Fixed: iPhone Unavailable Try Again in 8 Hours [with or without Data Loss]

Can’t get into your locked iPhone displaying "iPhone Unavailable, Try Again in 8 Hours"? Don’t worry, this troubleshooting guide will help you out. You can find the solutions to fix the iPhone Unavailable issue with or without data loss. Before diving into the effective fixes, let’s understand the prompt better with some detailed cases.

Common Cases of iPhone Unavailable Try Again in 8 Hours

Here are some scenes reported by users online, with the first one being the most common.

Case 1: You enter the wrong iPhone passcode more than 9 times in a row.

Case 2: Your iPhone refuses your screen passcode after an iOS update.

Case 3: You wake up and find your iPhone stuck on the 8-hour unavailable screen for no reasons.

Basic Fix for iPhone Unavailable Try Again in 8 Hours

If your iPhone becomes unavailable because you accidentally entered the wrong passcodes and you’re not in a hurry to use it, you can simply wait until the time is up.

Advanced Fixes for iPhone Unavailable Try Again in 8 Hours

If you forgot the screen passcode or the unavailable iPhone was caused by iOS updates or other reasons, then you need to remove the current screen passcode from your iPhone. Next, we will introduce you to 8 ways to get it done. Unluckily, only the first way can keep your phone data and settings intact.

Way 1: Reset Screen Passcode

What You Need:

• Your iPhone is running iOS 17 or later.
• You changed the screen passcode in the past 72 hours and you still remember the old one.

Steps to Reset Screen Passcode with the Old One

Step 1. Tap Forgot Passcode? at the bottom right corner of the unavailable screen.

Step 2. Choose Enter Previous Passcode to proceed.

Step 3. Enter the old passcode and set a new one to unlock your iPhone.

Way 2. Erase iPhone from Unavailable Screen

What You Need:

• iOS 15.2 or later is installed on your iPhone.
• You have the password of the Apple ID signed in with your iPhone.
• Your iPhone is network connected.

Steps to Erase iPhone from Lock Screen

Step 1. At the bottom phone screen, tap Erase iPhone(iOS 15.2 to iOS 17) or Forgot Passcode(iOS 17 or later).

Step 2. For iOS 15.2 to iOS 17, hit Erase iPhone again. For iOS 17 or later, choose iPhone Reset > Start iPhone Reset.

Step 3. Input the corresponding Apple ID password and confirm your operation by choosing Erase iPhone. Finally, you can set up your iPhone as new for usage.

Way 3. Use Passixer iPhone Unlocker

What You Need:

• A network-connected computer.
• Passixer iPhone Unlocker, a professional iOS unlocking tool.
• A USB cable for connecting iPhone to the computer.

Why is Passixer iPhone Unlocker Recommended?

With Passixer iPhone Unlocker, you can remove all kinds of screen locks including passcode and Face/Touch ID from any iPhone model effectively without having to provide your Apple ID details or previous screen passcode. It can even unlock iPhone locked due to broken or damaged screen. Aside from unlocking the screen passcode, Passixer is also useful for the removal of Apple ID, MDM profile, and Screen Time Passcode.

Key Features

• Bypass 4/6 numeric passcode, custom passcode and Face/Touch ID on your iDevice without hassles.
• Bypass iCloud Activation Lock from iPhone or iPad with no Apple credentials.
• Remove forgotten iTunes backup password so that you can back up your iPhone with iTunes again.
• Fully suitable with all iOS/iPadOS versions and models.

Steps to Remove Screen Lock from iPhone with Passixer

Download and install Passixer on your PC/Mac, then apply the stepwise guide below to remove screen lock from your iPhone:

Step 1: Locate the Wipe Passcode button displayed on the software main interface on your computer screen.

On the new screen that follows, click Start and move to the next stage of the guide.

Step 2: After that, connect the iPhone to your computer with the help of a USB cable. When Passixer detects your device, the software will quickly scan and suggest suitable firmware to get rid of the screen lock. Download the firmware by tapping on the Start button.

Step 3: Once the firmware is fully downloaded, move on by clicking Next. Type 0000 in the field provided on the subsequent interface and click Unlock to confirm your unlocking operation. Passixer on receiving your request will commence the screen unlock removal on the iPhone.

Wait a while for the operation to finish. Then you can detach the iPhone from your computer and start using it without “iPhone Unavailable Try Again in 8 Hours” error.

