iPhone Security Lockout? 5 Solutions to Fix It!

Staring at a "Security Lockout" message on your iPhone screen? Don't panic. This usually happens when you've entered the wrong passcode too many times. If you're wondering, "How do I get my iPhone out of security lockout?" — you're in the right place. In this guide, I'll walk you through 5 proven solutions to fix it and answer the most common questions people ask about this issue.

Part 1: What Does Security Lockout Mean on iPhone?

In short terms, iPhone security lockout means that your iOS device is locked and unavailable for security reasons.

What Is Security Lockout on iPhone?

When you enter the wrong passcode too many times, iOS locks you out of your device to protect your data. On iOS 15.2 and later, instead of just showing "iPhone Unavailable", it says "Security Lockout" and gives you a countdown. Here's what happens:

Failed Attempts	Lockout Time
6	1 minute
7	5 minutes
8	15 minutes
9	1 hour
10+	Security Lockout (Erase option appears)

After 10 failed tries, your iPhone will give you the option to Erase iPhone directly on the screen.

Why You're Seeing "Security Lockout"?

This feature exists to stop unauthorized access. It might happen because:

• You forgot your passcode
• A child (or curious pet?) kept tapping the screen
• Someone tried to access your phone without permission

Either way, Apple's security system kicks in. The good news is that it can be reversed.

Part 2: 5 Solutions to Fix iPhone Security Lockout

In the following, I'll explore 5 different ways to help you disable security lockouts on iPhone easily.

Way 1: Erase iPhone Directly from the Lock Screen (iOS 15.2 - 16.7)

If your iPhone is running iOS 15.2 or later, you'll see an "Erase iPhone" option in the bottom-right corner of the Security Lockout screen. This lets you wipe the device and regain access without needing a computer. Before you proceed, make sure your iPhone has an active cellular or Wi-Fi connection and Find My is enabled previously. If those conditions are met, follow the steps below to unlock your device.

Step 1: On the Security Lockout screen, click on the Erase iPhone option at the bottom right corner.
Step 2: Select the Erase iPhone option again to confirm your operation.
Step 3: Enter your Apple ID and password to erase your locked iPhone and fix the iPhone security lockout problem. After it's done, you can set it up as new or restore from a backup.

Way 2: Use Previous Passcode Without Erasing iPhone (iOS 17 and Later)

With iOS 17 or later, Apple has introduced a new feature that allows users to reset their iPhone passcode without losing data. If you've forgotten your new passcode, you can unlock your iPhone by using your previous passcode within 72 hours of changing it. This feature helps bypass the security lockout without data loss.

Here's the steps for security lockout iPhone how to unlock without losing data:

Step 1: Enter the wrong passcode several times until you see "iPhone Unavailable" message along with the support link.
Step 2: Tap "Forgot Passcode?" on the screen.
Step 3: Tap "Enter Previous Passcode" to unlock your iPhone security lockout immediately. Then you can follow the on-screen instructions to set a new passcode.

Way 3: Use TunesKit iPhone Unlocker to Bypass iPhone Security Lockout (No Password Needed)

To fix iPhone security lockout, I strongly recommend you use TunesKit iPhone Unlocker, a multifunctional and professional iOS unlocking tool for iPhone/iPad/iPod users. With this effective software, users will be enabled to unlock security lockout iPhone, enable disabled iPhone, or unlock stolen/found iPhone without passcode in 4 simple steps.

Thanks to its user-friendly interface and clear guidance, there is no need for users to worry that it's too complicated for them to conduct. Even someone who knows little about iPhone unlocking can easily finish it within several clicks.

Step 1Connect your iPhone to the PC

To start with, use a matched USB cable to connect your iPhone to the PC that runs the latest version of TunesKit iPhone Unlocker.

Step 2Set your iPhone into Recovery mode

Now, you need to put your iPhone into Recovery mode following the on-screen guidance to go to the next step.

Step 3Download firmware package

In this section, you will see the device information given by the software on the screen, check and confirm if it's matched with your iPhone. Then, proceed by taping on the Download button.

Step 4Begin to fix iPhone security lockout

After the firmware is downloaded, click Unlock button and TunesKit iPhone Unlocker will begin to fix iPhone security lockout. Then, you need to set up your iPhone when the unlocking process finishes.

Way 4: Unlock Security Lockout iPhone via Find My iPhone Remotely

Find My iPhone is a practical feature that enables you to locate the lost devices and erase your iPhone. When you meet iPhone security lockout, you can use this feature to delete all the data on your iPhone, including the passcode that results in the security lockout screen. To use this method, you need to make sure that you have turned on the Find My feature on your iPhone, or it will not work.

Step 1: Navigate to iCloud.com with a browser either on your mobile device or computer.
Step 2: Sign in with your Apple ID and its according password, and then select the Erase iPhone icon.
Step 3: Choose the All Devices option, and then select your locked iPhone from the list.
Step 4: Hit on the Erase iPhone button to start the erasing process, and your iPhone security lockout problem will be resolved.

Way 5: Fix iPhone Security Lockout by iTunes

One of the common ways to unlock security lockout iPhone is restoring it by iTunes. As your iPhone says Security Lockout, iTunes might not detect your iPhone. To solve this, you need to put your device into Recovery mode first. If you iPhone has synced with iTunes before, you will not need to put your iPhone into Recovery mode first. The detailed steps for how to get out of security lockout on iPhone are listed beneath.

Step 1: Run iTunes on your PC and make your locked iPhone connect to it with a fitted cable.
Step 2: Put your iPhone into Recovery mode if iTunes can't detect your device.
Step 3: Go to Summary > Restore iPhone on the interface of iTunes.
Step 4: Then, click on the Restore iPhone again to allow iTunes to restore your disabled iPhone.

Part 3: Related FAQs about iPhone Security Lockout

Here are some frequently asked questions related to security lockout issue. Get the quick answers now.

Q1: How long does an iPhone security lockout last?

When you enter the wrong passcode 6 times, you will be asked to try again in 1 minute. And the locked time will increase if you enter the wrong passcode again. When you try the wrong passcode 11 times, you will not be allowed to try again. Therefore, don't keep entering the wrong passcode when you encounter the iPhone security lockout problem.

Q2: How to avoid getting security lockout on iPhone?

You can try to set a password that is easy for you to remember if you often forget your passcode and get your iPhone security lockout. Or you can use Face/Touch ID to unlock your iPhone, which doesn't need you to enter the passcode every time you want to access your device.

Q3: Can I fix iPhone security lockout without data loss?

Yes, only the Way 2 allows you to fix unlock iPhone security lockout without losing data, but the requirements are strict. Otherwise, you have to erase your device and then restore the backup file. That's why backing up your iPhone is crucial.

Part 4: The Bottom Line

Seeing "Security Lockout" on your iPhone can feel like the end of the world. But it's fixable. Whether you erase it from the lock screen, TunesKit iPhone Unlocker, Find my iPhone, or iTunes, you can get back in. Just remember to back up your data. Write down your Apple ID. And don't let your toddler play with your phone. Stay secure.