How to Bypass iPad Unavailable Message - 5 Solutions

Seeing the “iPad Unavailable” message is frustrating because it means your iPad has been locked after too many wrong passcode attempts. This situation, also called iPad Security Lockout, prevents you from accessing your device and usually leaves users searching for ways to bypass the iPad Unavailable screen quickly.

In this 2025 updated guide, you’ll learn how to fix iPad Unavailable step by step, including methods to reset your iPad with or without a computer. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced user, these solutions are safe, effective, and designed to help you unlock an iPad stuck on Unavailable without hassle.

Part 1: What Does "iPad Unavailable" Mean?

Why does your iPad say unavailable? Same to the iPhone Unavailable screen, when your iPad says "iPad Unavailable", it means your device has been temporarily locked due to multiple incorrect passcode attempts. This is a security feature designed to protect your data from unauthorized access. Depending on how many incorrect attempts have been made, your iPad might be unavailable for minutes, hours, or indefinitely. Here's how the escalation works:

Incorrect Attempts	Result
5 wrong attempts	iPad Unavailable, try again in 1 minute
6 wrong attempts	iPad Unavailable, try again in 5 minutes
7 wrong attempts	iPad Unavailable, try again in 15 minutes
8 wrong attempts	iPad Unavailable,try again in 60 minutes

Important: All methods of iPad Unavailable fix will erase your device and reset it to factory settings. Make sure you have a recent backup before proceeding.

Part 2: How to Fix iPad Unavailable Screen

If the wait time is short, the simplest solution is to let the timer expire and try entering the correct passcode again—this helps you unlock your iPad without losing any data. However, if you’ve completely forgotten your iPad passcode, this method won’t work. So what can you do next?

In this section, we’ll walk you through step-by-step instructions to bypass the iPad Unavailable message using both computer-based tools and remote methods. Whether you've entered the wrong passcode too many times or simply can't remember it, you'll learn how to unlock iPad unavailable with or without a computer.

Method 1: Fix iPad Unavailable Screen Using the Erase Option (iPadOS 15.2 to iPadOS 16)

If you want to fix iPad Unavailable screen without a computer and your device is running iOS 15.2 or later, the Erase iPad option makes it easy. After 5 consecutive failed passcode attempts, your screen will display “iPad Unavailable, try again in 1 minute,” along with the Erase iPad option in the lower corner.

Keep in mind, this method will erase all data and reset your iPad completely. To use it, your iPad must be signed in with your Apple ID and connected to the internet. If these conditions are met, follow the steps below to unlock iPad Unavailable without a computer.

Step 1: Keep entering the wrong password until the iPad Unavailable screen appears.

Step 2: Click on the Erase iPad option, and tap it again when you have to confirm the erasing of settings and content of the iPad.

Step 3: A new pop-up will appear asking for the Apple ID, so add the login credentials, and the erasing process will start.

Step 4: Now, just wait for the iPad Unavailable bypass process to finish, and you will be able to reset the iPad as a new one once it is completed.

Method 2: Fix iPad Unavailable with Previous Set Password (iPadOS 17.0 and later)

If your iPad is running iPadOS 17.0 or later and you recently changed your passcode, you still have a 72-hour window to unlock the device using your old passcode. This feature is designed to prevent you from getting completely locked out in case you forget the new passcode. Here's how to unlock iPad unavailable using your old passcode:

Step 1: On the iPad Unavailable screen, tap Forgot Passcode? at the bottom of the screen.

Step 2: When prompted, enter the previous passcode you used before changing it.

Step 3: If the old passcode is correct and within the 72-hour window, your iPad will unlock immediately—no reset or data loss required.

Step 4: Once inside, go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode to confirm or change to a passcode you can remember.

Method 3: Remove iPad Unavailable Screen with PassFab iPhone Unlocker

PassFab iPhone Unlock is the fastest and most reliable solution to fix iPad unavailable or Security Lockout screen without computer with a 99.8% success rate. This powerful third-party tool works for all iPad models and iOS versions, including the latest iPadOS 26 and iPad Pro models. Besides unlock iPad Unavailable screen, it also enables you to remove Apple ID, Screen Time Passcode, and iCloud Activation Lock.

Why Choose PassFab iPhone Unlocker?

