How to Fix the “iPhone Unavailable” Message: Explanation and Fixes

How to deal with the Security Lockout message on your iPhone

The “iPhone Unavailable” screen appears when the lock passcode has been entered incorrectly too many times. Each subsequent failed attempt increases the amount of time before you can try again. After 10 attempts, the iPhone will need to be reset. This wikiHow shows you how to fix the unavailable screen on an iPhone.

Things You Should Know

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Section 1 of 4:

What does "iPhone Unavailable" mean?

  1. “iPhone Unavailable” is your iPhone’s Security Lockout.
    If the passcode to unlock your iPhone is entered incorrectly five times, the “iPhone Unavailable” screen will appear with a message that says “try again in 1 minute.”[2] [3]
    • The amount of time between attempts will increase with each incorrect passcode.
      • After 6 attempts, you'll see "iPhone Unavailable, try again in 5 minutes."
      • After 7 attempts, you'll see "iPhone Unavailable, try again in 15 minutes."
      • After 8 and 9 attempts, you'll see "iPhone Unavailable, try again in 60 minutes."
      • After 10 attempts, you'll see "iPhone Unavailable," with no timer. At this point, the iPhone will need to be restored. It can no longer be unlocked.[4]
    • If you previously selected “Erase Data” in your passcode settings, the iPhone’s data will be erased automatically.
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Section 2 of 4:

Wait for the Timer

  1. Enter your passcode after the timer ends.
    After the time specified in the “try again in [time]” message passes, you can try to enter your iPhone passcode again.
Section 3 of 4:

Erase your iPhone

  1. Step 1 Tap Erase iPhone.
    This button will appear in the bottom-right corner of the “iPhone Unavailable” screen.[6]
    • If this option doesn’t appear on the screen, you’ll need to reset your iPhone using iTunes with the method below.
    • You can also potentially erase your iPhone by accessing Find My on your computer.
  2. Step 2 Tap Erase iPhone again.
    This will confirm that you want to erase your iPhone data. You’ll be able to restore your iPhone using a backup.
  3. Step 3 Type in your Apple ID password.
    This will sign you out of Apple ID on your iPhone.[7]
  4. Step 4 Tap Erase iPhone.
    This will delete all of the settings and data on the phone.[8]
  5. Step 5 Set up your iPhone.
    Your iPhone will restart after erasing the data. You can restore the settings and data from a backup.
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Section 4 of 4:

Reset your iPhone using iTunes

  1. Step 1 Unplug and turn off your iPhone.
    Disconnect your iPhone from any cables. Completely power off your iPhone before continuing to the next step. This method will connect your iPhone to iTunes on your computer to reset the phone.[9]
  2. Step 2 Locate the recovery mode button.
    This step requires pressing and holding a specific button on your iPhone and immediately connecting it to your computer using a cable. Here are the different buttons for various iPhone models:[10]
    • Side button (power button) - iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone X and later, iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd generation)
    • Volume down button - iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus
    • Home button - iPhone SE (1st generation), iPhone 6s and earlier
  3. Step 3 Press and hold the recover button, then connect it to your computer.
    Plug in the cable to your iPhone immediately after pressing the button.[11]
    • Continue to hold the button until the recovery mode screen appears on your phone.
    • Then, you can let go of the button.
    • If the passcode screen or “iPhone Unavailable” screen appears, turn off the phone and try again.
  4. Step 4 Open iTunes on your computer.
    This can be on a Windows or Mac device. iTunes may be called “Apple Music” on some Mac devices.[12]
  5. Step 5 Click your iPhone in the sidebar.
    You’ll see a pop up window saying “There is a problem with the iPhone.”
  6. Step 6 Select Restore.
    This will erase the iPhone’s data and restore it to factory settings. This process may take more than 15 minutes. You’ll be given the option to restore the phone’s data using a backup.[13]
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Expert Interview

Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about troubleshooting mobile phones, check out our in-depth interview with Shavo Hacopian.

References

  1. ↑ Shavo Hacopian. Smartphone Repair Specialist. Expert Interview
  2. ↑ Shavo Hacopian. Smartphone Repair Specialist. Expert Interview
  3. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/105090
  4. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/119586
  5. ↑ Shavo Hacopian. Smartphone Repair Specialist. Expert Interview
  6. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/105090
  7. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/105090
  8. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/105090
  9. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/118430
  1. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/118106
  2. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/118106
  3. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/118106
  4. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/118106

About This Article

Shavo Hacopian
Co-authored by:
Shavo Hacopian
Smartphone Repair Specialist
This article was co-authored by Shavo Hacopian and by wikiHow staff writer, Kyle Smith. Shavo Hacopian is a Smartphone Repair Specialist. With over 17 years of experience repairing and customizing smartphones, Shabin has a follower base of over 119,000 YouTube subscribers on his channel PBKreviews, and has over 29 million views. He specializes in teaching people how to take smartphones apart, repair or replace parts, and make informed decisions about what the right products are for them. This article has been viewed 363,187 times.
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Co-authors: 10
Updated: December 11, 2025
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