When your iPad says "iPad Unavailable", you won't be able to use it until you enter the correct passcode after the specified wait time. Stuck on iPad Unavailable screen is quite common among iPad users, as there are many discussions about it in the Apple Community. So, what to do when iPad says Unavailable? If you're seeing this message, don't worry. In this guide, you'll learn multiple solutions to fix the iPad Unavailable problem. Let's dive into the details.
- Part 1. Why Does My iPad Say Unavailable?
- Part 2. How to Fix iPad Unavailable without Losing Data [Limited]
- Part 3. How to Fix iPad Unavailable without Computer [Need Apple ID Password]
- Part 4. How to Fix iPad Unavailable with Computer
- Part 5. FAQs about iPad Unavailable Message
- Part 6. Conclusion
Part 1. Why Does My iPad Say Unavailable?
Whether it's accidental or intentional, seeing the "iPad Unavailable" message can be very frustrating. You reach for your device, only to be greeted by this unexpected alert. What does iPad Unavailable actually mean, and what to do when your iPad says iPad Unavailable? Let's figure it out together.
What Does iPad Unavailable Mean?
The "iPad Unavailable" message is generally a sign that something has gone wrong with the iPad's screen lock passcode. The error can occur after multiple failed attempts to unlock the device, which triggers a security measure to protect your data. When entering the incorrect passcode too many times, the iPad will be locked to avoid any further operation. On the iPad Lock screen, you will see the following message:
| Attempts | On-screen Message |
|---|---|
| 5 Failed Passcode Attempts | iPad Unavailable, try again in 1 minute |
| 7 Failed Passcode Attempts | iPad Unavailable, try again in 5 minutes |
| 8 Failed Passcode Attempts | iPad Unavailable, try again in 15 minutes |
| 9 Failed Passcode Attempts | iPad Unavailable, try again in 1 hour |
| 10 Failed Passcode Attempts | iPad Unavailable, connect to iTunes |
What to Do When iPad Says Unavailable?
Now that you know what iPad Unavailable means and how it works. In the next several parts, we will discuss every method to help you bypass the iPad Unavailable screen. For better understanding and operation, here is a video tutorial:
The requirements of each method vary. Here is a brief comparison table to better choose the feasible method. You can also tap to switch to the corresponding part.
| Method | Data Loss | Apple ID Password | Computer | Find My iPad Status | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Use Previous Passcode | ❌ | ✔️ | ❌ | Not required | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Erase iPad | ✔️ | ✔️ | ❌ | Not required | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| iCloud.com | ✔️ | ✔️ | ❌ | Enabled | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Find My App | ✔️ | ✔️ | ❌ | Enabled | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| MagFone iPad Unlocker | ✔️ | ❌ | ✔️ | Disabled | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| iTunes | ✔️ | ❌ | ✔️ | Disabled | ⭐⭐⭐ |
Part 2. How to Fix iPad Unavailable without Losing Data [Limited]
Apple allows users to use the old passcode to temporarily sign into the device when seeing an iPad Unavailable message or Security Lockout screen. This offers a solution to fix the iPad Unavailable without losing data, but it comes with several requirements. If you happen to meet the requirements, you can perform the following steps:
📝Requirements:
iPad running iOS 17 and later
Updating the new passcode within 72 hours
Knowing the old screen lock passcode
Step 1. Tap the Forgot Passcode? option in the bottom corner of the iPad Unavailable screen.
Step 2. On the Forgot Passcode screen, tap Enter Previous Passcode.
Step 3. Then enter your old passcode, and you'll be forwarded to create a new passcode.
Step 4. Follow the onscreen instructions to set a new passcode.
Part 3. How to Fix iPad Unavailable without Computer [Need Apple ID Password]
Using the previous passcode to temporarily access your iPad is effective for mere users. If your iPad is stuck on the iPad Unavailable screen, here are three methods for you to fix iPad Unavailable without a computer. These methods work for users who can remember Apple ID details. If you are unable to remember either the iPhone passcode or Apple ID password, just head to Part 4.
Method 1. Fix iPad Unavailable via Erase iPad
For those who don't meet the requirements of using the previous passcode to bypass the iPad Unavailable screen, there will be an Erase iPad option to wipe your iPad data. Via this option, you can factory reset your iPhone and regain access to your iPad.
📝Requirements:
iPad running iPadOS 15.2 or later
Connect to a cellular or WiFi network
An Apple ID and password
On iPadOS 17 or later
Step 1. On the iPad Unavailable screen, tap the Forgot Passcode? button at the bottom right corner.
Step 2. In the next screen, tap Start iPad Reset to confirm.
Step 3. Enter your Apple ID password to sign out of your Apple ID on your iPad.
Step 4. Tap Erase iPad to start deleting all the data and settings. Then you can set up your device and set a new passcode.
From iPadOS 15.2 to iPadOS 17
Step 1. On the iPad Unavailable screen, tap the Erase iPad option at the bottom corner.
Step 2. Tap Erase iPad again to confirm, then enter your Apple ID password to sign out of your Apple ID on your device.
Step 3. After signing out of your Apple ID, tap Erase iPad to permanently wipe all the data and settings.
Step 4. When your device restarts, follow the onscreen instructions to set up your device again.
Method 2. Fix iPad Unavailable via iCloud.com
If you're signed in with the same Apple ID on your devices and Find My iPad is turned on, you can sign in to the iCloud website to manage them. Follow the steps below to get out of the iPad Unavailable screen via iCloud.com.
