5 Ways to Fix iPad Unavailable [Step-by-Step]

The iPad Unavailable screen usually comes with an Erase iPad button that is developed for users to easily get out of the screen lock. However, what if you don’t see such a feature on the locked screen? Don’t worry, we’ll walk you through how to fix iPad Unavailable and regain access to your iPad again with or without using the Erase option here, including the way of using Passixer iPhone Unlocker. 

FAQs About iPad Unavailable Message

Many users get confused when they suddenly see iPad Unavailable on their lock screen. It could also say Security Lockout sometimes. Both mean the same thing and appear on iPads running iPadOS 15.2 or later. And that’s not the only confusion. Here are a few things worth knowing about the iPad Unavailable message.

Why Does My iPad Say iPad Unavailable?

The core reason for the iPad Unavailable message is always the same: too many wrong passcodes entered in a short time. It typically shows up after the 5th failed attempt.

Even if it appears suddenly, it is often due to the following:

• Ghost touches while the device is in your pocket.
• Accidental taps from a child.
• In rare cases, iOS bugs can cause failed attempts in the background.

Is iPad Unavailable Permanently?

Yes. After 10 failed passcode attempts, the iPad becomes permanently locked. You’ll simply see iPad Unavailable on the locked screen.

There will be no timer and no option to try the passcode again. At this stage, your only option is to erase the iPad with computer or browser. Here’s a breakdown of how the delays build up:

How to Fix iPad Unavailable With Erase Option [No Computer Required]

The iPad Unavailable message usually comes with an Erase iPad button. Apple gives this option so you can reset your iPad without a computer. So, if you’ve forgotten the passcode or the screen shows iPad Unavailable with no timer, you can use it to remove the screen lock. This also signs you out of iCloud.

However, this button only works if Find My was enabled earlier and the iPad is online.

Tip: If the iPad Unavailable message still has a timer and you remember the passcode, just wait and enter it when allowed to try passcode again.

Steps to Use Erase iPad Option

Step 1. Start by selecting the Erase iPad option on the iPad Unavailable screen at the bottom.

Step 2. You’ll be asked to enter your Apple ID password. This confirms your identity and allows Apple to sign the device out of your account.

Step 3. Confirm the reset by choosing Erase iPad again. Your iPad will begin wiping itself once it connects to a working internet connection.

Step 4. After reset, the iPad will restart like new. You’ll see the Hello screen and can set it up again from scratch or restore it from backup.

Tip: iPad Unavailable But No Erase Option

On iPadOS 17 or later, the Erase iPad button doesn’t show directly. Instead, you’ll see Forgot Passcode? first at the bottom of the iPad Unavailable screen.

Tap Forgot Passcode? and you’ll get the Start iPad Reset option. It does the same thing, letting you wipe the iPad and unlock it.

How to Fix iPad Unavailable Without Erase Option

If your iPad is locked and the Erase iPad option doesn’t appear on the lock screen, you’ll need to take a different route. This happens more often than you’d expect, like iPads without internet or iPads where Find My isn’t turned on.

So if you’re stuck with “iPad Unavailable” and can’t tap Erase, here are some solid alternatives.

Way 1. Remove iPad Unavailable Message Using Passixer [No iTunes Required]

Passixer iPhone Unlocker is the ultimate choice to remove the iPad Unavailable screen and use your iPad like before.

What it does is simple: Passixer connects your iPad to a computer and removes the screen lock, whether it’s Face ID, Touch ID, 4-digit, 6-digit, or alphanumeric. And it doesn’t even ask for your Apple ID or password during the process. It’s built for ease and supports all iPad models.

Even if you’ve an older iPad that says “iPad is disabled” or shows a full Security Lockout, Passixer can still reset and unlock it cleanly.

Key Features:

• Remove Screen Time passcode without any data loss.
• Delete MDM profiles from school or work iPads, no admin needed.
• Delete previous or disabled Apple ID from your iPad and let you sign in with a new one.
• Bypass iCloud Activation Lock, stopping your iPad from becoming a brick. 

Steps to Use Passixer:

Step 1. Install Passixer iPhone Unlocker on your PC or Mac. Launch the app and connect your locked iPad with a reliable Lightning or USB-C cable.

