By Michael | Last Updated
For iPhones running iOS 17 or newer, if an incorrect passcode is entered multiple times, an "iPhone Unavailable" message will be displayed on the screen and a "Forgot Passcode" option will usually be provided.
However, in some cases, this option may not appear, making the unlocking process more complicated. Is your iPhone displaying an "iPhone Unavailable" message on the lock screen with no "Forgot Passcode" option? This guide will walk you through resolving this issue.
After entering an incorrect passcode on an iPhone five times in a row, the system automatically locks the device and displays an "iPhone Unavailable" message. Starting with iOS 15.2, Apple introduced the "Erase iPhone" option, which was upgraded to a "Forgot Passcode" option in iOS 17, allowing users to unlock or reset their device directly from the lock screen.
However, these options only show up under certain conditions, such as the device being connected to the network and signed in with an Apple ID.
For iPhones running earlier versions of iOS, when the device is securely locked, the screen displays "iPhone is Disabled" and there is no option to assist in unlocking the device.
How to fix an iPhone unavailable without forgot passcode? Professional third-party tool - iSunshare iPhone Passcode Genius provides efficient and convenient unlocking method. This unlocker is specially designed to solve the security locking problems of iDevices, not only suitable for unlocking a locked iPhone, but also supports removing MDM management, screen time limit and Apple ID verification problems.
Download and install this iPhone Unlocker on Windows PC or Mac, then follow the steps below to fix iPhone unavailable without forgot passcode option.
Step 1: Run the software and click on the "Unlock Lock Screen" option in its main interface.
Step 2: Connect your iPhone to the computer and make sure it is recognized by the software, click "Next" to continue.
Step 3: Check the device information displayed and then select the location to save the firmware and start downloading, this file will be used to reset the device.
Step 4: Once the firmware download is complete, click the "Unlock" button and the software will start erasing the password.
After successful unlocking, your disabled iPhone will reboot and you can access the device without the original passcode.
If your iPhone shows "iPhone unavailable" and no erase option, and there are no unlock buttons available, you can try restoring the device to its factory settings by connecting it to iTunes on a computer. During the recovery process, all information on the iPhone system (including the passcode) will be completely erased.
Step 1: Update iTunes (or Finder) on your computer to the latest version and launch it, then connect your iPhone to the computer using the USB cable.
Step 2: Put your iPhone in Recovery Mode. If you don't know how to do that, please refer to this guide.
Step 3: Once iTunes detects that your iPhone has entered recovery mode, it will pop up a window prompting to "Restore" or "Update" your iPhone.
Step 4: Choose "Restore" and iTunes will immediately start downloading the required firmware and begin the recovery process.
For devices with Find My iPhone enabled, iCloud is one of the best options for unlocking your device without a passcode or computer. However, for Apple accounts with dual authentication enabled, this method requires you to perform a two-step verification when wiping your device. If you can't get the verification code, it doesn't apply to you.
Step 1: On another trusted device with an Internet connection, visit iCloud.com/find and sign in to your Apple ID.
Step 2: If you have more than one associated Apple device, you need to find and click on your disabled iPhone from the list of devices.
Step 3: Click "Erase This Device" > "Next" and you will be prompted to enter your passcode again. You will then be asked to provide a double verification code to ensure that you are the one accessing your account.
After verification, click "Erase" to start wiping and unlocking the locked iPhone. when the device reboots, you can set it as a new phone.
If you have another Apple device with the same Apple ID, the "Find My" App will allow you to unlock your disabled iPhone easily, but again, you will need to enter your Apple ID password to erase the device.
Step 1: Open "Find My" App on another Apple device with the same Apple ID.
Step 2: Click on the "Devices" option at the bottom and select the disabled iPhone from the list.
Step 3: Click "Erase This Device" and then click "Continue", you will be prompted to enter your Apple ID password for confirmation, and then the wiping process will begin.
Step 4: After the wiping process is completed, the "iPhone unavailable" prompt will be removed. Now you can access and setup your iPhone without password.
When encountering the problem of "iPhone unavailable" and there is no "Forgot Passcode" option, you can unlock your device by using the above methods. Whether it's iSunshare iPhone Passcode Genius, iTunes, iCloud or Find My App, so choose the one that suits you to restore access. Once you have successfully unlocked your device, it is recommended to enable Face ID or Touch ID as an alternative unlocking method to avoid similar troubles in the future.
