iPhone Unavailable With No Timer: 4 Ways to Address This

When you encounter the 'iPhone unavailable' prompt without a timer on your iPhone, it means you have entered the wrong passcode too many times, causing your iPhone to be permanently locked. Unless you reset it, your iPhone will remain stuck on the 'iPhone unavailable' screen.

In this guide, we will explore the meaning of this prompt in detail and walk you through various methods to resolve the issue.

Let's dive in!

Why 'iPhone Unavailable' with No Timer?

The "iPhone Unavailable" message appears when you attempt to unlock your iPhone with an incorrect passcode. Typically, you have 10 attempts before encountering this message for the first time.

However, based on our testing, the allowed attempts before your iPhone is permanently locked can vary, depending on whether you lock the screen between attempts and the iOS version you're using. This is Apple's built-in security measure to prevent unauthorized access to your device.

Whether you've forgotten your passcode, a child tried to unlock your phone, or a friend was playing a prank, seeing the 'iPhone Unavailable' prompt without a timer means you've exhausted the allowed attempts, resulting in a permanent lockout.

The only way to bypass this screen is by resetting your iPhone, which unfortunately will result in the loss of all your data and stored content. Here's a breakdown of your options:

Fix iPhone Unavailable, No Timer with Unlockit iPhone Unlocker

If you're seeing the "iPhone Unavailable" message and don't have the option to erase your iPhone, don't worry. You can try using an iPhone unlocking tool called Unlockit iPhone unlocker. It offers a highly effective, step-by-step guide to unlock the 'iPhone Unavailable' screen without a timer.

What's more, Unlockit allows you to bypass the iPhone lock screen, remove the iPhone MDM profile, bypass Apple ID, and remove iTunes encryption if you've forgotten your passcode. It's a one-stop solution for passcode-related issues. Here's how to use Unlockit:

Step 1: Download and install Unlockit. Once installed, open the software and click the "Unlock Screen Passcode" option.

Step 2: Connect your iPhone to your computer using a standard USB cable, then click "Start" to begin unlocking your iPhone. If Unlockit can't recognize your device, you'll need to put it into Recovery mode by following the on-screen instructions.

Step 3: Ensure your iPhone has the latest firmware version for the software to work correctly. Choose a location on your computer to save the firmware file and click "Download."

Step 4: Once the firmware is downloaded, click "Start to Remove" to begin removing the passcode from your iPhone. This process may take a few minutes, but once completed, you'll see a success message on your computer.

And there you have it! You've successfully resolved the "iPhone Unavailable" issue and regained access to your device.

Fix iPhone Unavailable, No Timer by Resetting iPhone

For iOS 15.2 - 16.7

If your device is running iOS 15.2 to iOS 16.7, you can bypass the "iPhone Unavailable" or "Security Lockout" screen without using any extra tools by using the Erase iPhone option on the screen. However, you will lose all the data on your device.

Here's what to do:

1. Click the option to "Erase iPhone" in the bottom right-hand corner.
2. Enter the password for the Apple ID associated with your iPhone. The erasing process will begin.
3. After the erasing is complete, your iPhone will be factory reset, and you can set it up again from scratch.

For iOS 17

The method is slightly different for iOS 17. If you're using an eSIM, you'll need to contact your carrier before proceeding to get a QR code to set up your eSIM again.

Here's what to do if you're locked out:

1. Keep trying to enter your passcode from the Lock Screen until you see the "[Device] Unavailable" message. Your device will ask you to try again later.
2. Tap on "Forgot Passcode?" in the bottom corner of the screen.
3. Confirm by tapping "Start [Device] Reset."
4. Enter your Apple ID password to sign out of your account.
5. Tap "Erase [Device]" to permanently delete all your data and settings. If you're using iOS 17 or later, you can choose whether to keep your eSIM or delete it along with your data.
6. After your device restarts, follow the on-screen instructions to set it up again. You can restore your data from a backup and set a new passcode.

If you recently changed passcodes on iOS 17 device

If you've recently changed your passcode, there might still be hope. On iOS 17, the Passcode Reset feature allows you to use your old iPhone passcode for 72 hours after changing it.

Here's how to use Passcode Reset:

1. Keep trying to enter your passcode from the Lock Screen until you see the "[Device] Unavailable" message. Your device will ask you to try again later.
2. Once the option appears, tap on "Forgot Passcode?"
3. Tap on "Try Passcode Reset."
4. Enter your old passcode, then follow the on-screen instructions to set a new passcode.

Fix iPhone Unavailable, No Timer Using iCloud

If you want to erase your iPhone remotely and don't have access to a computer, iCloud is your best bet.

Here's how to do it:

1. Make sure your iPhone is connected to a Wi-Fi or cellular network and that "Find My iPhone" is enabled.
2. Go to icloud.com/find on any Apple device.
3. Sign in using your Apple ID and password.
4. Click on "All Devices" and select the iPhone that's locked.
5. Choose "Erase iPhone," then follow the on-screen instructions to erase your iPhone.
6. After your iPhone restarts, you can set it up as new.

Fix iPhone Unavailable, No Timer Using iTunes

As a last resort, you can try resolving the issue through iTunes.

Here's what to do:

1. Put your iPhone into recovery mode by following the respective procedure for your model.
2. Connect your device to your computer via USB. You'll be prompted to either "Update" or "Restore" your device.
3. Click "Restore" and follow the steps. However, note that this will erase all your data.

To Conclude

In situations like these, it's always a good idea to back up your device regularly. Avoid entering the wrong passcode more than seven times to be safe.

Although many solutions result in data loss, Unlockit remains the safest and most reliable option. It's effective and user-friendly, getting the job done faster than other methods. The best part? You don't have to be a tech expert to use it.