iTunes Error 53 - Please help!
I repair iPhones for a living and after iPhone 6 was released I've come across iTunes error 53 when updating/restoring iPhone 6's.
Error 53 is not listed anywhere and I cannot find any guides or info besides to take it back to Apple store, which is not an option.
Does anyone know how to fix this?
I now know that this is a touch ID related problem. I also know why error 53 appears. If you change the screen of an iPhone 6 while the power is still on you will get error 53. You can also get error 53 if the iPhone is water damaged.
However, I haven't found an answer for the problem yet.
I've tried to restore, hard reset, DFU restore, change the home button and restore, restore without home button, restore with original home button, Logic board in test cabinet and restore. Nothing helps.
Has anyone had success with error 53 yet?
UPDATE 2/18/16 EDIT by mayer:
Sorry - I need to stick this answer & edit in here:
Confirmed: Apple’s Error 53 Fix Works
This morning, Apple apologized to its customers and admitted that Error 53 was a mistake—as opposed to a deliberate security feature. They also released a patch to iOS 9.2.1 that purports to fix Error 53—un-bricking phones disabled by the problem and preventing it from happening in the future to phones repaired outside of Apple's network.
Of course, we had to test the repair procedure ourselves. We’re pleased to report that the fix successfully fixed our Error 53ed iPhone 6s, and the process is refreshingly straightforward.
Visit our blog for more on our analysis.
http://ifixit.org/blog/7924/error-53-fix...
Nice job, Apple! Rolling out a fix is not only a win for consumers—but a clear victory for the right to repair your stuff. But there’s still a lot of work left to do to ensure that owners and independent repair shops have all the parts, tools, information, and support they need to fix products. And we’re going to continue to fight these battles publicly, in front of the Copyright Office, in front of lawmakers, and wherever else they need to be fought.
You can head over to Repair.org to check out all the other ways we’re working to make sure people can fix stuff when it break.
If you have any questions, or would like to request an interview, please email Kay-Kay Clapp at kaykay@ifixit.com.
Is this a good question?
when ur doing software please press home button untill restore the mobile just know i do it for 2 mobile......error of 53..
by mohammed abia
bonsoir j ai le même problème la touche ID ne marchais pas alors je voulais faire une mise ajour et depuis il me ramène l erreur 53
by leila225
iphone 6 error 53 hlp me
by arslan butt
i have disconnected the touch id and touch screen,and the restored the iphone,but still have the problem... any one know that what should i do?
by farid
If you disconnect the Touch ID cable, of course you will get error 53. Now only Apple can fix your phone, there is literally nobody else can help.
by Tom Chai
i do it after i got error 53 , my iphone had some problems ( touch screen did not work good,touch id didnt work) i tried to restore my iphone, then got error 53. anyway i cant use my iphone and dont know what should i do !
by farid
i also had an iphone 5 that was on ( searching... ) and i tried to restore it, and then got error ( i forgot the error code ) and still can not restore my iphone.
by farid
farid, only Apple can repair this, this phone is now as good as trash.
by Tom Chai
my iphone 6 is a new one and i will try to do software on itunes i got error 53 plz any help ?
by rayan
Go to Apple and ask for warranty
by Tom Chai
why no anyone fix this probblem
by albustan544
up up fix ffix
by albustan544
I got the same problem "the iphone iphone could not be restored. an unknown error occurred (53)" I have been to apple but they said my phone got an unauthorized hardware modification but I got nothing like that, this is bullshit.
anyone can help on this other then going to apple again?
by shifann2000
I bought an iPhone 6 from someone but the screen was broken but it was still working I used it for a few month just two days ago I updated to 8.3 but it's showing me error 53 on my computer.My phone is still in warranty I just want to know will Apple cover it .
by shani
shani - Go to Apple Support - this is the DIY volunteer self-help forum.
by originalmachead
This issue is directly related to the touch ID sensor. If it fails (the original) there is absolutely no fix. The cable and the logic board are tethered together. If it has been replaced putting the original back in the phone and doing the restore WILL work. However if the original is damaged (water physical or simply defective) such as your case there is absolutely no fix (for now). If your touch ID fails such as this users did and you try to update or restore the phone it will result in an unrecoverable brick. If you are within the 1 year warranty period apple will help. This issue applies to the iphone 6 and 6+ 5s iPad Air 2 Mini 3.(anything with a touch ID)
Electronic technician
I have more certifications than I can even list here.
by alfanocarl
you can get a new functional touch id sensor from Apple for $109 and it comes with a free screen and installation :) Just make sure you don't have any water or frame damage :)
by alaskan1025
If you replace the Home Button/Scanner you or your customer CAN NEVER UPDATE the device. Updating to a new iOS will brick the unit with Error-53. Hopefully there will be a fix in iOS 9. But if the extension cable is torn it can be replaced with no issues.
by TheMobileFix
Hey guys if any one of you can help me in fixing my error 53 issue on iphone 6 plz
by malik
FYI I sent my phone to Apple Care ticking the "will pay for out of warranty" box - because $500 for a fully functional iPhone 6 64GB is worth it. About two weeks in they canceled my repair. I called twice since July 20th cancel date and they say "a replacement is being issued it will be sent shortly." It's been more than a month (July 5th was the date I filed the repair request) and I still haven't gotten a replacement or repaired iPhone. So I'm guessing this is a bug Apple wants to fix, they don't want to give my phone back because it's out of warranty and broken and they haven't charged me (yet the took my almost perfectly good iPhone), or they take ages to repair/replace out of warranty items. Anyone else ever have a similar issue?
