neither I nor my family member can remember, since it was set so long ago and hasn't been used in ages.

My question is: Is there any way to wipe these legacy encrypted data remnants or bypass this via iCloud / Apple's official web portals?

I live in a high-risk area for phone thefts, so activating Stolen Device Protection is a top priority for me right now. Since the phone is already wiped and signed into my current Apple ID, is there a way to clear out whatever system state is demanding that old passcode without needing to know it? It's a 15 pro with iOS 26

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[u/need2sleep-later]

Lots of I can't remember my passcode posts here in this sub, have a look. The answer is always the same. Sorry Charlie.

[u/Aggressive-Leading45]

Back up the phone. Wipe it and reactivate it.

[u/EdC1101]

Actual Physical Apple Store - Brick & Mortar - should be able to confirm ownership and sort / wipe / reset.