What should I do when an iPhone will not let a passcode be entered?
Answer
If the screen says iPhone Unavailable or Security Lockout, too many wrong attempts have locked it and it must be erased and set up again. If the keypad simply does not respond, force a restart first — that clears a frozen screen without losing anything.
Before you start: stop right away if…
- Erasing removes everything on the phone unless a backup is restored afterwards.
- Services promising to unlock a locked iPhone for a fee cannot do so. Use Apple Support instead.
Follow these steps
Rule out a frozen screen
Force restart the iPhone using the button sequence for your model, then try the passcode once the Apple logo has cleared.
You should see: The keypad responds again, or the lockout message stays and confirms the other cause.
Read the message carefully
Note whether it says Unavailable, Security Lockout, or shows a wait timer. If it only shows a timer, wait it out and try a passcode you are confident about.
You should see: You know whether waiting can still help.
Erase using the on-screen option if offered
Newer iOS versions show Erase iPhone on the lockout screen. Choosing it and signing in with the Apple Account password resets the device without a computer.
You should see: The phone erases and restarts at the setup screen.
Otherwise erase through a computer
Connect the phone to a computer, put it into recovery mode using your model's button sequence, and choose Restore.
You should see: iOS reinstalls and the phone restarts at setup.
Restore your backup during setup
When setup offers it, restore from an iCloud or computer backup.
You should see: Apps, photos, and settings return from the backup.
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Extra tips
What to look for: Whether the screen shows a timer or the words Unavailable or Security Lockout, versus simply not reacting to taps. This decides which route applies.
Before you change anything: Check whether a recent backup exists in iCloud or on a computer, because the lockout route erases the device.
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