by kkm113
you need a new iphone 6 home flex cable. they are around $10 CDN and USD on amazon.ca/com get one with the backplate attached it makes it way easier. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_rkB6-m... here is the replacement video. im waiting for my cable to come in, good luck.
by tman2011
Hi, I experienced the same problem after new LCD screen was installed. After searching the web I came across multiple reasons and solutions. In my case it was the Touch ID. I removed the Touch ID/Home Button from the broken LCD and fitted to the replacement LCD. It worked for me I was able to restore the phone to the newest iOS update. All working 100%
by Spidey
This resolved my problem! Thank you! Because I replaced the cracked screen I also need to transfer the same Touch ID button in order the address the "error 53" code.
by Kenny Lebron
Any one help me plz my iphone 6 stuke on error 53
by Ali Baba
iTunes Error 53 occurs whenever an Apple device is upgrading to a new iOS and the upgrade encounters a hardware error. The error is commonly caused by an Apple device that does not have a functional TouchID home button, but there have been reports that other hardware issues have generated the error code. You can try the common steps to ensure the error was generated by a hardware issue (update iTunes, disable security software, try another data cable or workstation).
If the iPhone 6's TouchID was not working prior to the upgrade, it is likely the cause of the problem. Please also note that if you have encountered error 53, the user data on the device is probably lost if you cannot resolve the error (unless you performed a data backup prior to the upgrade). Apple support will unlikely provide any assistance with this problem and will likely state that the problem was caused by third party hardware parts that are not officially supported by Apple. If Apple is willing to service the device, please make sure that all parts in the device are the original Apple parts.
For those that repair Apple devices for a living, Louis Rossmann has an interesting YouTube "opinion" video on this issue and the trend that Apple has recently taken with third party repairs. Just Google "Louis Rossmann Error 53".
by TechPro Solutions
the film that is under the plate that connects to the touch id or home button that should be replaced. Try it it works.
by Josephine Cacatian
error 53 is caused by missing or bad touch ID sensor, or bad line for the sensor to communicate with the board (long flex). I do not believe there are non-touch ID error 53 failures.
by jessabethany
Im from senegal and this is the second time i fix this error while restauring my Iphone 6 without the original touch id, just too easy guys
by Djibril
@Djibril How did you fix it?
by Dustin Sumners
Can u still use the phone while it has a error 53 code ?
by Ellie Wilson
I had error 53 on 9.01 software tried everything old screen with different home buttons finally got past it put my old screen on which didn't even light up holded the home button down and after a hour off trying it finally upgraded to 9.1 won't be doing it again
by Jason
prove it @Djibril
by jessabethany
Ive just been battling this problem all morning. I know my touch id is not the original. but it has been working fine. I stupidly did a restore in itunes and got this error. tried another touch id, still the same. Then I found a random thread about effects of decharging the system. so I disconnected my battery while i fitted the touch id and it restored first time. Hope this helps other people.
by repearllyn
I think @Djibril is full of crap.
by jordanzuniga
Error 53 solution.
It's not easy but it if you are profassional and you know solder etc this is the only way to home. If you break your original Touch ID. You need to remove the touch chip itself, which underneath the ring button .And exchange that with working button.
It's not bluff just like djibril. It's my experience.
I am repeating. Don't do if you don't know what are you doing. If you break that chip. Then your phone is just left to check broken lcd's. So rather breaking that chip seek professional's help.
Coz I normally sold IC's on mobiles. Still I break when I done that first time.
I ll soon upload the video for more help
Good luck
by aqi
Once the iPhone displays the error 53 your phone is finished, there is know fix for error 53, you can try to restore or hard reset a billion times and it will not work ever. Your only option is the Apple Store.
This is directly related to the home button. The home button is married to the logic board if you change the home button you will get error 53.
by Brian S
The same problem with my iPhone 6 can anyone help me. code 53
by Streetfighter
dude...its a big issue.... I just faced it...what should i do.....all the parts of the phone are original.,.,.,.,i just fogot the apple id nd i unlocked the phone from market..... but there was no parts replacement that time with the phone...
by Navneet Rao
Can't find a way to fix it...
http://instantfollowersfree.com
by fecuy
The following text was copied from BBC web site
Not sure if Apple will win many frineds ..
The latest software update for iPhone 6 handsets is allegedly rendering the devices useless if it detects repairs not carried out by Apple.
The problem is known as "error 53" and has appeared in Apple products before.
The Guardian reports that users' phones were disabled after the Touch ID home button was repaired by a non-Apple engineer.
The issue appears to arise once devices have been updated to the latest operating system, iOS 9.
In its report, the Guardian cites the experiences of a freelance photographer, Antonio Olmos, who says the problem occurred on his phone after he upgraded its software.
"When Olmos, who says he has spent thousands of pounds on Apple products over the years, took it to an Apple store in London, staff told him there was nothing they could do, and that his phone was now junk," the paper notes.
Photos 'irretrievable'
Many iPhone 6 customers have been discussing error 53 online.
by Ed Farmer
Here's a socially responsible phone https://www.fairphone.com/phone/
by Barry Dalgleish
how can contact apple ?
by yousef200727
It's all over the news! Apple caved to pressure and threats of a class action lawsuit for bricking so many phones. New update is out that fixes error 53! You have to update via ITunes . Your Touch ID still won't work but at least your phone will be fully functional other than that.
by Lonnie McCoy
Error code 53 is now (per today) fixed by Apple through iTunes restore.
by nabilamjad
Hi,
I tested the fix since the first release from Apple, and it works, the only thing is that the iOS has to detect a "live" home device to perform a checksum check, tested on i5s black , i5s white, i6 white, 100%, any problem , recheck charging port, lighting cable, etc.
Regards
Luis
by Luis
restore it again will be done
by JOHN7890
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