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iPhone Unavailable but No Erase Option? 2 Solutions to Unlock

Charlotte Bayley
Charlotte Bayley

Updated:

Stuck on iPhone Unavailable screen, how do you get into the locked iPhone if you cannot remember the iPhone password? Generally, there are two scenarios. Some users choose to erase their devices using the "Erase iPhone" option, while others may encounter the issue where the iPhone is unavailable but with no "Erase iPhone" option on the screen. Users may concern about the latter case and wonder how to fix the issue. In this article, we will introduce you to 2 effective solutions.

iphone unavailable no erase option


Part 1: Why Does My iPhone Not Have an Erase Option?

For devices running iOS 15.2 to iOS 16.7, the "Erase iPhone" option is located in the bottom right corner of the screen. However, if your iOS version is lower than 15.2, you will only see the "Emergency Call" option at the bottom of the screen. On the other hand, for iOS 17 or higher, the "Erase iPhone" option is replaced with "Forgot Passcode".

Apart from the iOS version, there are four possible reasons for no Erase iPhone option:

  • If you are not signed into your Apple ID on your iPhone, the option to "Erase iPhone" will not be displayed on the screen.
  • If your iPhone is disconnected from Wi-Fi or Cellular network, there is no "Erase iPhone" option on the iPhone Unavailable screen.
  • If you turn off Find My iPhone, the "Erase iPhone" option will not appear on the iPhone Unavailable screen.
  • If you have not reached the threshold of incorrect attempts, the option may not be visible yet. Specifically, the option to erase the iPhone will be presented on the screen after entering an incorrect password six times in a row.

Part 2: How to Fix iPhone Unavailable but No Erase Option?

Solution 1: Fix iPhone Unavailable no Erase option using Passcode Refixer

iSumsoft iPhone Passcode Refixer is a powerful and versatile software that offers the simplest and most effective solution to unlock an unavailable iPhone without the "Erase iPhone" option. Featuring advanced algorithms and a user-friendly interface, it Fenables users to fix the problem within a few simple clicks.

iphone passcode refixer

Here's how to use iSumsoft iPhone Passcode Refixer:

Step 1: Complete the installation of iSumsoft iPhone Passcode Refixer, then connect the iPhone to the computer and launch the software.

Step 2: From the interface, choose Unlock Lock Screen.

choose unlock lock screen

Step 3: Click on the Start button to begin unlocking the unavailable iPhone.

click start

Step 4: You are required to download a firmware package by clicking Download.

click download

Step 5: Once the download has been completed, click Unlock to continue.

click unlock

Step 6: Wait for the unlocking process to complete. This takes a few minutes. When the "Unlock Screen successfully" appears on the software screen, your iPhone will restart and be unlocked and you can click Done.

unlock screen successfully

Solution 2: Fix iPhone Unavailable but no Erase Option with iTunes/ Finder

iTunes and Finder are the official tools for users to solve some common issues, such as the iPhone being frozen on the lock screen or the iPhone being stuck in a boot loop, among others. Try the following steps to fix iPhone Unavailable with no Erase option.

Step 1: Connect your iPhone to the computer.

Step 2: Put your device into recovery mode. Learn how to put iPhone into Recovery mode.

Step 3: Run iTunes on a Windows computer, or Finder on a Mac. Please note that iTunes should be updated to the latest version.

Step 4: A pop-up box asking for Restore or Update will appear once iTunes or Finder recognizes the device, click Restore to repair your device.

choose restore

Part 3: How Do You Unlock Unavailable iPhone with Erase Option?

Now that you have learned how to resolve the issue of iPhone Unavailable without the Erase option, let's explore how to unlock an iPhone using the Erase option.

For devices running iOS 15.2 - iOS 16.7

With the Erase option, things are getting easier. On the iPhone Unavailable screen, you will see Erase iPhone in the bottom right corner of the screen. Tap Erase iPhone > Erase iPhone, then enter your Apple ID password to reset the device.

erase iphone ios 15- 16


For devices running iOS 17

From iPhone Unavailable screen, tap Forgot Passcode? > iPhone Reset, then enter Apple ID passcode to rase this iPhone.

erase iphone ios 17

Part 4: FAQs on iPhone Unavailable No Erase Option


1. Can you fix iPhone Unavailable without erasing data?

If you can remember your screen lock password, you have 10 attempts to fix iPhone Unavailable without erasing your data, or you have to erase your data. Fortunately, iTunes allows you to restore your iPhone from a previous backup. So, it is essential to back up the device regularly.

2. If the unavailable iPhone is disconnected from the internet, can iCloud fix it?

No, you can't. iCloud relies on the internet connection to locate your iPhone. When your iPhone is disconnected from the internet, such as when it is powered off or in airplane mode, iCloud cannot perform any actions remotely or provide real-time location updates, including playing a sound or erasing the device.

3. Does the Erase option appear on the 'iPhone is disabled' screen?

No, it doesn't. Before iOS 15.2, the 'iPhone is disabled' screen did not include an Erase option, but there was an Emergency Call feature. It wasn't until iOS 15.2 that Apple introduced a new feature called "Erase iPhone" on the iPhone Unavailable screen. Learn how to unlock 'iPhone is disabled' screen.