iPhone Unavailable on Lock Screen? Fix It with 5 Ways [2024]

What Does iPhone Unavailable Mean?

iPhone Unavailable, also called iPhone is disabled prior to iOS 15.2 and former, is a part of the security lockout system on iPhone. It is designed to secure your device from unauthorized access and protect data and privacy. Generally, the iPhone Unavailable screen occurs when you enter repeated incorrect passcode attempts. But sometimes it appears out of a sudden, as some users meet such a situation when charging a phone or after a software update.

How Long Does iPhone Unavailable Last?

The timespan of iPhone Unavailable depends on different scenarios. iPhone Unavailable message will pop up on the screen mainly due to incorrect passcode attempts. In this case, the duration varies according to the number of wrong attempts.

• After 5 incorrect attempts, the message will say "iPhone Unavailable, try again in 1 minute."
• After 6 incorrect attempts, the message will say "iPhone Unavailable, try again in 5 minutes."
• After 7 incorrect attempts, the message will say "iPhone Unavailable, try again in 15 minutes."
• After 8 incorrect attempts, the message will say "iPhone Unavailable, try again in 1 hour."
• After 10 incorrect attempts, the message will say "iPhone Unavailable" without a timer. And you can not try to unlock the iPhone anymore.

But, some users reported that they ran into "iPhone Unavailable" with no timer, while charging or after a software update. It may be attributed to the accidental touches triggered by the Raise to Wake feature, or tech bugs. Even though you remember your passcode, you are not allowed to use it to unlock your phone at this point.

Don't panic! Whatever situation you meet, the following methods can help you quickly and safely fix iPhone Unavailable, and regain access to your iPhone.

Fix iPhone Unavailable with Passcode Reset (iOS 17 or Later)

For those who have upgraded the iOS version to iOS17, you can take advantage of the newly launched Passcode Reset feature. To be specific, you are allowed to use the previous passcode to access your phone, if you have changed the passcode on iOS 17 in the last 72 hours.

To get started with this method, make sure you remember your previous passcode. Then follow the below instructions to proceed.

Step 1. Tap Forgot Passcode? in the bottom-right corner of the locked screen.

Step 2. Go on by tapping Enter Previous Passcode.

Step 3. Follow the on-screen instructions to enter your previous passcode and create a new passcode.

Then you can successfully get into your iPhone. Please note that you have to enter the newly created passcode to unlock your iPhone next time.

Fix iPhone Unavailable By Tapping Erase iPhone Directly (iOS 15.2 or Later)

If you are using a device in iOS 15.2 or later, you can see the Erase iPhone option when the Security Lockout screen appears. Then you can unlock your iPhone using your Apple ID password via the Erase iPhone function. But it is worth noting that all your data will be wiped out of your phone.

To fix iPhone available with this method, ensure the locked iPhone is connected to the internet and has enabled the Find My feature.

Step 1. Tap Erase iPhone twice to confirm your operation.

Step 2. Sign out of your Apple ID by filling in your Apple ID password.

Step 3. Confirm to erase your iPhone, all your data and settings will be removed.

Step 4. Then, iPhone Unavailable will be solved. Your iPhone will restart and you need to set up your iPhone again.

Fix iPhone Unavailable with Find My

iCloud can also help you unlock your iPhone with the remote erasing feature in Find My iPhone. Since the Find My function is dedicated to protecting the owner's data and privacy, the owner can remotely wipe all the data when they find the device lost. Therefore, you can utilize this feature to erase the data, including the passcode, on the locked iPhone.

If you have enabled the Find My function, and your phone is connected to a stable cellular or Wi-Fi network, this method will be workable for you to regain access from iPhone Unavailable.

Step 1. Go to iCloud with your browser on another phone or computer. Then, log in to your Apple ID.

Step 2. Choose Find My and enter your password again to sign in.

Step 3. Choose your locked iPhone from the top drop-down menu.

Step 4. Click Erase iPhone > Erase to confirm the operation.

Step 5. After iPhone Unavailable is solved, set up your iPhone to use it as usual.

Fix iPhone Unavailable without Password

If you fail to fix iPhone Unavailable with the above methods, especially when you encounter iPhone unavailable no timer, getting support from professional unlocking software can give you a quick and safe fix on the iPhone Unavailable issue. For someone who forgets the previous password or Apple ID password, this workaround can bring you the best peace of mind.

Passvers iPhone Unlocker is a top-rated unlocking expert for iPhone/iPad with a great reputation. It can easily break through Apple's security and crack iPhone Unavailable thanks to its first-class unlocking technology. With no need to seek help at the Apple Genius bar, you can fix iPhone Unavailable at a 100% success rate on your own.

It can never be easier to fix iPhone Unavailable by following the instructions below. Check the video tutorial first to fix the iPhone Unavailable issue right now!

Step 1. To begin with, download and install Passvers iPhone Unlocker. After that, open it.

Step 2. Choose Wide Passcode > Start, and connect your disabled iPhone to Passvers.

Step 3. Confirm your device information and hit the Start button to download a firmware.

Step 4. When done, enter 0000 and click Unlock to proceed. After successfully fixing iPhone Unavailable, back to your iPhone and set up your device as brand new.

Fix iPhone Unavailable with iTunes Using Recovery Mode

You can also solve the iPhone Unavailable problem via iTunes (or Finder for Mac) on computers. Just enter your iPhone into recovery mode, and you will be able to use iTunes/Finder to detect and unlock iPhone even if you forget the passcode. 

Please note that this will erase all settings and content as well. Fixing iPhone unavailable with iTunes sometimes will also bring you into other hassles. You may encounter an unstable connection to a computer or iCloud Activation Lock being activated.