Way 4. Restore iPhone with iTunes/Finder/Apple Devices

What You Need:

• A computer with accessible network.
• iTunes, Apple Devices app(Windows 10 or later), or Finder is installed on your computer.
• A workable USB cable.

Steps to Restore iPhone with iTunes/Finder/Apple Devices

Step 1. Connect your disabled iPhone to the computer.

Step 2. Power off your iPhone and then press the power button to put your phone into recovery mode.

Step 3. Open the official tool you use to restore your iPhone, such as Finder and click Restore from the pop-out.

Now, your iPhone is like new and you can access it without any problems.

Way 5. Reset iPhone via iCloud Site

What You Need:

• A workable computer or Android phone which has a stable network connection.
• You have the credentials of the Apple ID used on your iPhone currently.

Steps to Erase Disabled iPhone via iCloud.com

• Visit the official website for iCloud and click on Sign In on the main interface that appears.
• Type your Apple ID and the corresponding password in the field provided and click the appropriate icon to proceed to your profile page. If asked to provide 2FA, check one of the devices that’s linked to your Apple ID to copy and paste the code.
• Next, locate Find My and click on it when your iCloud profile loads up.



• Head to where you have All Devices, click on it and a drop-down menu with the list of Apple devices that use your Apple ID will come up. Select the faulty iPhone from the list.



• On the subsequent screen, click on Erase This Device and input your Apple ID password when the prompt shows on your screen. Once the erasing process ends, simply follow the onscreen guide to set up your phone.

Way 6. Erase iPhone Using Find My App

What You Need: 

• Another accessible iPhone or iPad that is internet connected.
• The Apple ID and password used on the disabled iPhone.

Steps to Erase Unavailable iPhone with Find My App

• Make sure your Apple ID is logged in on the other iPhone or iPad you use to restore the unavailable iPhone to factory settings.
• Launch Find My app and click on the Devices tab at the bottom of the screen displayed.
• Swipe up and select the iPhone with unavailable screen issues from the list that pops up.
• Next, click Erase This Device and provide the password to your Apple profile in the field provided. After that, the resetting process will begin.

After the erasing, your iPhone will display the Hello screen and you can set up your iPhone.

Fixed: iPhone Unavailable Try Again in 8 Hours and The Timer Doesn’t Go Down

If you chose to wait for the 8-hour timer to lapse but noticed the countdown isn’t progressing, it might be due to bugs, insufficient RAM, or temporary system glitches. In such cases, try the solutions below to resolve the issue.

Solution 1: Force Restart Your iPhone

Force restarting your iPhone can clear temporary glitches and bugs that prevent the timer from progressing. Follow the appropriate method for your device model:

iPhone 8/X/11 and Later Models

• Locate and hold down the Volume Up button, then release it.
• Do the same thing for the Volume Down button too.
• Now, long press the Side button till your screen displays the Apple logo then you can let go of the button.

iPhone 7 Series

• Simultaneously press down the Volume Down and Power buttons.
• Keep holding on to both buttons until you see the Apple logo.

iPhone 6 Series/5 Series and Earlier Models

• Press the Power and Home buttons together at the same time.
• Continue pressing down the buttons till you find the Apple logo popped up on your screen.

Solution 2: Connect Unavailable iPhone to Computer

In some cases, this way can reactivate the timer and allow it to resume counting down.

• Use a compatible USB cable to connect your iPhone to a trusted computer (Mac or PC).
• Keep the device connected for a few minutes without interacting with it.

Solution 3: Remove and Reinsert the SIM Card

This is another trick to activate your locked iPhone and is helpful when you don’t have a computer around.

• Power off your iPhone completely.
• Remove the SIM card tray using a SIM ejector tool or a small paperclip.
• After a few moments, reinsert the SIM card tray.
• Turn your iPhone back on and check if the timer resumes.

Conclusion

Ultimately, resolving “iPhone Unavailable, Try Again in 8 Hours” isn’t a challenge when you have the right guide at hand. With the solutions provided in this post, you can reclaim full control of your locked iPhone without hassles. Choose and use the solution that works best for you while considering the conditions linked to each one of them. Passixer is our most preferred solution from the list. The software offers a simple yet professional way to unlock a disabled iPhone without stressing the user with the provision of the previous passcode or Apple ID.