It sounds like you didn’t read the message correctly and overreacted by erasing your phone.

You’ll get used to it quickly. I’d say it took me about a week for it to be second nature after upgrading from my 6 plus to a X.

Your phone has gone into DFU mode and needs the OS restored. If you followed the instructions and connected it to a machine running iTunes or tried the restore option in Finder on a Mac and it didn’t detect the phone, then you may have some contamination on your Lightning port.

The more likely scenario is your email has been hacked and not your phone.

Are you sure it was actually law enforcement that contacted you? And you said “IP (phone number)” - they are not the same thing.

I’m re been a while since I’ve set up my phone like that but doesn’t it have an option to send to another phone, which lets you enter the phone number of the sim you’re using in your new phone?

As a DYI repair, you’ll be looking to replace the entire display assembly.

Not sure why you mean by home button though as the 12 doesn’t have one.