How to get into unavailable iPhone SE if you're locked out
If you're unable to access your iPhone SE that says unavailable, it's likely that you forgot the lock screen passcode. Here's how to get into an unavailable iPhone SE.
Alex Griffith Updated on Mar 27, 2025 9:44 PM
We rely on smartphone for almost everything we do daily. There are few things more frustrating than forgetting your password and being unable to get into your iPhone SE with unavailable screen, whether you own the 3rd generation Apple iPhone SE or an older 1st generation iPhone SE that's released in 2016. Apple offers several official routes to help you get into an unavailable iPhone SE if you've forgotten the passcode.
After entering too many wrong screen lock passcode, you will get unavailable messages on iPhone SE.
For those who have Apple ID set up in the iPhone SE, the most straightforward and simple way to get into a locked iPhone SE saying Unavailable is to use the "Forgot Passcode" feature, Using this new-released option will allow you to erase and unlock your phone without computer.
If Apple ID is absence, and you do have a computer - either a Mac or PC is okay - available to use, then using your computer to put the iPhone SE into recovery mode is perfectly acceptable. Still no luck? Go with the popular iPhone Unlocker, which has proven to be extremely powerful and reliable, helping Apple users seamlessly remove different of screen locks and errors.
Let's look at a few different ways that you can take to get into iPhone SE when it shows unavailable, disable, security lockout, or any other error.
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Can you fix unavailable error to get into iPhone SE?
Yes. Even if you forgot the passcode, you have different ways to get into unavailable iPhone SE after too many wrong passcode attempts, depending on what iOS software and phone model you have. Either way, you'll have to factory reset the iPhone SE to be able to use it again. And all your photos, media, contacts, apps, settings, or other data will gone forever after the reset. If you have your phone backed up with iCloud or computer, this won't be a problem as you can restore it from a recent backup.
Here're ways to get into iPhone SE when you see unavailable message on the screen.
How to get into unavailable iPhone SE using Forgot Passcode feature
iPhone SE running iOS 17 or higher has an Forgot Passcode tool for erasing the device when you don't remember the passcode. To trigger it, enter random passcode to the screen until you get iPhone unavailable or security lockout message there.
At this point, you will also see Emergency option on the bottom left side of the screen, while another Forgot Passcode option on the bottom right side. Tap Forgot Passcode to proceed. If your phone has a lower iOS version but between iOS 15.2 and iOS 16, there will be an Erase iPhone located instead. Both does the same work.
A new screen will come up asking if you want to start resetting your iPhone that's in security lockout or wait until the lock time runs out and then enter your correct passcode. If you're ready, tap Start iPhone Reset.
Enter your Apple ID password to sign out of your Apple Account. Wait a while until the erase process comes to end. Once complete, your iPhone SE will be returned to its factory conditions, no more unavailable screen.
Now, as you did for the first time, you can go through the steps to set up the phone with setup assistant. If you previously created any backups, select where you want to restore from when you reach Transfer Your Apps & Data screen. If you select "From iCloud Backup," sign in with your iCloud, then choose a most relevant backup from the list; if your backups are stored on computer, select "From Mac or PC," and connect your iPhone SE to complete the restore process.
You can now access your iPhone SE and use it, without unavailable error.
How to get into locked iPhone SE using iPhone Unlocker software
There isn't Forgot Passcode option on unavailable screen to reset and get into iPhone SE? No worries. You can connect the phone to a computer and use a dedicated third-party tool to unlock the screen. That's where iPhone Unlocker comes in handy.
It's a reliable password/ - code unlocking software application that is specifically designed for Apple users. Thanks to its intuitive user interface and clear wizard, the removal of screen lock is quick and straightforward, no matter you set the screen with a 4-digit codes or 6-digit codes, or the screen gets disabled, unavailable, or security lockout errors.
As an all-in-one solution, it offers a complete suite of tools for lock screen passcode wipe, Apple ID removal, Activation Lock bypass, Screen Time passcode reset, remote management unlock, and more, making it essential tool in your arsenal.
Step 1: Launch iPhone Unlocker
Download the software on your either Windows computer or Mac, then follow the steps of the setup wizard to install it.
Launch iPhone Unlocker from your desktop, you have all functions in the main interface. To get into iPhone SE showing Unavailable screen, click "Wipe Passcode" to get started.
Tip: If you get a second-hand iPad is controlled by an organization or school, you can select "Remove MDM" tool to remove remote management from iPad.
Connect your iPhone SE into computer and wait it to be detected. If fails, don't worry, click "Device connected but not recognized" link to troubleshoot it.
Step 2: Confirm your device information
When 'Confirm your device information' screen appears, check the information carefully, then click "Start" button to go on.
Step 3: Download iPhone SE firmware package
The software will download the latest firmware for your iPhone SE model, which may take up to several minutes to complete.
After download, click "Unlock" button.
Step 4: Begin unlocking iPhone SE unavailable screen
A warning dialog box will open, asking you to enter the specified number to confirm the unlock action.
Click "0000" and then "Unlock" to erase your data and restore the iPhone SE to factory conditions. The latest iOS version will also be installed on the device.
When the progress bar gets to 100%, you're done!
Wait for the software to inform you the unlock is complete, then disconnect your iPhone SE from your computer. Your device should display the Hello screen. You can now set it up and get into the iPhone SE again.
Also: How to transfer music to iPhone from iTunes
How to get into iPhone SE that says unavailable using Recovery mode
Most people never need to use a Recovery mode, but if you forgot the passcode and can't get into the iPhone SE saying unavailable, it can help you bring the phone back to life. Here's how to do it, in a few simple steps.
1. How to enter recovery mode
Depending on the model of iPhone SE you have, you will go through the different steps for entering recovery mode.
Start by holding down the Side button for a few seconds and then drag the slider to turn it off.
On iPhone SE 2nd and 3rd generation:
- Connect your iPhone to the computer and quickly hold the Side button.
- Continue to hold the button when you see the black screen and Apple logo.
- When a screen with a cable pointing to PC icon appears, let go of the Side button.
On iPhone SE 1st generation:
- Connect your iPhone SE 1st gen to the computer and quickly hold the Home button.
- Continue to hold the button when you see the black screen and Apple logo.
- When a screen with a cable pointing to PC icon appears, let go of the Side button.
2. Open iTunes on your PC, or Finder on your Mac
If your iTunes hasn't been updated for a long time, check if it's up to date.
3. Select Restore when asked
Your iPhone that's in recovery mode will be detected in iTunes window or Finder app, and the computer will pop up a message asking if you want to perform a reset or update the software. Select Restore.
Also: How to enter Android phone to recovery mode
4. Wait for the restore process to finish
It will wipe all apps, data, media files, text messages, settings, and other types of data.
5. Set up your iPhone SE and reactivate it
Once you see Hello screen, you can now get into the iPhone once more. Just be noted that if you use recovery mode to erase an unavailable iPhone SE to regain access, you will have to sign in with your original iCloud account to bypass Activation Lock during setup.
