iPhone Stuck on iPhone Unavailable? 5 Ways to Fix It

When you enter the wrong passcode too many times on your iPhone you end up stuck on the "iPhone Unavailable" lock screen message. In this post, you'll learn how to fix this dreaded lock screen error and gain access back to your iPhone.

What Is the iPhone Unavailable Lock Screen

You will only see the iPhone unavailable lock screen message if you have tried too many times with the wrong passcode to unlock your iPhone.

Therefore, this is a problem that is likely to occur only if you have forgotten your passcode or someone else who doesn't know your passcode is trying to gain access to your iPhone.

How long the message lasts will depend on the number of times the wrong passcode has been entered:

• After 5 incorrect passcode entries, you will see the "iPhone Unavailable" message for 1 minute
• After 6 incorrect entries, the message will remain on the screen for 5 minutes
• After 7 attempts the message will remain on the screen for 15 minutes
• After 8 or 9 attempts you will see the message on the screen for up to 60 minutes
• After 10 incorrect passcode entries, the message will appear on the screen without a timer. This means that the iPhone has been permanently locked and you will need to reset it.

The following are the solutions you can apply when your iPhone is stuck on the iPhone unavailable screen:

Try to Recall the Passcode

If you entered the wrong passcode by accident, then all you have to do is wait. Once the time displayed elapses you can simply enter the correct passcode and unlock your device. But make sure that you have the correct passcode the second time around or the timer will simply increase.

Use the "Erase iPhone" Feature

Entering the wrong password 7 times will display the "iPhone Unavailable" message along with a 15-minute timer. But it will also provide you with the "Erase iPhone" option at the bottom right corner of the screen.

If you don't know the password and there is no point trying different combinations, you can use this feature to erase all the data and settings on the device and thereby removing the password.

For this process to work, your device must be running iOS 15.2 or newer and you must have access to your Apple ID and password. The device must also be connected to a Wi-Fi network.

Use these steps to fix this problem using the "Erase iPhone" option:

Step 1: Enter the wrong password until you see the "Erase iPhone" option appear at the bottom of the screen.

Step 2: Tap "Erase iPhone."

Step 3: Read the warning on the next screen and then tap "Erase iPhone" again to confirm the action.

Step 4: Enter your Apple ID password to sign out of Apple ID and then tap "Erase iPhone."

Wait while your iPhone is restored to its factory settings. When the process is complete, you will be able to set up the device as new and restore it from a backup if you have one.

Fix iPhone Unavailable Using iPhone Unlocker

Unlockit iPhone unlocker is a widely used solution for unlocking Apple devices when you forget the passcode without using iTunes. The app has a straightforward interface and step-by-step instructions, making it accessible even if you're not tech-savvy. Regardless of your device model, Unlockit iPhone unlocker can help you remove the iPhone unavailable screen and regain access to your phone in just a few clicks.

Before getting started, download and install Unlockit iPhone onto your computer, then using these steps to remove the iPhone unavailable screen:

Step 1: Open iPhone Unlocker and select "Unlock iPhone Screen Passcode."

Step 2: Now, connect the iPhone to the computer and if Unlockit iPhone doesn't detect it, put it in recovery mode.

Step 3: Download the firmware needed to unlock the device as suggested by the app.

Step 4: When the download is complete, the program will begin unlocking the device. The iPhone will be unlocked in a few minutes and you should be able to access it.

Using Recovery Mode

Whenever you encounter this issue, Apple recommends that you restore the device in recovery mode using iTunes or Finder.

Here's how to do it:

Step 1: Open iTunes or Finder (macOS 10.15 and later).

Step 2: Before connecting the device to the computer, shut it down and put it in recovery mode. Use these procedures to enter recovery mode for your iPhone model:

For iPhone 6 or earlier, press and hold the Side button until the power off slider appears. Then, slide it to turn off the phone. Next, connect the iPhone to your computer while holding the Home Button. Release the button only when the recovery mode screen appears on the iPhone.

For iPhone 7 or 7 Plus, press and hold the button on the right side until the power off slider appears. Then, slide it to turn off the phone. Next, simultaneously hold the Volume down key and connect the iPhone to your computer. Continue holding the button until the recovery mode screen appears on the iPhone.

For iPhone 8 or later, press and quickly release the Volume Up button, then press and quickly release the Volume Down button. Next, press and hold the Side button until the power off slider appears. Slide it to turn off the phone. Then, continue holding the Side button while connecting the iPhone to your computer. Release the button only when the recovery mode screen appears on the iPhone.

Step 3: With the device connected to the computer, you should see two options: Restore or Update. Choose "Restore."

Step 4: Read the warning that appears and then click "Restore and Update." iTunes of Finder will install the latest firmware on the device. You should be able to access it when the process is complete.

With "Find My iPhone"

You can also use the "Find My iPhone" option in iCloud.com to erase the iPhone and therefore fix the iPhone unavailable screen, but the Find My should have been turned on from your device before it is unavailable. The "Find My iPhone" features you need can be easily accessed on the iCloud website. Here's how to do it:

Step 1: Navigate to the iCloud website on any device and log in to your account.

Step 2: Select "Find iPhone."

Step 3: Click on "All Devices" at the top and choose the iPhone you want to erase.

Step 4: Click "Erase iPhone" and when the process is complete, you should be able to get access to your device and set it up.

Can I Bypass "iPhone Unavailable" Without Erasing Your Data?

If you see the "iPhone Unavailable" message and don't have the original password, unfortunately, there's no way to fix it without either erasing the device or retrieving the password. This is because Apple prioritizes privacy and security.

However, you can prepare for such situations by regularly backing up your iPhone using iTunes or iCloud. Losing access to your iPhone may be inconvenient, but it also protects your private data from unauthorized access or theft. With your iCloud ID, no one can erase the data on your iPhone without your permission.

The "iPhone Unavailable" Fixed

This article provides solutions to help you overcome the "iPhone Unavailable" lock screen message. However, it's also recommended to regularly back up your device to preserver your data should you encounter the problem again in the future.