RP Staff·

iPhone Unavailable Try Again In 8 Hours: Why And How To Fix

In the fast-paced world we live in, being locked out of your iPhone for 8 hours can feel like an eternity. Whether it’s because of an accidental pocket dial or a momentary lapse in memory, seeing the message “iPhone Unavailable Try Again in 8 Hours” on your screen can be incredibly frustrating.

But don’t worry; there’s a reason this happens and, more importantly, ways to fix it.

Why is my iPhone unavailable for 8 hours?

If you see the message “iPhone Unavailable Try Again in 8 Hours,” it means that your iPhone has been temporarily locked due to multiple failed passcode attempts. Sometimes, it’s not even human error but other factors that lead to the situation. For instance, accidental touches while your iPhone is in your pocket or bag can trigger passcode attempts without you realizing it.

This is a security measure designed by Apple to prevent brute-force attack—where someone might try hundreds of passcode combinations to gain access to your device. By locking the device for extended periods after several failed attempts, Apple makes it nearly impossible for someone to crack your passcode and access your data.

This security measure increases the lockout time with each failed passcode attempt. Initially, after a few failed attempts, the lockout last for just one minute. As failed attempts continue, the lockout time extends to 5 minutes, then 15 minutes, 1 hour, 3 hours, and 8 hours. Eventually, you’ll see iPhone unavailable screen without a timer, indicating that you will be locked out permanently until you factory reset your device.

How to Fix iPhone Unavailable Try Again in 8 Hours

Now that you understand why your iPhone is saying Unavailable for 8 hours, let’s explore how to fix it.

Method 1: Wait out 8 hours

If you still have your passcode and hope to fix your iPhone Unavailable screen without losing data, the only option is to wait out the 8 hours. Once the timer expires, enter your passcode correctly to unlock your device.

This method works if you still remember your passcode. This is a case where you actually didn’t forget your passcode, but there were other external factors that caused the iPhone to be unavailable for 8 hours.

But what if you’ve forgotten your passcode or the timer is not working? Many users have reported getting stuck on the “iPhone Unavailable Try Again in 8 Hours” screen because the timer won’t go down. Others have experienced the timer dropping to 7 hours 58 minutes and then not going down any further. If this is the case, you will have to resort to other methods.

Method 2: Erase your iPhone from the lock screen

When the iPhone says “iPhone Unavailable Try Again in 8 Hours”, there is usually an Erase option on the screen that lets you immediately erase the device to regain access.

Tap on Erase iPhone (or Forgot Passcode if on iOS 17 or later), and on the next page, tap the appropriate button to confirm that you want to erase and reset your iPhone. Enter your Apple ID password when prompted, and the iPhone will erase all of its content and settings, including the unavailable mode.

Method 3: Fix with iSumsoft iPhone Passcode Refixer

Forgot your passcode? Waiting 8 hours feels unbearable? The “iPhone Unavailable Try Again in 8 Hours” screen is stuck with the timer not counting down? You see a black screen with the “iPhone Unavailable Try Again in 8 Hours” message? If you are in any of these situations, iSumsoft iPhone Passcode Refixer is the best solution.

With iSumsoft iPhone Passcode Refixer, you can easily bypass the 8-hour lockout period without waiting, giving you quick access back to your iPhone. You need to download and install the software on your computer, then follow the steps below.

Step 1: Open the iSumsoft iPhone Passcode Refixer on your computer and click on Unlock Lock Screen to proceed.

Step 2: Make sure that your iPhone has been connected to your computer via a compatible USB cable and click Next.

Step 3: The software automatically detects your iPhone. Click Download to have the software download the appropriate firmware for your device. The firmware contains the files needed to unlock your unavailable iPhone.

Step 4: Once the firmware download is complete, click the Unlock button, and the software will begin unlocking your iPhone. This will remove the lock screen from your iPhone, including the “iPhone Unavailable Try Again in 8 Hours” message.

Step 5: When the software screen shows the success message, your iPhone is out of unavailable mode and you can use it again.

Method 4: Restore your iPhone in recovery mode

Restoring the device in recovery mode can also be a quick fix for iPhone Unavailable Try Again in 8 Hours. You will need a computer and follow the steps below.

Step 1: Connect your unavailable iPhone to your computer using a compatible USB cable, then boot it into recovery mode.

Step 2: Open iTunes (for Windows) or Finder (for macOS Catalina or later) on your computer.

Step 3: When iTunes or Finder detects your iPhone and asks you to choose Update or Restore, choose Restore.

Step 4: Choose Update and Restore, then follow the on-screen instructions to confirm you want to proceed.

Step 5: iTunes or Finder will restore your iPhone to factory settings to get rid of the unavailable mode, and once done, you can set up your device again.

Conclusion:

The message “iPhone Unavailable Try Again in 8 Hours” occurs because of multiple failed attempts to unlock the iPhone. This is a built-in security measure in iOS designed to protect devices and data from brute force attacks and unauthorized access, which can be useful in the event of device loss and theft.  However, if you triggered the message by accident or for a forgotten passcode, it is undoubtedly frustrating. Fortunately, by following the methods and steps outlined above, you can regain access to your device. If the Apple method doesn’t work for you, iSumsoft iPhone Passcode Refixer is a very effective alternative.

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