iPhone Unavailable Try Again in 8 Hours? Fix It in 5 Ways

Having to use your iPhone and suddenly being locked out of it can be quite a nuisance. Has it ever happened to you? This usually happens if you've been trying to unlock your iPhone with the wrong passcode one too many times.

Apparently, there's a limit. If you're facing the 'iPhone unavailable. Try again in 8 hours' time. You've come to the right place. In this guide, we will see what this prompt actually means and how to unlock 'iPhone unavailable. Try again in 8 hours' screen using different methods.

Let's get right to it.

What Is iPhone Unavailable, Try Again in 8 Hours?

Have you ever encountered the message "iPhone Unavailable" when attempting to unlock your iPhone? This message appears when you've entered the wrong password multiple times.

There could be several reasons for this situation. Perhaps you've forgotten your password, someone has attempted to access your phone without authorization, or it could even be a prank.

To ensure the security of your iPhone, Apple implemented measures that temporarily lock the device after multiple incorrect passcode attempts.

The duration of the lockout period varies based on the number of unsuccessful attempts and the iOS version installed on your device.

If you've entered the wrong passcode for the 9th time on an iPhone running iOS 16 or later, you'll encounter the "iPhone unavailable, Try again in 8 hours" prompt on your screen.

If you encounter "iPhone Unavailable" without a timer on the screen, it indicates that your phone is fully locked and there is no chance for you to unlock it by attempting to enter the password.

1. 4th wrong attempt: iPhone Unavailable, try again in 1 minute.
2. 5th wrong attempt: iPhone Unavailable, try again in 5 minutes.
3. 6th wrong attempt: iPhone Unavailable, try again in 15 minutes.
4. 7th wrong attempt: iPhone Unavailable, try again in 1 hour.
5. 8th wrong attempt: iPhone Unavailable, try again in 3 hours.
6. 9th wrong attempt: iPhone Unavailable, try again in 8 hours.
7. 10th wrong attempt: Permanently locked.

Wait for 8 Hours and Input the Right Passcode

If you've failed to input the correct passcode for the 9th time and are faced with the "iPhone unavailable, Try again in 8 hours" prompt, you will need to wait 8 hours and seize your last chance to enter the right passcode.

If you still cannot recall your passcode for the 10th time, you will be permanently locked out of your iPhone. After this, you will need to erase all your data and settings on your device to regain access.

Unfortunately, fixing the "iPhone unavailable" issue without losing your data is impossible. Apple prioritizes privacy, making it difficult to bypass this security measure.

However, there's a way to prepare for such situations. If you regularly back up your iPhone using iTunes or iCloud, you'll have a copy of your data in case something goes wrong, such as the "iPhone Unavailable" message appearing.

Unlock iPhone Unavailable Via Resetting from Your iPhone

If you've failed to recall the correct passcode, you need to reset your iPhone to unlock the 'iPhone Unavailable' screen. 

Apple now allows you to reset your device directly from your iPhone. The steps may vary depending on your phone's operating system. Here's how to proceed:

For iOS 17

Here's how to do it on iOS 17:

1. Tap the Forgot Passcode? option in the bottom corner of the screen.
2. Tap "Start iPhone Reset" from the "iPhone Reset" screen.
3. You'll need to enter your Apple ID password to sign out of your Apple ID.
4. Then, tap "Erase iPhone" to remove all your content and data from your phone.
5. Once your iPhone restarts, set it up again, restore your backup, and create a new passcode. That's it!

If you recently changed passcode on iOS 17 or later

However, there is some hope for those who have recently changed their passcode. If you've recently changed your passcode on iOS 17 or later, there's a 72-hour window where you can still use your old passcode. Here's what to do:

1. Keep entering your passcode on the Lock Screen until you see the "[Device] Unavailable" message telling you to try again later.
2. If you can, tap "Forgot Passcode?" in the bottom corner of the screen.
3. Choose "Enter Previous Passcode."
4. Enter your old passcode and follow the steps on the screen to set a new one. Make sure to change it right after you log in. That's all there is to it!

For iOS 15.2 - 16.9

If your iPhone is running iOS 15.2 to iOS 16.9, you can reset it without a computer using the "Erase iPhone" option. Just make sure your iPhone meets these requirements:

• It's running iOS 15.2 or later.
• It's connected to a cellular or Wi-Fi network.
• You know your Apple ID and password.

Here's how to unlock your iPhone with "Erase iPhone":

1. Keep entering the wrong passcode until you see the option to "Erase iPhone" on the "iPhone Unavailable" or "Security Lockout" screen.
2. Tap on "Erase iPhone" at the bottom of the screen.
3. You'll need to enter your Apple ID password to sign out of your Apple ID.
4. Tap "Erase iPhone" again to confirm that you want to delete all your data and settings.
5. Once your iPhone restarts, set it up again.

Unlock iPhone Unavailable via Unlocking Tool

If you're unable to follow these steps or if the "Forgot Passcode?" or "Erase iPhone" options are not available on the "iPhone Unavailable" screen, you can opt for a reliable iOS unlocking tool like Unlockit iPhone to resolve the issue.

This tool is made for unlocking different locks on iPhones, iPads, and iPod touch, including screen passcodes, screen time passcodes, MDM restrictions, and Apple ID passwords. You don't need iTunes or passcodes, and it's easy to use.

Here's how it works:

1. Download, install, and open Unlockit iPhone on your computer.
2. Connect your iPhone to your computer using a USB cable.
3. Choose "Unlock iPhone Screen" from the home screen of Unlockit iPhone.
4. Follow Unlockit iPhone's instructions to put your iPhone into recovery mode.
5. Download the firmware for your iPhone and unlock it within minutes.

Unlock iPhone Unavailable With iTunes or Finder

Another way to go about the situation is to use iTunes or Finder. If you've synced your iPhone with iTunes or Finder before, it's easy to restore your iPhone and unlock it. But if you haven't, you'll need to put your device into recovery mode manually to erase it.

Here's what to do:

1. Connect your iPhone to your computer.

2. Put your iPhone into recovery mode:

• For iPhone 8 or later: Press and quickly release the Volume Up button, then the Volume Down button. Then press and hold the Side button until the recovery mode screen appears.
• For iPhone 7 or 7 Plus: Press and hold the Side button and Volume Down button until the recovery mode screen appears.
• For iPhone 6s or earlier: Press and hold the Side button and Home button until the recovery mode screen appears.

3. When you see the recovery mode screen on your iPhone, Finder or iTunes will automatically ask if you want to Update or Restore your iPhone.

4. Choose "Restore," confirm your choice, and wait for the process to finish.

5. Once your iPhone restarts, set it up again.

Unlock iPhone Unavailable With Find My

Despite the methods above, if you're still stuck with the "iPhone Unavailable" screen, there's another way to bypass it without downloading any firmware. Just use Find My on iCloud to erase your iPhone.

Here's how:

1. Go to the iCloud website and log in to your account.
2. Click on "Find My."
3. Select "All Devices" at the top of the screen and find the locked iPhone you want to unlock.
4. Once you've selected it, click on "Erase iPhone" and wait for the process to finish.

Just like the other methods, this will factory reset your iPhone and remove the "iPhone Unavailable" message completely. Then, you can set up your device as usual.

To Conclude

Those are all the different ways in which you can try to reset the passcode on your iPhone without any major repercussions. In the long term, it's always better to have backup options and a passcode that's easy to remember.

But, if you do have to choose a method, we'd suggest using Unlockit iPhone. Not only is it safe and reliable, but it gets the job done in a matter of minutes.