Fix 'iPad Unavailable' Screen With 4 Easy Solutions

Part 1. Why Does My iPad Says “iPad Unavailable”?

When your iPad says “iPad unavailable,” it often indicates that your iPad has been disabled due to multiple consecutive failed passcode attempts.

As you might know, Apple takes security seriously, and one of the measures in place to protect your device is disabling it temporarily if too many incorrect passcode attempts are made. This feature helps prevent unauthorized access to your iPad and your personal data.

This “iPad unavailable” message is actually a replacement for the older "iPad is disabled connect to iTunes" prompt. Starting from iOS 15.2 and later versions, the message may also appear as "Security Lockout."

Part 2. How to Fix iPad Unavailable Screen?

Normally, you can fix the iPad's unavailable screen by waiting for the timeout period to expire. After a certain amount of time, you'll be able to try entering the correct passcode again. iPad unavailable screen usually shows an estimated time until you can attempt to enter the passcode again.

But this method isn’t working if you are unable to recall the correct passcode or if you're dealing with a more complex issue causing the "iPad Unavailable" screen. In such cases, you'll need to explore alternative solutions to regain access to your device. Here are some additional methods you can try:

Fix 1: Fix iPad Unavailable without Password in 1 Click

The easiest way to fix the iPad's unavailable screen and regain access to your iPad is by using a third-party unlocking tool such as Wondershare Dr.Fone – Screen Unlock (iOS). This reliable software offers a simple and efficient solution to bypass the passcode and restore access to your iPad in just a few clicks.

Moreover, Dr.Fone – Screen Unlock provides a user-friendly interface. You don't need to be a tech wizard to unlock your iPad. It also supports iPadOS 7.0 and above, so you don’t have to worry about compatibility issues with older or newer versions of iPadOS.

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Give it a try and start unlocking the .iPad unavailable’ screen without a passcode:

Step 1: Access Dr.Fone – Screen Unlock Tool

Download and install Wondershare Dr.Fone on your computer. Then, navigate to Toolbox > Screen Unlock > iOS to open the specific tool in a new window.

Step 2: Choose the Option to Unlock iOS

Select "Unlock iOS Screen" and click Start on the next screen to begin the unlocking process.

Step 3: Enter Recovery Mode

Follow the instructions on the screen to put your iDevice into Recovery Mode. If Recovery Mode doesn't work, you can try clicking the Try DFU Mode button for instructions on putting your device into DFU mode.

Step 4: Verify Device Details

Once your iPad is in Recovery Mode, the platform automatically detects the Device Model and displays it. If necessary, adjust the model and select the System Version as needed. Then, click Start to continue unlocking your device's screen.

Step 5: Downloading Firmware

The platform will show the progress of downloading the firmware. After it's downloaded successfully, it will be verified. Click Unlock Now to proceed with the unlocking process.

Step 6: Confirming the Unlocking Process

A prompt will appear to ask for confirmation of the process. Enter the required code and tap Unlock to proceed with the final step.

Step 7: Installing Firmware on Your iPad

You can see the status of unlocking your iPad device on the progress bar. Keep your device connected throughout this process to prevent it from being bricked.

Once your iPad is successfully unlocked, click Done to finish the process. If your device is still locked, you can click Try Again to restart the process.

Fix 2: Fix iPad Unavailable without Computer (Erase iPad)

If you're seeking an alternative method to fix the iPad's unavailable screen without relying on a computer, Apple offers a built-in feature you can try. Starting from iPadOS 15.2 and later versions, Apple provides an option to erase your iPad directly from the device itself in case you forget its passcode.

When your iPad is showing an "iPad Unavailable" message, you may notice the presence of the "Erase iPad" option below. Selecting this option enables you to reset your iPad without needing the passcode. Simply input your Apple ID and password to initiate the reset process.

But before proceeding with this method, it's important to ensure that your iPad is connected to a network and that you have your Apple ID credentials readily available. Then, follow the steps below:

Step 1: Enter an incorrect passcode on your iPad until you arrive at the "iPad Unavailable" screen.

Step 2: Locate and select the "Erase iPad" option displayed below.

Step 3: Review the provided information and confirm your decision by tapping "Erase iPad" once more.

Step 4: Enter your Apple ID password as prompted to initiate the erasure process and bypass the "iPad Unavailable" issue.

Please note that the appearance of the "Erase iPad" option alongside the "Unavailable" message may vary depending on your iPad's settings. If you do not see the "Erase iPad" button, you can still try the additional tips provided below.

Fix 3: Fix iPad Unavailable in Recovery Mode via iTunes/Finder

What to do when your iPad says iPad unavailable, and there’s no erase option? To address this issue, you can restore it in recovery mode using either Finder or iTunes, depending on your computer's operating system.

Finder works for macOS Catalina or later, while iTunes works for macOS Mojave or earlier. Just make sure you have a macOS or Windows PC with the latest version of iTunes installed.

Here are the steps to fix iPad unavailable via iTunes/Finder:

Step 1: Turn off your iPad and start Recovery Mode.

• For iPads without a Home Button: Press and release the volume down button followed by the power button. Then, hold the power button until the device enters Recovery Mode.
• For iPads with a Home Button: Simultaneously hold down the home and power buttons until the Recovery Mode screen appears.

Step 2: Connect your iPad to your PC and open Finder or iTunes.

Step 3: If iTunes detects an issue with your device, a pop-up box will appear with three options. Choose "Restore" to proceed with the restoration process.

Fix 4: Bypass iPad Unavailable Message with Find My

Are there any more ways to bypass the iPad's unavailable message without iTunes? Of course. You can try using the "Recovery Mode" feature on your iPad itself. While this method is straightforward, you must remember your Apple ID and password and have the Find My feature enabled on your iPad.

Here's how to fix an unavailable iPad via iCloud:

Step 1: Visit iCloud.com from a computer or another mobile device.

Step 2: Sign in using the Apple ID associated with the locked iPad.

Step 3: Select "Find My" and locate your iPad from the list of devices.

Step 4: Choose the option to "Erase iPad" or “Erase this device” and confirm the action by clicking "Erase iPad" again.

Once the data erasure process is complete, proceed to set up your iPad as if it were new.

Part 3. How to Prevent ‘iPad Unavailable’ Screen from Appearing

The duration of the "iPad Unavailable" option depends on the number of incorrect attempts made to unlock it with the wrong passcode.

For example, after the first 5 incorrect attempts, the iPad will be unavailable for 1 minute. Then, the duration of unavailability will gradually increase with each consecutive incorrect attempt. But after 10 wrong attempts, your iPad will become permanently locked. When that happens, you need to fix it with the above methods to regain access.

Of course, it's always better to be safe than sorry. While you can't intentionally forget your passcode, there are tips to avoid encountering this iPad unavailable issue:

1. Choose a passcode that you can easily remember but is difficult for others to guess and avoid using easily guessable combinations like "1234" or "0000"
2. If your iPad supports it, use Touch ID or Face ID for quick and secure access without entering the passcode
3. In case you forget your passcode or encounter any issues, having a recent backup ensures you can restore your data without much hassle
4. Enable Find My iPad to locate, remotely lock, or erase your iPad if it's lost or stolen

Conclusion

The "iPad Unavailable" message can make you feel concerned. However, it's important to understand that it's a security measure designed to protect your device and personal data. With the solutions outlined here, you can navigate through this issue with confidence.

Remember, technology can sometimes throw unexpected challenges our way, but there's almost always a solution available. If you prefer a hassle-free approach, trusted third-party software like Dr.Fone – Screen Unlock (iOS) can efficiently resolve the issue for you.

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