Locked out of your iPhone because of the "iPhone Unavailable, Try Again in 8 Hours" message? Don’t worry, you can still get into the locked iPhone with proper steps. In this post, we will share with you 6 ways to bypass or fix the Unavailable iPhone issue with or without the Erase option.
Why Is My iPhone Unavailable for 8 Hours
I got an 8-hour lockout on my iPhone because I forgot my device passcode. Will this ever end?
—— biancalovesdogs, Apple Community
As you can see, entering an incorrect passcode is the primary reason for the “iPhone Unavailable, Try Again in 8 Hours” message. You can refer to the table below for the number of allowed passcode attempts.
| Number of Wrong Attempts | Lockout Time |
|---|---|
| 1–5 | No lockout |
| 6 | iPhone Unavailable, Try Again in 1 Minute |
| 7 | iPhone Unavailable, Try Again in 5 Minutes |
| 8 | iPhone Unavailable, Try Again in 15 Minutes |
| 9 | iPhone Unavailable, Try Again in 1 Hour |
| 10 or more | iPhone Unavailable, Try Again in 8 Hours (The time varies depending on the iOS and settings) |
Another possible reason could be iOS glitches. Some users on the Apple Forum have reported encountering this issue after an iOS update or after rebooting their iPhone.
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.
To learn about each way faster or more vividly, you can watch this video guide.
Bypass iPhone Unavailable Try Again in 8 Hours with Erase Option
The Erase option on the “iPhone Unavailable” screen is useful when you are locked out of your iPhone, making it possible to unlock your iPhone without passcode or another device by resetting, like a computer or phone. You will find it in 2 ways. Follow the steps below to check if this feature works for you.
Way 1. Find It Directly at the Bottom-Right Corner of the Screen [iOS 15.2 to iOS 16]
Step 1: Tap Erase iPhone and choose Erase iPhone again in the next screen.
Step 2: Enter the Apple ID to start the erasing. Once done, the unavailable screen will be removed, meaning that your iPhone is unlocked.
Way 2. Locate It Under the Forgot Passcode Option [iOS 17 or Later]
Step 1: Hit Forgot Passcode, followed by iPhone Reset.
Step 2: Select Start iPhone Reset and input the Apple ID password. Next, your iPhone will be reset and thus the unavailable screen is gone.
iPhone Unavailable No Erase Option?
The main reason of “no Erase option at the iPhone Unavailable Try Again in 8 Hours screen” is that you don’t meet the conditions to access the feature. The requirements include:
- iOS 15.2 or later is installed on your iPhone.
- Find My iPhone is turned on.
- Your iPhone is connected to the network.
- You have the Apple ID password associated with the unavailable iPhone.
When the above terms are met and you still can’t see the Erase button, you can check this post for further solutions: iPhone Unavailable No Erase Option[How To Fix]
Fix iPhone Unavailable Try Again in 8 Hours Without Erase Option
If the Erase option isn’t available, try other ways to bypass the “iPhone Unavailable Try Again in 8 Hours” message, such as using the professional iOS unlocker Passixer on a computer, the Find My app on another Apple device, etc. Let’s move on to more information now.
Way 1. Unlock iPhone with Passixer
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, iCloud Activation Lock, SIM lock and Screen Time Passcode.
A network-connected computer with Passixer iPhone Unlocker installed.
A USB cable for connecting iPhone to the computer.
Steps to Follow
Locate the Wipe Passcode button displayed on the software main interface on your computer screen.
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.
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.
Finally, your iPhone is unlocked without passcode.
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 2. Access iPhone via Previous Passcode
This method is best for users who forgot a passcode they recently changed. Its key advantage is that all data and settings remain intact during the device unlock.
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 Follow
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 3. Open iPhone Using iTunes
iTunes, Finder, or Apple Devices is the official desktop app for backing up, updating, or restoring Apple devices. However, this method requires users to put the iPhone into Recovery Mode, which may confuse those who aren’t familiar with this step.
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 Follow
Step 1. Connect your disabled iPhone to the computer.
Step 2. 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 4. Get into iPhone Through Find My Feature
Find My feature allows you to track and erase your Apple device, which is a lifesaver when your iDevice, Mac or Apple Watch is lost unfortunately. It can be used to factory reset the locked iPhone remotely and in turn fix the iPhone Unavailable issue.
A workable computer, Apple device or Android phone which has a stable network connection.
You have the credentials of the Apple ID used on your iPhone currently.
Find My iPhone is turned on.
Steps on Another Computer, Phone or Tablet
- 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.
Steps on Another Apple Device
- 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.
FAQs
We found that on newer iPhones, the maximum lockout time is 8 hours, while on older iOS versions, it can last up to about 45 years, as shown in the screenshot.
The answer varies, depending on the iOS version and settings. If you enabled “Erase iPhone after 10 Failed Passcode Attempts” in Settings before, your iPhone will be erased automatically. Otherwise, you may be stuck on the “iPhone Unavailable” screen with a lockout timer or you may need to restore your iPhone using iTunes.
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.