How to Fix iPhone Unavailable Screen? [4 Ways]

If you've picked up your iPhone only to see the dreaded iPhone Unavailable message (or "Security Lockout"), don't panic. This lockout happens after multiple wrong passcode attempts. While it's a frustrating situation, it can be fixed.

In this guide, we'll cover what the message means, why it happens, and every reliable method to regain access, whether or not you have a computer. Let's dive in now!

Part 1: What Does iPhone Unavailable Mean?

Starting with iOS 15.2, Apple replaced the older "iPhone is Disabled" screen with "iPhone Unavailable" or "Security Lockout".

This screen appears after repeated failed passcode attempts. Instead of unlimited tries, Apple introduces timed lockouts to protect against brute-force attacks:

• After 5 wrong attempts → iPhone unavailable, try again in 1 minute.
• More failed attempts increase the wait to 5 minutes, 15 minutes, 59 minutes, and up to 3 hours, or 8 hours.
• Eventually, your iPhone will become fully locked, showing only "iPhone Unavailable" with an option to erase/reset.

Why Does My iPhone Say iPhone Unavailable?

If you're wondering why is my iPhone is saying unavailable, here are some common reasons for your reference.

• Too many incorrect passcode entries (often by kids, pocket dials, or forgetting your passcode).
• Face ID/Touch ID disabled and multiple failed manual attempts.
• Software update or restart, forcing a passcode and leading to errors if forgotten.
• Security protection: Apple uses this lockout to protect your data from unauthorized access.

Part 2: How to Fix iPhone Unavailable [Without Computer]

Depending on your device's iOS version and whether you have a computer, here are some official and effective ways to fix it. The following are 2 ways to fix iPhone unavailable problem without a computer.

Method 1: Fix iPhone Unavailable via iOS Built-in Feature (iOS 15.2 and Later)

If your iPhone is running a 15.2 or later version, you can easily solve this problem with the iOS built-in feature. When it's connected to a Wi-Fi or cellular network, you might see an "Erase iPhone" (or "Forgot Passcode?") option on the iPhone Unavailable screen, which enables you to erase your iPhone in one click. This is the quickest method if it's available to you.

On iOS 15–16:

Step 1. Once the iPhone Unavailable prompt appears, tap the Erase iPhone option at the bottom right.
Step 2. Type your Apple ID password (required if Find My is enabled) to sign out of your account.
Step 3. The iPhone will erase all data and settings, including the forgotten passcode.
Step 4. Once you finish erasing your iPhone, you are able to set it up again.

On iOS 17 or later:

Step 1. Continue entering incorrect passcodes until the "Forgot Passcode?" option appears at the bottom of the screen.
Step 2. Tap on "Forgot Passcode?" option.
Step 3. You will be prompted to confirm that you want to erase your device. Tap "Start iPhone Reset".
Step 4. Enter your Apple ID password to sign out of your Apple ID on the locked iPhone.
Step 5. Your iPhone will begin the erasing process. Once complete, it will restart, and you can set it up as new or restore it from a backup if you have one.

Method 2: Fix iPhone Unavailable Screen with Find My Feature

If you have previously enabled "Find My iPhone" on the locked device and have access to another internet-connected device (like another iPhone, iPad, or a computer), you can use iCloud to remotely erase your iPhone.

As a common feature for iOS users, Find My iPhone enables you to locate your devices remotely, and erase all data on your iPhone when you lose it. Detailed steps for how to fix iPhone unavailable screen via Find My are shown in the following.

On Web:

Step 1. On another device, go to iCloud.com on a browser and sign in with the same Apple ID and password associated with your locked iPhone.
Step 2. Go to Find iPhone and then click the All Devices option on the top bar.
Step 3. Select your unavailable iPhone from the list and click the Erase iPhone option.
Step 4. Tap "Erase" to confirm your decision and enter your Apple ID password again if prompted.
Step 5. The remote erasure process will begin. Once completed, your iPhone will restart, and you can set it up as new or restore from a backup

With Find My App:

Step 1. Open the Find My app on another Apple device (iPhone, iPad, or Mac).
Step 2. Tap the Devices tab at the bottom. Then locate and select your locked iPhone from the list.
Step 3. Scroll down and tap Erase This Device. Confirm and enter your Apple ID password if prompted. The iPhone will be remotely erased, including the forgotten passcode.
Step 4. Once erase is complete, the iPhone restarts to the setup screen. Sign in with your Apple ID during setup and restore from iCloud backup if available.

