iPhone Unavailable or Security Lockout? How to get back in
The lock appears after too many wrong passcodes. If you remember the code, wait. If not, the iPhone must be erased.
The fix
If you remember the passcode
- 1
Wait for the timer to finish.
Each wrong try makes the wait longer, so type slowly.
- 2
Changed it recently? Tap Forgot Passcode › Enter Previous Passcode.
Works for 72 hours after a change.
The fix
Erase from the lock screen
- 1
Tap Forgot Passcode at the bottom of the screen.
- 2
Tap Start iPhone Reset.
- 3
Enter your Apple Account password to sign out.
- 4
Tap Erase iPhone, then set it up and restore your backup.
The fix
No erase option? Use iCloud or a computer
- 1
On another device, sign in at icloud.com/find, pick the iPhone and choose Erase.
- 2
Or connect to a Mac or PC, enter recovery mode and choose Restore in Finder or iTunes.
Frequently asked questions
Can I unlock it without losing data?
Only with the correct passcode, or a passcode you changed in the last 72 hours using Enter Previous Passcode. Otherwise erase it and restore your backup.
Do I need my Apple Account password?
Yes. Erasing from the lock screen and setting the iPhone up again both need it, because of Activation Lock.
Related guides
Face ID move iPhone lower
Face ID keeps saying move iPhone lower or higher? Clean the camera area, remove the screen protector, restart and reset Face ID, then know when it is hardware.
iPhone battery draining fast
iPhone battery draining fast? Find the app to blame in Battery settings, then try 10 fixes, from iOS 26 Adaptive Power to Background App Refresh and health.