Fix iPhone Unavailable Try Again in 8 Hours - 5 Solutions

When encountering the iPhone Unavailable screen, users may find themselves facing a variety of lockout durations, ranging from short intervals such as 1 minute or 5 minutes to longer periods like 15 minutes, 1 hour. Among these messages, the 1-hour timer represents the lengthiest lockout duration, while some users may also encounter an uncommon notification - "iPhone Unavailable, try again in 8 hours." This extended lockout period is notably lengthy compared to the typical durations seen on such screens.

In this post, we will explore the underlying reasons for this issue and provide you with detailed, step-by-step methods to effectively resolve it.

• Why Is iPhone Unavailable Try Again in 8 Hours?
• How to Fix iPhone Unavailable Try Again in 8 Hours?
• Solution 1: Wait for Eight Hours
• Solution 2: Erase the Unavailable iPhone
• Solution 3: Use iSumsoft iPhone Passcode Refixer
• Solution 4: Restore the Unavailable iPhone with iTunes/Finder
• Solution 5: Erase the iPhone with iCloud [without Computer]
• [Video Guide] Fix iPhone Unavailable Try Again in 8 Hours
• Conclusion

Why Is iPhone Unavailable Try Again in 8 Hours?

One of the acknowledged causes leading to the "iPhone Unavailable, try again in 8 hours" message is making 9 incorrect passcode attempts. While this lockout period differs from the previous 1-hour duration, the longer timer could be attributed to the enhanced security measures implemented in the updated iOS version.

Additionally, following an update or restore, the device, in particular for iPhone 11 and iOS 15, may display the "iPhone Unavailable, try again in 8 hours" message due to system bugs or other unidentified factors.

How to Fix iPhone Unavailable Try Again in 8 Hours?

Solution 1: Wait for Eight Hours

Waiting for the 8-hour countdown to expire before entering the correct password to unlock the disabled iPhone can be a time-consuming process. However, this method is crucial as it helps safeguard and preserve all your valuable data stored on the device. Meanwhile, it is worth noting that the 10th password entry must be entered precisely and accurately. Otherwise, you will be stuck on the "iPhone Unavailable" screen with no timer, signaling a permanent lockout situation, unless you erase your iPhone.

Solution 2: Erase the Unavailable iPhone

Provided you have forgotten your iPhone passcode, the recommended solution is to perform a factory reset on your device. In cases where the passcode is not recollected, Apple offers users the Erase iPhone option (or Forgot Passcode on iOS 17 and later), enabling them to initiate a complete wipe of their device, which includes removing the screen lock passcode, allowing users to regain access to their device and start afresh by erasing all data and settings on the iPhone.

To do so, on the iPhone Unavailable screen, tap Erase iPhone (or Forgot Passcode) and then enter your Apple ID password to set your iPhone as a new device.

Notably, for lock screen on iOS 17 and later, after changing your iPhone passcode, you are given 72 hours to use your previous passcode to get into your locked iPhone, during which you will see the option Enter Previous Passcode after tapping Forgot Passcode on the iPhone Unavailable screen.

Solution 3: Use iSumsoft iPhone Passcode Refixer

You may find that the Forgot Passcode or Erase iPhone option doesn't show on the iPhone Unavailable screen due to network disconnection or other reasons. To remove the "iPhone Unavailable, try again in 8 hours" message, you may need to use iSumsoft iPhone Passcode Refixer, which enables you to bypass the iPhone lock screen without passcode and is compatible with all iPhone/iPad models and iOS versions.

Here is how to use iSumsoft iPhone Passcode Refixer:

Step 1 After connecting the iPhone to the computer via a USB cable, launch the software and select Unlock Lock Screen on the interface.

Step 2 Click Start.

Step 3 Upon the iPhone is recognized, its info will be displayed on the screen. Then you need to click Download for a matching firmware package to unlock the iPhone.

Step 4 When you see the Unlock button, click it to proceed.

Step 5 Wait for the unlocking process to finish until you see "Unlock Screen successfully."

Solution 4: Restore the Unavailable iPhone with iTunes/Finder

Leveraging iTunes or Finder serves as another effective method to unlock the iPhone passcode. When utilizing this approach, you may encounter two scenarios: firstly, if the Find My iPhone feature is enabled, you can directly eliminate the "iPhone unavailable, try again in 8 hours" message; conversely, if Find My iPhone is activated, you might encounter the Activation Lock while navigating through the iPhone's guided access, during which you will be prompted to provide the Apple ID that was previously synced with the unavailable iPhone.

If this way works for you, proceed with the following steps:

Step 1Connect the iPhone to the computer and put it into recovery mode:

• For iPhone 8 and later models: Press the Volume Up button and quickly release it. Next, press the Volume Down button and quickly release it as well. Then keep holding the Side button until the recovery mode screen appears.
• For iPhone 7 series: Press the Volume Down and Side buttons on iPhone until the you see the recovery mode screen.
• For earlier iPhone models: Hold the Home and Top buttons simultaneously until your iPhone shows the recovery mode screen.

Step 2Launch iTunes on the Windows computer or Finder on the Mac. Once the program recognizes your device, it will show you a dialogue box and ask you to Update or Restore. Click Restore to proceed. The software will start downloading the appropriate firmware to restore the iPhone and you need to follow the onscreen prompts to complete the process.

Solution 5: Erase the iPhone with iCloud [without Computer]

If you do not have access to a computer, this method is suitable for you. However, it is imperative that you have knowledge of the Apple ID and password associated with the currently unavailable iPhone. Additionally, the Find My iPhone feature must be enabled on the device. Below are the steps to erase your iPhone using iCloud without the need for a computer.

Step 1On an available Android phone or iPhone, go to icloud.com and sign in with the Apple ID.

Step 2On the home page of iCloud, locate Find My from the Application list. Enter your Apple ID password if asked.

Step 3After accessing the application, you will be given a list that contains all devices signed in with the current account. Select the unavailable iPhone from it. Then tap Erase This Device and follow the onscreen instructions to complete the factory reset.

[Video Guide] Fix iPhone Unavailable Try Again in 8 Hours

Conclusion

Encountering the message "iPhone Unavailable, try again in 8 hours" is not a frequent occurrence, but it can arise following multiple consecutive incorrect password attempts. To prevent unauthorized access to the device after repeated failed login attempts, all your data on the device will be completely deleted after 10 failed attempts. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that iCloud backup is enabled or regularly back up your iPhone manually using iTunes. This proactive approach helps safeguard your important data and provides a safety net in the event of unforeseen circumstances that could potentially lead to data loss.