- Phones and tablets
- iPhone
iPhone Unavailable
Apple "iPhone Unavailable" on iPhone: locked after failed passcode attempts
Risk level
High
Professional inspection is recommended.
Urgency
High
Quick answer
The iPhone locked after several wrong passcodes. If you changed the passcode less than 72 hours ago, use the old one; otherwise reset it with your Apple Account on the iPhone or with a computer, knowing it erases your data.
Safety first
Stop and check this first
- Do not pay for tools that promise to unlock without the passcode or remove Activation Lock: the only path is the official one with your Apple Account.
- Resetting the iPhone without the passcode erases all data; you only get back what is in a backup.
Safe checks you can perform
- Passcode Reset with your previous passcode
- Reset on the iPhone with your Apple Account
- Reset with a computer in recovery mode
Leave these tasks to a qualified professional
- Do not attempt this professional task: Help at Apple without a computer
- Do not attempt this professional task: Service if the buttons do not respond
What a technician must be able to justify
A technician is coming
These are the steps they must carry out and show you. Tick them as they work: if steps are skipped, do not accept a part swap.
These are not instructions for opening or handling the equipment yourself. They are the checks that should support a technical conclusion.
Help at Apple without a computer
What they doIf you have no computer and cannot borrow one, Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider resets the iPhone with you.
They must show youthe restore process applied.
In writingthat the iPhone was reset, the data erased and it is still linked to your Apple Account.
Service if the buttons do not respond
What they doIf you cannot enter recovery mode because a button does not work, Apple service checks the buttons before restoring.
They must show youwhich button fails their test.
In writingthe part replaced and the reason.
Before accepting a part or repair
Nothing has been shown yet. Do not accept a part swap based on the code alone.
Checks and evidence, step by step
Follow the documented order. An error code identifies the affected system, but it does not prove by itself which part has failed.
- 1
Passcode Reset with your previous passcode
No special tools
Procedure
- Who:
- you.
- How:
- if you changed the passcode in the last three days and use iOS 17 or later, on the "iPhone Unavailable" screen tap Forgot Passcode?, then Enter Previous Passcode, and set a new passcode.
- Result that matters:
- whether the iPhone accepts the old passcode.
- If it does:
- you regain access without erasing anything; change the passcode right away, as it will ask.
- If the option is missing or more than 72 hours have passed:
- move on to resetting from the iPhone itself.
- Evidence to keep:
- the date you changed the passcode.
Evidence: If you forget your new passcode, use your old passcode to unlock your iPhone or iPad within 72 hours
- 2
Reset on the iPhone with your Apple Account
No special tools
Procedure
- Who:
- you, with your Apple Account password.
- How:
- make sure the iPhone has Wi-Fi or cellular data. Tap Forgot Passcode?, then Start iPhone Reset, enter your Apple Account password and tap Erase iPhone. With an eSIM on iOS 16 or earlier, first ask your carrier for a QR code to set it up again.
- Result that matters:
- whether the iPhone erases and starts setup.
- If it starts setup:
- set it up, restore your backup and choose a new passcode.
- If the option does not appear (no connection, Find My off or iOS earlier than 15.2):
- use a computer.
- Evidence to keep:
- the date of your last backup.
Evidence: If you forgot your iPhone, iPad, or Apple Vision Pro passcode, reset your device without a computer
- 3
Reset with a computer in recovery mode
No special tools
Procedure
- Who:
- you, with a Mac or PC and a cable that can charge the iPhone.
- How:
- turn off the iPhone, connect it to the computer while holding the button for your model (side button on iPhone 8 and later) until you see the computer and cable screen. In the Finder or Apple Devices choose Restore. If the download takes more than 15 minutes and the iPhone leaves that screen, let it finish and repeat.
- Result that matters:
- whether the Hello screen appears.
- If it appears:
- set up the iPhone; activation will ask for your Apple Account.
- If the buttons do not respond and you cannot reach the computer screen:
- Apple says you might need service.
- Evidence to keep:
- the iPhone model and the final message.
Evidence: Use a computer to reset your iPhone and your passcode
Where this code applies
A code is meaningful only inside the right product and version context.
Primary scope
- System
- Phones and tablets
- Brand
- Apple
- Product type
- iPhone
Known code variants
- Bloqueo de seguridad
- iPad no disponible
- iPad Unavailable
- iPhone desactivado
- iPhone is disabled
- iPhone no disponible
- Security Lockout
What it means
The "[Device] Unavailable" or Security Lockout screen appears after entering the wrong passcode several times (Apple mentions five attempts). On iOS 17 or later, Passcode Reset lets you use the previous passcode for 72 hours after changing it. Otherwise Apple offers erasing the device with Forgot Passcode? (iOS 15.2 or later, Find My on, a connection and your Apple Account) or restoring it with a computer. It is not a fault.
Warnings and stop conditions
- Higheditorial warning
Do not pay for tools that promise to unlock without the passcode or remove Activation Lock: the only path is the official one with your Apple Account.
Evidence: If you forgot your iPhone, iPad, or Apple Vision Pro passcode, reset your device without a computer
- Highsource verified
Resetting the iPhone without the passcode erases all data; you only get back what is in a backup.
Evidence: If you forgot your iPhone, iPad, or Apple Vision Pro passcode, reset your device without a computer · Use a computer to reset your iPhone and your passcode
Symptoms and causes
Probable causes · in order
- Forgotten or recently changed passcodeCommon
If you changed it in the last 72 hours on iOS 17 or later, the old passcode still works.
Evidence: If you forget your new passcode, use your old passcode to unlock your iPhone or iPad within 72 hours
- Repeated failed attemptsPossible
Several wrong passcodes in a row, for example with the phone in a pocket or in a child's hands, lead to this screen.
Evidence: If you forgot your iPhone, iPad, or Apple Vision Pro passcode, reset your device without a computer · If you forget your new passcode, use your old passcode to unlock your iPhone or iPad within 72 hours
Virtual technician
Does iPhone Unavailable still appear after these checks?
Answer a few questions to narrow down the likely cause and the safest next action. Guidance only - it never replaces a professional.
Sources and technical references
- 1
If you can't update or restore your iPhone or iPod touch
Apple · 2026 · official_doc
- 2
If you forgot your iPhone, iPad, or Apple Vision Pro passcode, reset your device without a computer
Apple · 2026 · official_doc
- 3
If you forget your new passcode, use your old passcode to unlock your iPhone or iPad within 72 hours
Apple · 2026 · official_doc
- 4
Use a computer to reset your iPhone and your passcode
Apple · 2026 · official_doc
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