If you’ve done some work on your iPhone lately, you may have encountered a nasty surprise while updating the software: Here’s how to fix iPhone error 53.
Recently, iPhone error 53 has taken the internet by storm with conspiracy theories that Apple intentionally bricked a bunch of iPhones just because their owners had them repaired by a third party. But would Apple really jeopardize positive brand ratings with such a brutish punishment?
A new version of the iOS 9.2.1 firmware fixes the iPhone Error 53 issue.
What is iPhone Error 53?
The answer is both yes and no. As it turns out, Apple is is responsible for this new error 53 that is starting to appear for some iPhone owners. And we don’t mean responsible that this is an accidental error for some users after updating the software that powers their iPhone.
No, apparently Apple specifically designed firmware updates to disable certain iPhones. had repaired by a third party using unofficial hardware (whether that third party is a non-Apple-authorized store or yours). However, contrary to early reports, error 53 doesn’t happen to anyone who makes some unofficial repairs to their iPhone.
Instead, it has to be done explicitly with the fingerprint sensor built into the home button (as a result, the iPhone error 53 code only popped up for users of the iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 6s, or iPhone 6s Plus). As part of keeping data like payment information and your fingerprint safe from other parties, Apple adds a secure element to your iPhone.
Since the Touch ID sensor stores your fingerprint data in this item, it’s important to make sure that only allowed apps can access it. If a third party replaces the Touch ID sensor with non-Apple hardware, it could theoretically be preparing an attack vector to steal data from that secure item.
Apple’s response to detecting these changes was to disable the phone to keep data safe. It came as a complete surprise to iPhone owners who were not warned about what would happen when the firmware update was installed. After installation the iPhone will reboot and show ‘Connect to iTunes’ – that’s it. Nothing can fix it, not even you made Connect to iTunes.
Perhaps most frustrating are the reports on the internet that some users are getting the error even if they haven’t replaced their Touch ID sensors – even if it originally came from Apple, a faulty sensor could have triggered it.
How to fix iPhone error 53?
What further frustrated iPhone owners was that if they weren’t hours away from an Apple store, Apple had the guts to charge them for fixing bug 53 – this undoubtedly includes changing Touch ID hardware back to Apple standard. pieces, but still an unpleasant surprise.
Today, however, Apple Mea Culpa and new firmware released designed to solve the problem; The new version of iOS was released as the company sent an apology to the media.
To bring back a phone from the curse of error code 53, you’ll need access to a Mac or PC running iTunes – if you’re using a Chromebook, for example, you’re mostly out of luck. . If not, you’ll need to borrow one from a friend or go to an Apple Store; While a Genius Bar employee may be able to assist you, most Apple Stores will let you plug your iPhone into one of the iMacs around.
Therefore, you will have to connect your phone to PC or Mac and open iTunes. When you plug in the iPhone, you should see a message similar to this popup on the computer screen:
Click the Update button and iTunes will download the latest version of iOS (in this case, an updated version of iOS 9.2.1). All you have to do is let it download and install; Your iPhone will reboot itself with the new software and hopefully without showing error code 53 and connecting to the iTunes screen.
Touch ID will be permanently disabled.
Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on where you are with the problem), Touch ID will be permanently disabled on your iPhone.
iPhone 5S fingerprint sensor; this was the first fingerprint sensor shipped on an iPhone.
This is actually the best scenario iPhone users can hope for, and it’s definitely the approach Apple should have taken in the first place. After installing the new version of iOS, all affected iPhones work as if the Touch ID sensor was never a part of their iPhone; If you want to protect your iPhone from prying eyes, you must use a passcode. .
If you want to re-enable your fingerprint sensor (and thus your Touch ID), you’ll need to take your phone to Apple and get a repair quote from them for hardware and labor costs.
Note: Even if you can’t use your fingerprint sensor, you can still use Apple Pay if you have an iPhone 6 or iPhone 6s; Just tell it to use your passcode instead of Touch ID (go to your iPhone’s settings: Settings > Touch ID & Passcode > deselect Apple Pay – under “Use Touch ID For”).
Apple will also provide refunds to users who have Apple (or their respective Apple service centers) for iPhone error 53 issues to be out of warranty, but it is not yet known whether Apple will replace the entire cost of fingerprint sensor replacement. additional labor. If you are interested in getting some refund, you need to get in touch. Apple Support.
