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What to Do When Your iPhone Says “iPhone Unavailable” or “Security Lockout”

Try the previous passcode first if eligible. If not, reset the iPhone from the lock screen or restore it with a computer—and understand what will be erased.
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If your iPhone says “iPhone Unavailable” or “Security Lockout,” first check whether you changed the passcode within the last 72 hours: on iOS 17 or later, you may be able to use the previous passcode without erasing the phone. Otherwise, look for the on-screen passcode reset option. If it is unavailable or you cannot complete it, restore the iPhone using recovery mode on a computer. The on-device reset and computer restore erase the iPhone; you can recover data afterward only if you have a backup.

Start with the least destructive option

Check the options on your lock screen before erasing anything. Apple’s labels vary by iOS version and localization: you may see “Forgot Passcode?” or “Forgotten Passcode?” Follow the option shown on your iPhone.

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  1. Changed your passcode within the last 72 hours? On iOS 17 or later, try Passcode Reset with your previous passcode first.
  2. No recent passcode change, or the previous-passcode option does not work? If the lock screen offers a reset or erase option, use the on-device process if you meet its requirements.
  3. No usable on-device option? Restore the iPhone with recovery mode using a Mac or Windows PC.

Apple’s supported reset and recovery procedures erase the iPhone. They do not reveal or bypass the forgotten passcode while preserving the data currently on the device.

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Try your previous passcode if you changed it recently

Apple says that on iOS 17, iPadOS 17, and later, the previous passcode can be used for 72 hours after a passcode change. This is a recovery window tied to changing the passcode, not a general lockout timer. Apple’s instructions were published August 17, 2026: Use your previous passcode to temporarily access your iPhone or iPad.

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  1. On the unavailable screen, tap “Forgot Passcode?” or “Forgotten Passcode?”
  2. Choose Enter Previous Passcode.
  3. Enter the passcode you used before the change, then follow the prompts to set a new one.

Apple says you will be prompted to change the passcode immediately after regaining access. This route does not require erasing the iPhone.

Reset the iPhone from the lock screen

Apple’s on-device reset instructions apply to iOS 15.2 or later. You can use this route only if Find My was enabled before the lockout, the iPhone has an active cellular/mobile or Wi-Fi connection, and you know the Apple Account password associated with the device. The Apple Account password is separate from the iPhone passcode. See Apple’s instructions, published August 13, 2026: If you see an iPhone or iPad unavailable message or Security Lockout screen.

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  1. Tap “Forgot Passcode?” or “Forgotten Passcode?” on the unavailable screen.
  2. Tap Start [Device] Reset and authenticate with your Apple Account password.
  3. Choose Erase [Device] and confirm.

The iPhone erases its data and settings, then restarts so you can set it up again. This flow offers a choice to keep the eSIM and erase data, or delete the eSIM and erase data.

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iOS 15.2 or iOS 16

With the same Find My, network, and Apple Account requirements, Apple says an Erase [Device] option appears on the lock screen. Follow the prompts to erase and reset the iPhone. If your iPhone uses an eSIM and runs iOS 16 or earlier, Apple advises contacting your network provider before resetting and asking how to set up the eSIM again, such as by obtaining a QR code.

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Restore with recovery mode on a computer

Use this route if you cannot complete the on-device reset. You need a Mac or Windows PC with an internet connection and a cable that can charge the iPhone. Apple estimates that the process can take up to 60 minutes; that is a preparation estimate, not a guarantee. The computer restore erases the iPhone. Apple’s instructions were published September 1, 2026: If you forgot your iPhone passcode, use your Mac or PC to reset it.

Put the iPhone into recovery mode

  1. Turn off the iPhone.
  2. Connect it to the computer while holding the button for your model. Keep holding until the recovery-mode screen showing a computer and cable appears.
  3. Use the button that matches your model:
    • Side button: iPhone with Face ID, iPhone 8 or 8 Plus, and iPhone SE (2nd or 3rd generation).
    • Volume Down: iPhone 7 or 7 Plus.
    • Home button: iPhone 6s and earlier, and iPhone SE (1st generation).

Restore it from Finder or Apple Devices

  1. On a Mac, open Finder. On a Windows PC, open the Apple Devices app.
  2. Select the iPhone and choose the option to restore it.
  3. Wait for the restore to finish. If the software download takes more than 15 minutes and the iPhone exits recovery mode, let the download complete, then repeat the recovery-mode steps and restore.
  4. When the Hello screen appears, follow the setup instructions.

If you do not have a computer and cannot borrow one, Apple directs you to an Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider. A compatible cable is required to connect the phone, but a cable cannot unlock it or prevent the erase.

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Know what happens to your data and account

Both the on-device reset and the recovery-mode restore permanently erase data and settings currently on the iPhone. During setup, you can restore data and settings from a backup if one exists. If there is no backup, you must set up the iPhone as new. Apple explains backup and restore options in its iPhone support guide.

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If you cannot remember your Apple Account password, resolve that separately from the iPhone passcode. Apple’s iPhone support page points to account-password recovery.

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