This article was published on February 18, 2016

Apple releases an official fix for iPhone bricking ‘Error 53’ issue


Apple releases an official fix for iPhone bricking ‘Error 53’ issue

Apple has released an update for iOS 9.2.1, which will solve the annoying ‘Error 53’ message that was bricking iPhones.

If you’re not familiar, Error 53 happened when devices with new Touch ID sensors from unauthorized Apple repair shops — using components not sourced properly — failed fingerprint scans.

When the new Touch ID hardware was used, it caused iOS to freak out; it could tell the components weren’t original, and thus shut the phone down entirely as a safety precaution.

Speaking to TechCrunch, Apple released the following statement:

Some customers’ devices are showing ‘Connect to iTunes’ after attempting an iOS update or a restore from iTunes on a Mac or PC. This reports as an Error 53 in iTunes and appears when a device fails a security test. This test was designed to check whether Touch ID works properly before the device leaves the factory.

Today, Apple released a software update that allows customers who have encountered this error message to successfully restore their device using iTunes on a Mac or PC.

We apologize for any inconvenience, this was designed to be a factory test and was not intended to affect customers. Customers who paid for an out-of-warranty replacement of their device based on this issue should contact AppleCare about a reimbursement.

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The update for iOS 9.2.1 can be obtained via iTunes Connect; you won’t be able to do it over the air.

Apple Apologizes And Updates iOS To Restore iPhones Disabled By Error 53 [TechCrunch]

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