How to Fix 'iPhone Unavailable' and Reset Your iPhone: Engadget's Guide

For devices running iOS 17 or later, if the passcode was changed within the past 72 hours, users can tap “Forgot Passcode” on the unavailable screen and select “Enter Previous Passcode.” After unlocking, a new passcode must be set immediately.

Those without a computer can reset the iPhone directly if it runs iOS 15.2 or later, has Find My enabled, has a cellular or Wi-Fi connection, and the user knows their Apple Account password. From the unavailable screen, choose “Forgot Passcode,” then “iPhone Reset,” enter the Apple Account password, and select “Erase iPhone” to delete all data and settings. On iOS 17 or later, users with an eSIM may choose to keep the eSIM while erasing data or erase both.

Alternatively, a computer can restore the device. Users need a cable and an internet connection; on a PC, the Apple Devices app from the Microsoft Store is required. After turning off the iPhone, connect it to the computer while holding the side button until the recovery-mode screen appears. On a Mac, open Finder and select Restore; on a PC, use the Apple Devices app. Restoring wipes the phone, and data can be recovered only from an existing iCloud backup. Apple warns that updating may be necessary before finishing the restoration.

Engadget also outlined three types of resets: restarting, which loses no data; a soft reset, which clears all settings but keeps data; and a hard reset, which erases everything. To force restart an unresponsive iPhone, press and release volume up, then volume down, then hold the side button until the Apple logo appears.

A soft reset is done through Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset, where users can choose to reset all settings or specific ones like network settings. This step clears Wi-Fi passwords, Bluetooth connections, Apple Pay cards, location permissions, display and sound preferences, and learned keyboard words.

For a hard reset, users go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings, then enter the passcode and Apple password. Engadget recommends backing up to iCloud beforehand. During the process, users can keep or delete their eSIM; deleting it requires reactivating the plan through the carrier.