What Does iPhone Unavailable Mean? Here are 4 Easy fixes!

What You Need to Know

• “iPhone Unavailable” appears on your phone when you have entered your passcode incorrectly 3 times (for iOS 17)
• Your phone will be locked permanently if you incorrectly enter your passcode 10 times
• If you are running iOS 17 on your iPhone and changed your passcode within the last 72 hours you can use your old passcode to unlock your phone
• The only way to unlock your phone if you have been permanently locked out is to erase all of your data, reset your phone, and start from the factory default setup

Introduction

Have you ever seen “iPhone Unavailable” on your screen? This happens when you have incorrectly entered your passcode too many times. In this article we’ll explore why this happens and how to fix it. From forgotten codes to kids playing with your phone, here are the best solutions to this common problem!

Understanding the “iPhone Unavailable” Error

The iPhone Unavailable error on your iPhone lock screen is triggered when you enter the incorrect password 3 times on iOS 17. Earlier iOS versions show the error after 5 incorrect attempts. Usually this error will appear with a timer underneath the message and this timer will increase with each additional incorrect entry.

This error is designed to protect your information if someone is trying to get access to your phone through “brute force”. This means that they are trying to guess your password by entering as many random guesses as possible.

Keep in mind that you still have the ability to make Emergency calls even if the phone is locked out.

The timer in iOS 17 works as follows:

• 3rd incorrect attempt 1 minute
• 4th incorrect attempt 5 minutes
• 5th incorrect attempt 15 minutes
• 6th incorrect attempts 1 hour
• 7th incorrect attempt 3 hours
• 8th-10th incorrect attempts 8 hours

After your 10th attempt, your phone will be permanently locked!

Common Situations Leading to the “iPhone Unavailable” Issue

It is very common for someone to accidentally enter an incorrect passcode on their iPhone a few times. But there are a few situations that would lead them to enter the wrong passcode 10 times.

The first scenario, is that someone is trying to break into your phone. But this is not the only reason.

The most common reason this error is that the person simply forgot their passcode! Maybe they forgot the current code, or perhaps they recently changed the passcode and it has slipped their mind.

Another common scenario involves children playing with your iPhone. They can easily enter the incorrect passcode and lock you out.

And there are some less likely scenarios as well. Perhaps you damaged your screen and it is not registering your taps correctly. Also, if you have impaired vision of motor skills you could enter the wrong passcode numerous times. While these are less likely scenarios, they do occasionally happen.

Solutions to Fix the “iPhone Unavailable” Error

But enough of explaining the problem, what are the best methods to fixing the problem? Keep in mind, only the first method keeps all your data! All the other methods require you to erase your data and reset your iPhone! Even though this is an inconvenience, this prevents anyone from accessing your private information!

Wait for the Timer to Expire

The easiest and most effective way to resolve this problem is to wait for the timer to expire and then enter the correct passcode. Once it runs out simply enter the correct password. Problem solved!

Use Apple ID and Password to Fix “iPhone Unavailable”

The next method is to use your Apple ID and password to begin the reset process on your iPhone. This method only works if you are running IOS 15.2 or later.

There are 2 requirements in order to use your Apple ID and Password to unlock your iPhone:

• You need to be running IOS 15.2 on your phone
• You must be connected to Wifi or your cellular network

If you do not meet both of these criteria, you will have to use a different method!

If you are using a digital SIM (eSIM) instead of a physical SIM card and are on IOS 16 or earlier contact your carrier for instructions how to reset your phone. You will need a QR code to setup your phone service after the phone is erased.

According to Apple “The Forgot Passcode? option appears when you have a device that uses iOS 17 or iPadOS 17 or later and you are connected to a cellular or Wi-Fi network. An Erase [Device] option appears if you have a device that uses iOS 15.2, iPadOS 15.2, iOS 16, or iPadOS 16 and you are connected to a cellular or Wi-Fi network.”

