How to Fix iPhone Unavailable on Lock Screen [2024 Updated] – Technology Org

If your iPhone displays the message “iPhone Unavailable” on the lock screen, it means that you have entered an incorrect passcode multiple times, triggering Apple Security measures to safeguard your device from unauthorized access. You may find yourself in a situation where you have forgotten your iPhone password and cannot unlock your device. However, there’s no need to worry. This article will guide you through several methods to fix “iPhone Unavailable” lock screen issue.

When you encounter the “iPhone Unavailable” message, often with a timer, it signifies that you have made multiple consecutive incorrect password attempts within a short period. Your iPhone will then be locked, preventing further access to the device. The lockout time varies from 1 minute to 8 hours or longer. In a nutshell, the more failed attempts, the longer the lockout.

Additionally, depending on your settings and the version of iOS you are using, your iPhone may alternatively display “Security Lockout” or, in earlier versions before iOS 15.2, the prompt will appear as “iPhone is disabled“.

Solution 1: Fix iPhone Unavailable without Computer

Starting from iOS 15.2 and later, iPhone has introduced a helpful feature known as “Erase iPhone” to assist users in resetting their devices. This functionality enables individuals who have forgotten their screen passcode to reset their unavailable iPhone using their Apple ID. It’s worth noting that “Erase iPhone” will permanently erase all content and settings on the device. Follow these steps:

Step 1: On the iPhone Unavailable screen, continue entering the wrong passcode until you see Erase iPhone option in the lower right corner.

Step 2: Tap Erase iPhone > Erase iPhone (for iOS 17 and later, tap Forgot Passcode > Start iPhone Reset), then enter your Apple ID password to sign out of the account. Then follow the onscreen instructions to complete the process.

Step 3: Once the reset is finished, proceed with the setup process, including the option to restore their data from a previous backup, if any.

Solution 2: Unlock iPhone Unavailable using iSumsoft iPhone Passcode Refixer

If you find yourself cannot remember the Apple ID password required to wipe your iPhone, there are other solutions. One of the recommended methods is to use a trusted third-party tool called iSumsoft iPhone Passcode Refixer, which allows you to easily bypass the lock screen and effectively fix the “iPhone Unavailable” screen.

Learn how to use this software:

Step 1: Download and install iSumsoft iPhone Passcode Refixer. After the installation, connect the locked iPhone to the computer and launch the program.

Step 2: On the Home page, select Unlock Lock Screen.

Step 3: Click Start to proceed. Please note that if your iPhone cannot be recognized by the software, try to put the iPhone into recovery mode or DEU mode.

Step 4: Your iPhone info will be loaded and displayed on the interface, and you will be asked to download a firmware package. Click Download to proceed.

Step 5: After the successful download and verification, click Unlock to begin unlocking iPhone.

Step 6: When “Unlock Screen Successfully” appears on the screen, it means that the iPhone Unavailable message has been removed and your iPhone will restart automatically.

Solution 3: Fix iPhone Unavailable with Previous Passcode

For devices running iOS 17 and later, you are allowed to use your previous password to access the device without losing any data. This method, however, is time-limited as it is only valid for 72 hours after changing the screen lock passcode. So, if you are the lucky guy, follow the steps below:

Step 1: From the iPhone Unavailable screen, proceed with entering the wrong passcode. When you see Forgot Passcode? on the lock screen, tap on it.

Step 2: Tap Enter Previous Passcode, then follow the onscreen instructions to create a new passcode.

Solution 4: Bypass iPhone Unavailable Message with iTunes

iTunes serves as an official tool for solving many common iPhone issues, including restoring iPhone when the iPhone says “iPhone Unavailable”. To utilize iTunes for this purpose, you’ll need a computer with the latest version of iTunes installed. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to restore your iPhone using iTunes:

Step 1: Connect the iPhone to the computer and then put it into recovery mode.

Step 2:  Launch iTunes. You will then be asked to Update or Restore. Select Restore and follow the onscreen prompts to reset the iPhone.

Note: If you haven’t signed out of your Apple ID before restoring the iPhone with iTunes, you may be stuck on the Activation Lock, asking for the previous Apple ID and password.

Solution 5: Fix iPhone Unavailable with iCloud

If you prefer not to install the iTunes application on your computer, there is an alternative method to address the “iPhone Unavailable” issue by using the iCloud website. By logging in to the iCloud website, you can resolve the problem without the need for iTunes. However, please note that you will require your Apple ID and password to sign in to iCloud. Here is how to use iTunes to unlock iPhone:

Step 1: Visit iCloud.com and sign in with your account associated with the unavailable iPhone.

Step 2: From the iCloud page, locate Find My and select it. You may be asked to enter your Apple ID passcode.

Step 3: You will then see a list including all devices linked to this account. Select the locked iPhone.

Step 4: Click Erase This Device.

Q1: Is iPhone Unavailable Permanently?

According to some reports, some users can be locked for up to 23,056,476 minutes, rendering the iPhone permanently unavailable. In theory, the amount of time the screen is locked is directly proportional to the number of times an incorrect passcode is entered.5th failed attempt, 5 minutes;

6th failed attempt, 5 minutes;

7th failed attempt, 5 minutes;

8th failed attempt, 15 minutes;

9th failed attempt, 1 hour;

After 10 failed attempts, your iPhone will be locked for more than 1 hour if you enable the “Erase iPhone after 10 failed attempts” feature, or you will be locked for more than 1 hour.

Q2: How to Unlock iPhone Unavailable without Losing Data

To preserve data, fixing an unavailable iPhone without data loss is only possible if you possess the Screen Lock passcode or have a recent backup of your iPhone. Apple prioritizes data protection, which contributes to its immense popularity.