📝Requirements:
An internet-connected device
An Apple ID and password
Find My iPad in enabled status
Step 1. Open www.icloud.com in a browser on any device and sign into iCloud with your Apple ID account.
Step 2. Head to Find My and click the All Devices button at the top of the screen.
Step 3. From the drop-down device list, select your iPad and click Erase This Device on the pop-up window.
Step 4. Click the Erase This Device button to confirm, then your iPad will be erased to the factory settings.
Method 3. Fix iPad Unavailable via Find My App
Similar to the iCloud website, the Find My app can also be used to manage all your Apple devices that are signed in with the same Apple ID. If your iPad says iPad Unavailable, you can also get past iPad Unavailable via the Find My app on another Apple device.
📝Requirements:
An Apple device
An Apple ID password
Find My iPad in enabled status
Step 1. Open the Find My app on another Apple device where you use the same Apple ID.
Step 2. Tap Devices at the bottom of the screen and select your iPad from the device list.
Step 3. On the pop-up window, tap Erase This Device, then tap Continue to enter your trusted phone number.
Step 4. Tap Erase to completely erase all the settings and data on your device. Then you can set up your iPad for use again.
Part 4. How to Fix iPad Unavailable with Computer
If you can't remember the correct Apple ID password, there are also two methods you can apply to fix the iPad Unavailable. That is to use iTunes to restore your iPad or a third-party unlocking tool to remove the lock screen passcode.
Method 1. Unlock iPad Unavailable via MagFone iPad Unlocker
When you forget your Apple ID password, or there is no erase option, you can directly use an iPad unlocker to reset a disabled iPad. Here, MagFone iPad Unlocker is highly recommended to you. It is a pretty easy-to-use yet professional unlocking tool that can remove Lock Screen from iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch. Apart from these features, this tool can unlink Apple ID, delete Screen Time passcode, and remove MDM restrictions on the iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. Now, follow the steps below to fix iPad Unavailable through MagFone iPhone Unlocker.
MagFone iPhone Unlocker
Unlock various locks on iOS devices, including screen locks, MDM, Apple ID, and Activation Lock without needing a password.
Step 1 Connect iPad to Computer and Run MagFone
First up, connect your iPad to your computer through a USB cable. Then run MagFone iPhone Unlocker on the computer and select Unlock iOS Screen on the interface of the software. Proceed to click the Start button.
Step 2 Get Unavailable iPad into Recovery/DFU Mode
Then you are required to put your iPad into Recovery Mode. If you don't know how to, you can follow the steps to get it done according to your device model. When your device fails to activate Recovery Mode, you can click the link at the bottom to enter DFU mode.
Step 3 Go to Download the Firmware Package for iPad
After that, you would see the device information of your iPad, including the device model, series number, and other. Make sure the accuracy of all information given on the software. Then click the Download button to download the firmware package for your iPad.
Step 4 Remove iPad Unavailable Message on Screen
Once the firmware verification is complete, you can click the Unlock button. Then MagFone iPhone Unlocker will start repairing the iPad Unavailable issue. In the whole process, keep your device connected to the computer. Then you can use your device again.
Method 2. Unlock iPad Unavailable via iTunes
If your iPad is disabled or unavailable, you can also use iTunes to fix the issue. iTunes can be used to fix various issues related to the iPad and other Apple devices. When your iPad is locked due to multiple failed attempts, iTunes can help you get out of trouble. Here you can fix iPad Unavailable in recovery mode by following the steps below.
Step 1. Shut down your iPad and connect it to your computer using a USB cable.
Step 2. Press the Home button or the top button to put your device in recovery mode.
Step 3. Open iTunes or the Finder on the computer, then click Restore to recover your device.
Part 5. FAQs about iPad Unavailable Message
How long does iPad Unavailable last?
After failing to unlock your iPad, you will see an iPad Unavailable message or a Security Lockout screen. When entering the wrong passcode up to five times, you need to wait for one minute to unlock your iPad. And then the iPad Unavailable screen will last for 5 minutes, 15 minutes, and longer according to the time of entering the incorrect passcode.
How to factory reset iPad when it says iPad Unavailable?
When your iPad says iPad Unavailable, you can connect it to a computer, then use iTunes or the Finder to factory reset the device. Or you can remotely reset your iPad to the factory settings at iCloud.com or using the Find My app.
How to fix iPad unavailable with no erase option?
When your iPad says iPad Unavailable but there is no Erase iPad option, it's usually because your device isn't connected to the internet, isn't signed in to your Apple ID, has an older system version, or is managed by MDM. In this case, you can use iTunes or MagFone iPad Unlocker to bypass iPad Unavailable.
How to fix iPad Unavailable without iTunes?
There are several ways to fix iPad Unavailable without using iTunes. You can use an iPad Unlocker like MagFone iPhone Unlocker or the Find My app. Or you can directly remove the iPad Unavailable message by entering your Apple ID password on the iPad Unavailable screen.
Part 6. Conclusion
It's easy to unlock a disabled or unavailable iPad after reading our article. You can choose to directly bypass iPad Unavailable or get out of iPad Security Lockout by using your Apple ID password. Or you can try other aforementioned methods. Last but not least, it is worth trying using MagFone iPhone Unlocker to fix iPad Unavailable. Go for it now!