• Unlock Every Type of iOS Screen Lock: This tool can effortlessly remove all screen lock types on your iOS device, ranging from Face ID, Touch ID, numeric passcode to pattern and PIN.
• One-Click Unlock Simplicity: No technical skills required—just a single click is all it takes to remove the iPhone and iPad Unavailable or Security Lockout message, which is fast, straightforward, and user-friendly for everyone.
• Unlock in 3 Easy Steps Within Minutes: Get back into your device quickly. With only 3 simple steps, the entire unlocking process takes just a few minutes—no long waits or hassle.
• Compatible with All iPhones, iPads & iOS Versions: Enjoy full support for every iPhone and iPad model, running any iOS version, including the latest iPadOS 26 release.

• First of all, download and install PassFab iPhone Unlocker and open it. After this, click on the Unlock iOS Screen

  

• Then, connect the iPad to the computer and click the Next button to continue.

  

• Now download the firmware package and save it. For this purpose, you must select the file save path and hit the download button to install the firmware package. You might have to wait for a few minutes for this and don’t forget to ensure a high-speed internet connection.

  

• Once the firmware is downloaded, tap on the Start to Remove option to fix iPad Unavailable or Security Lockout screen. Now, you will be able to open your iPad without the message, so you can set up the new passcode.

  

Method 4: Bypass iPad Unavailable Screen via iCloud

iCloud is a way to unlock the iPad Unavailable without passcode. For this purpose, you need to ensure that the iPad is connected to the wireless internet connection, and the Find My App should be enabled on the device. In addition, the iCloud ID should be signed in. once you have fulfilled these prerequisites, you can follow the below-mentioned instructions on how to bypass iPhone Unavailable screen without passcode:

Step 1: Open icloud.com and use your Apple ID login credentials on the computer or on the iPad.

Step 2: Now, choose the Find My app and tap on All Devices for locating the iPad.

Step 3: Tap on Erase iPad and add the Apple ID credentials.

Step 4: Confirm the erasing, and you are done! You can set up the iPad again.

Method 5: How to Unlock iPad unavailable with Recovery Mode

If you don’t remember your Apple ID password or don’t see the Erase iPad option, you can use iTunes (on Windows) or Finder (on Mac) to fix the iPad Unavailable screen. This method works if your iPad has previously synced with the computer and Find My iPad is turned off. You’ll need to put your iPad into recovery mode and restore it from there. Follow the steps below to learn how to fix iPad Unavailable using a computer:

Step 1: Put your iPad Unavailable or Security Lockout screen into Recovery mode:

• For iPad without Home Button: Press and quickly release the Volume Up button. Press and quickly release the Volume Down button. Then press and hold the Top button until you see the recovery mode screen.
• For iPad with Home Button: Press and hold both the Home and Top buttons together until you see the recovery mode screen.

Step 2: Then connect your iPad to the computer and launch iTunes or Finder.

Step 3: On your computer, iTunes or Finder will detect your iPad in recovery mode. Click Restore when prompted.

Step 4: The computer will download the latest iPadOS software and restore your iPad. This can take 20-30 minutes depending on your internet speed. Once completed, you can set up your iPad as a new one or restore it from a backup.

Part 3: Video Guide on How to Bypass iPad Unavailable Screen

FAQs on iPad Unavailable Screen

Q1: Can I bypass iPad Unavailable without losing data?

Unfortunately, no. All methods to bypass the iPad unavailable screen will erase your device data. This is why having regular backups is crucial.

Q2: Which iPadOS versions show "iPad Unavailable" instead of "iPad is Disabled"?

iOS 15.2 and later display "iPad Unavailable" or "Security Lockout," while earlier versions show "iPad is Disabled."

Q3: Will my iPad be updated to the latest iPadOS after using these methods?

Yes, most methods will update your iPad to the latest compatible iOS version during the restore process.

Final Words

Running into the iPad Unavailable screen can be incredibly frustrating. Luckily, you now have several solutions at your fingertips. If you're looking for an iPad unavailable fix without computer, iCloud is a great option. Prefer using a tool? Learn how to unlock iPad unavailable with computer using PassFab iPhone Unlock. Still wondering how to bypass iPad unavailable screen quickly? PassFab iPhone Unlock offers a reliable and efficient fix.

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