Step 2. Choose Wipe Passcode from the main screen.

Step 3. Passixer will detect the iPad model and show its info on the screen. Click Start and let Passixer download the matching firmware.

Step 4. Once the firmware is ready, enter 0000 and click Unlock. Once unlocked, you’ll see a message that says “Wiped Passcode Successfully” on the tool. Your iPad will reboot.

After the restart, it’ll be ready to set up like a brand-new iPad.

Way 2. Bypass iPad Unavailable Screen with Previous Passcode [No Data Loss]

On iPadOS 17 or later, Apple shows you the Forgot Passcode? button on the unavailable screen. This option actually allows you to unlock locked iPad with your previous passcode when you forgot the new one. Data loss won’t occur during the unlocking process. However, you must meet all these requirements to use this method:

• Your iPad must be on iPadOS 17 or above.
• You must have changed your passcode within the last 72 hours.
• You must remember the previous passcode.
• If your iPad was powered off or erased or if the “Expire Passcode” setting is enabled before, this won’t work either.

Steps to Use Previous Passcode:

Step 1. On the iPad Unavailable screen, look for Forgot Passcode? in the lower-right corner and tap it.

Step 2. Now tap Enter Previous Passcode. You’ll be taken to a screen showing the number pad.

Step 3. Type your old passcode which is the one you used before the change.

Step 4. You’ll be asked to set a new passcode. Choose one you’ll remember this time and then your iPad is fully usable again.

Way 3. Use iTunes to Reset Unavailable iPad in Recovery Mode [Official Way]

This method works directly through your computer. So, there is no need for Wi-Fi on the iPad and if Find My is on or off. You’re simply going to put the iPad into recovery mode and then use iTunes or Apple Devices to reset it. Just a heads-up: although the first part doesn’t require any Apple account, you’ll still need to enter your Apple ID and password later if Find My iPad is on before, once the reset is complete. So be ready for that.

Steps to Reset Unavailable iPad with iTunes

Step 1. Grab a USB cable and connect your locked iPad to your computer. Now open iTunes (on older systems), Finder, or the Apple Devices app (on Windows 10+). Either one will work.

Step 2. On the iPad showing the Unavailable message, press the following buttons:

• Press and quickly release the Volume Up button.
• Right after that, press and release the Volume Down button.
• Then, immediately press and hold the Power button. 

Don’t release it until you see a cable pointing toward a laptop. That’s recovery mode.

Step 3. Once the iPad enters recovery mode, your computer will show a pop-up:“There is a problem with the iPad that requires it to be updated or restored”. Click Restore to continue.

Step 4. You’ll now see a second screen offering Restore and Update. Choose that option. Then agree to Apple’s terms.

Step 5. Your computer will now download the latest iPadOS and begin resetting your device.

Step 6(Optional). You’ll need to enter your Apple account to open your iPad if Find My iPad is enabled before.

Way 4. Erase Unavailable iPad Through iCloud [Without Computer]

This option is perfect when your iPad isn’t in your hands or maybe its screen is frozen or the USB cable is broken. All you will need is a browser, enabled Find My iPad, Apple ID used on the unavailable iPad.

Steps to Erase Unavailable iPad Using iCloud

Step 1. On any other device, visit iCloud.com/find in a browser. Make sure you’re signed in with the same Apple ID linked to the unavailable iPad.

Step 2. Tap on the iPad name that’s showing the “iPad Unavailable” screen.

Step 3. Now choose Erase This Device from the available actions. Confirm your decision.

Step 4. The erase command will go through, so just make sure your iPad is charged and on Wi-Fi.

Step 5. After the reset, your iPad will restart just like a brand-new device, but you’ll still need to enter your Apple ID to unlock it fully.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, fixing the iPad Unavailable message is easy. Whether or not you remember your passcode, there’s a working method in every case. You just need to choose the right one for the kind of recovery you want and make sure you’re not stuck at the end because of Activation Lock.

Passixer iPhone Unlocker is the best choice. It lets you remove the iPad Unavailable message and go back to using your iPad like before, without any problems. And it supports all iPad models, no matter how old or new.