Part 3: How to Fix iPhone Unavailable [Need Computer]

In this section, you'll learn how to unlock iPhone unavailable step by step when you have a computer.

Method 3: Bypass iPhone Unavailable Screen Using TunesKit iPhone Unlocker

If your iPhone is stuck on the "unavailable" screen, a reliable solution is using a professional unlocking tool like TunesKit iPhone Unlocker. It doesn't require your Apple ID or password.

TunesKit works with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch, and can help in various scenarios — unlocking a disabled screen, erasing iPhone without a passcode, removing MDM restrictions, bypassing Screen Time, or unlocking Apple ID. With just a few clicks, you can regain access in minutes.

Below are the detailed steps for how to fix iPhone unavailable screen by using TunesKit iPhone Unlocker.

Step 1. Download TunesKit iPhone Unlocker from the website, and then run it on your PC. Make your iPhone connected to the PC and click on the Unlock iOS Screen button.

Step 2. Set your iPhone into the DFU/Recovery mode by following the steps on the interface of the software.

Step 3. Once your iPhone is detected by the software automatically, check the device information of your iPhone on the screen. Then, click Download if there is no error.

Step 4. When you finish downloading the firmware package, click the Unlock tab to allow it to unlock your iPhone. TunesKit iPhone Unlocker will fix the iPhone unavailable screen problem on your iPhone soon.

Method 4: Unlock iPhone Unavailable Screen with iTunes/Finder

If the above methods aren't available to you, the next step is to use Recovery Mode to restore your iPhone using iTunes (or Finder) on a computer. This process will erase your iPhone and its data. You will need a USB cable to connect your iPhone to the computer. You can follow the steps beneath to unlock your unavailable screen iPhone.

Step 1. Download iTunes (or Finder) and run it on your PC (or Mac). After that, plug your iPhone into the computer with a matched cable.
Step 2. Put your iPhone into Recovery mode according to its model.

• For iPhone 8 or later, press and swiftly release the Volume Up button, and then repeat doing it for the Volume Down button. Next, long press the Side button until the Recovery mode screen is seen.
• For iPhone 7 or 7 Plus, you need to turn it off by holding the iPhone's Side button and Volume Down button and loose them until the Recovery mode screen is seen.
• For iPhone 6 or earlier, long press the Side button as well as the Home button at the same time, and then release them when the Recovery mode screen shows up.

Step 3. Your computer will detect your iPhone in Recovery Mode and display a message saying there's a problem with the device that requires it to be updated or restored. Click "Restore". This will erase all the data on your iPhone and install the latest version of iOS.
Step 4. Once the restore is finished, your iPhone will restart. You can now set it up as a new iPhone or restore it from a previous backup if you have one.

Part 4: Video Guide - How to Fix iPhone Unavailable Screen

Now let's watch a short video and learn how to unlock iPhone when it is unavailable with 4 easy solutions.

Part 5: iPhone Unavailable Troubleshooting

Having trouble resolving the "iPhone Unavailable" issue? You're not alone. Here are three common problems users often face.

1. iPhone Unavailable No Erase Option

The "Erase iPhone" button doesn't appear on the lock screen. Please note that if your iOS version is below 15.2, the erase option will not appear. If your iOS is iOS 15.2 to 16.7, the "Erase iPhone" option appears in the bottom corner. If your iOS is iOS 17 or later, it's renamed to "Forgot Passcode?". An alternative way is to use iCloud or iTunes to fix the problem directly.

2. iPhone Unavailable No Timer Displayed

The countdown timer is missing, making it unclear when you can try again. It means you've entered the wrong passcode 10 times. Or, your device may be disconnected from Wi-Fi or cellular data. In this case, you can erase your iPhone via iCloud, iTunes, or third-party unlock tools like TunesKit iPhone Unlocker.

3. iPhone Unavailable Timer Not Going Down

The timer appears but doesn't decrease, leaving the device locked indefinitely. This problem is possibly caused by an iOS glitch, a poor network connection, or SIM card issues. You can force restart your iPhone, reinsert the SIM card, or erase it via iCloud or iTunes.

Part 6: FAQs Related to iPhone Unavailable Screen

Still have questions about iPhone unavailable message? We got you covered.

Part 7: The Bottom Line

Hopefully, you can solve the problem of how to unlock iPhone unavailable screen by trying these simple methods. Also, the tool named TunesKit iPhone Unlocker we mentioned is the most recommended way for you to unlock your unavailable iOS devices. If you are still having other questions, please feel free to leave us a comment below.