By Hally | Last Updated
What to do if you see iPhone Unavailable message on iPhone 16 screen? Don’t panic. This common issue typically occurs after multiple failed passcode attempts, and Apple locks the device temporarily (or permanently) to protect your data.
In this guide, you'll learn why this happens and how to regain access to your unavailable iPhone 16 safely—whether you're using a passcode, Face ID, or no backup at all.
When your iPhone 16 shows “iPhone Unavailable”, it means the device is locked due to too many incorrect passcode attempts. And the phone is temporarily disabled by Apple’s security system to stop unauthorized access.
When your iPhone is unavailable, you may see the following messages:
Note:
If you see a timer, wait until it counts down. Then re-enter the correct passcode. Don’t keep guessing. Too many attempts will lead to permanent lockout and data erasure.
When your iPhone 16 is on iOS 15.2 or newer with an active Wi-Fi or cellular connection, and you have the linked Apple ID & passcode, you can unlock iPhone 16 unavailable screen without computer for free:
For iOS 15.2 to iOS 17:
Step 1: Tap Erase iPhone in the bottom-right corner of the lock screen.
Step 2: Tap Erase iPhone again to confirm.
Step 3: The iPhone asks you to input the Apple ID password. Just do it.
Step 4: Your iPhone 16 is being erased. After that, you can start fresh by setting up as new, or restore from a previous backup.
For iOS 17 and newer:
Step 1: On iPhone 16 Unavailable screen, tap Forgot Passcode in the lower right corner.
Step 2: On iPhone Reset screen, tap Start iPhone Reset to continue.
Step 3: It requires the password for the linked Apple ID account. Enter it to sign out of iCloud.
Step 4: Follow the onscreen instructions to reset your iPhone 16 and make it unlocked.
Note:
You can perform a full reset using iPhone recovery mode with iTunes or Finder.
Step 1: Connect your iPhone 16 to a computer. Launch Finder (macOS) or iTunes (Windows).
Step 2: Press and quickly release Volume Up. Press and quickly release Volume Down.
Step 3: Hold down the side button to enter recovery mode (wait for the screen to appear).
Step 4: On your computer, choose Restore> Restore and Update. Minutes later, the unavailable iPhone 16 is reset.
Step 5: After the process, set up your iPhone.
With Find My iPhone activated, you can remotely erase your iPhone 16. Then the unavailable screen will disappear and you can set it up from scratch or restore from backup.
Step 1: Visit iCloud.com and sign in with the Apple ID account on the unavailable iPhone 16.
Step 2: Go to click Find My and select your iPhone 16 from the device list.
Step 3: Click Erase and confirm to delete all the content and settings on iPhone 16.
Step 4: Hit Next and follow the instructions to unlock your iPhone 16 unavailable.
If you forgot the iPhone passcode and cannot bypass iPhone 16 unavailable screen, the iPhone unlocker can be your best choice. iSunshare iPhone Passcode Genius can help you unlock unavailable iPhone without any skills.
Step 1: Download and install iSunshare iPhone Passcode Genius on your computer. Open the software and click Unlock Lock Screen on the main interface.
Step 2: Hit the Start button to unlock your iPhone 16.
Step 3: Make your iPhone 16 enter recovery mode and click the Next button on the software.
Step 4: Click Download to download firmware for your iPhone 16.
Step 5: After downloading, click the Unlock button to unlock your iPhone 16.
Step 6: Your iPhone 16 is successfully unlocked.
1. Why does my iPhone 16 say “Unavailable”?
It appears after 10 failed passcode attempts. To maintain security, your iPhone 16 automatically locks when unauthorized access is attempted.
2. Can I fix “iPhone Unavailable” without a computer?
If your iPhone runs iOS 15.2 or later, you can wipe it directly from the lock screen—just tap Erase iPhone (needs internet and your Apple ID)
3. Is it possible to unlock iPhone 16 unavailable without data loss?
Yes, you can unlock iPhone 16 without losing data if you meet certain conditions. Apple develops the iPhone Passcode Reset feature for the recently changed passcodes. If your passcode has been changed within 72 hours and you know the previous passcode, you can tap Forgot Passcode > Enter Previous Passcode. Then input the previous passcode and set your new passcode.
It is really frustrating when you are locked out of iPhone 16 Unavailable screen. But in this article, you can learn several ways to fix iPhone 16 unavailable issue and make it unlocked to regain access. It is also recommended to perform a regular backup of your iPhone 16 in case of data loss.