Steps to Reset Your iPhone Running iOS 17

• Tap Forgot Passcode on the iPhone Unavailable screen
• Tap Start Reset
• Enter your Apple ID Password to sign out of your Apple ID
• Tap Erase to delete all data and settings
• After your device restarts, follow the setup instructions

You will have an option to restore your data from a backup if you choose. If you have any problems with these steps, you can follow the steps to use your computer to reset your iPhone below.

Use Old Passcode to Unlock Phone Running iOS 17

There is one special option you have available if you are running iOS 17. If you changed your passcode within the last 72 hours, you can use your old passcode to unlock your phone.

When you can, select Forgot Passcode. Next choose Passcode Reset. You can enter your old passcode and then you will be forced to create a new passcode immediately.

Connect to a Computer to Reset Your iPhone

Another way to reset your phone if you have been permanently locked out is with your computer. You can connect your iPhone to your computer (Mac or PC) in order to reset it.

If you are using a PC, make sure you are running at least Windows 10 and iTunes is installed. Remember, this will delete all your data and apps on your iPhone!

Here are the steps to follow:

• Unplug your iPhone from the computer (if it’s connected)
• Turn off your iPhone
• Put your iPhone in recovery mode. How you do this depends on the model of your iPhone:
  • For iPhone 8, 8 Plus, X and later, including SE (2nd and 3rd generation ONLY) – press and hold the Side Button
  • For iPhone 7, and 7 Plus – press and hold the Volume Down button
  • For iPhone SE (1st gen), and iPhone 6 and earlier – press and hold the Home Button
• Immediately connect your iPhone to your computer

Do not release the button! If you see a passcode, turn off your iPhone and star over!

• Find your iPhone in Finder (on a Mac) or in iTunes (on a PC)
• Choose Restore when you are prompted

Now, you just wait. Your computer will download software to your iPhone. When the download is finished, your iPhone will restart and you will walk through the original setup process.

Unlocking and Resetting Your iPhone with the Find My iPhone App

The final method we recommend when you have been permanently locked out of your iPhone is to use the Find My App to erase your phone. The Find My App allows you to find the location of all your Apple devices that use the same Apple ID. You can access Find My using another Apple device, or by logging into iCloud on the internet.

Once you login you can launch the Find My App. Then select Devices at the bottom of the screen. In the list locate the iPhone you need to erase, and select Erase This Device. You can then proceed with setting up the device.

Using Third-Party tools (Research)

There are several third-party tools that claim they can unlock your iPhone. But buyer beware! Apple is constantly releasing iOS and security upgrades and there is no way of knowing if these third-party tools will work.

You need to be very thorough in your research. Some tools are limited by the number of characters in the passcode. For instance, they may only work on passwords that are 4-6 characters. Others may be effective for an Activation Lock and not help with the “iPhone Unavailable” lock.

Preventative Measures

Of course, it’s always best to avoid the problem all together! Here are a few steps you can take to prevent yourself from getting locked out to begin with.

First, don’t forget your passcode! Seems very obvious, but people change their passwords and passcodes for applications and devices all the time. So it’s fairly easy to forget. One option is to store your passwords and codes in a secure password vault. In the event you forget, you can access the vault from another device or computer and get back in. We recommend LastPass as a great option, but there are other vaults that get high marks.

Second, do not leave your phone unattended! Whether it’s your kids, or someone who is trying to break into your phone, it’s important to not give others the opportunity to get access to your private information.

Third, make sure you have touch ID and Face ID enabled! There will be times when you are required to enter your passcode to unlock your iPhone. One example is the first time you logon after rebooting. But having these features enabled will allow you to automatically bypass entering the passcode the majority of the time.

Conclusion

Solving the “iPhone Unavailable” error can be frustrating, but with these straightforward solutions, you will get access to your phone. Whether it’s waiting out the timer, using your Apple ID, leveraging an old passcode in iOS 17, or resetting your device via a computer, each method provides a path to unlock your iPhone.

Remember, while some methods require erasing data, this safeguards your personal information from unauthorized access. By staying vigilant about your passcode and utilizing security features like Touch ID and Face ID, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of facing this issue again. Stay informed, stay secure, and keep enjoying your iPhone experience!