A Security Test Failure!
Error 53 occurs while you’re trying to update or restore your iOS device in iTunes on a Mac or a PC. On your laptop/desktop, your iTunes window says, “The iPhone ‘iPhone/Your Device Name” cannot be restored/updated. An unknown error occurred (53).” Your device says “Connect to iTunes”. It appears due to an unidentified touch module. According to Apple, it occurs in devices that have had their touch modules replaced by an unauthorized party.
Apple claims that if you’ve had any Touch ID related issues resolved by an unauthorized party, Error 53 might pop up. It is also seen that devices that have under gone unauthorized screen repairs can be bricked by Error 53.
Which devices does it affect?
So far only iPhone 6 and 6 Plus have been known to be affected. However, iPads with Touch ID are prone too. Other iOS devices are not affected even if they have Touch ID.
Save your device – UPDATE!
For all those whom the bug troubled – Apple has released an update to IOS 9.2.1 to your rescue! With this update, you can successfully restore or update your device using iTunes on your Mac or PC.
Warranty or No warranty – Get Reimbursed!
Apple resolves the issue of Error 53 for free. YES! Doesn’t matter if your device is out-of-warranty, you don’t have to pay for it. In case you paid, contact apple support to ask about reimbursement.
What should you do?
1. Quit iTunes, if it’s open.
2. Unplug your device.
3. Get the latest version of iTunes.
4. Connect your iOS device to your computer with a USB cable.
5. Open iTunes and select your device.
6. When you see the option in iTunes to Restore or Update, click Update. iTunes will try to reinstall iOS and restore your device without erasing your data.
7. If you can’t get past the Apple logo screen, force restart* your iOS device. When you see the option to Restore or Update, click Restore.
8. When you see your iOS device’s Hello screen, follow the onscreen steps to set up your device.
a. If you previously backed up your device, you can set up from your backup.
b. When you see the screen for Touch ID, tap set up Touch ID later.
9. If Touch ID on your device didn’t work before you saw error 53, the feature still won’t work after you update or restore your device. Contact Apple Support to ask about service options for Touch ID.
*To force restart your device, press and hold both the Sleep/Wake and Home buttons for at least ten seconds, until you see the Apple logo again.