Update: Apple now has a complete solution for Error 53
Error 53 has been causing problems for iPhone 6 users since at least 18 August 2015.
iFixit research has revealed that:
● Home button & its fingerprint sensor are paired with the iPhone 6 at the factory. If it is replaced, even with a genuine part from another iPhone, an Error 53 will be generated, & iPhone bricked, if iOS is updated using iTunes.
● iPhone 6s is susceptible too.
● If the home button is replaced, even with a genuine part, the home button will work, but the fingerprint sensor will not.
● Error 53 problems are not restricted to after-market parts from suppliers other than Apple.
An iPhone 6 (including Plus or s) is at risk from Error 53 if any of the following apply:
● If the home button has been replaced by anyone other than Apple.
● If the fingerprint sensor has stopped working.
● If your iPhone has failed to complete an Over The Air (OTA) update – failure to complete doesn’t create the problem, but indicates that it probably exists.
● Error 53 occurs during a iOS update through iTunes, while connected to a computer, if the home button cannot be identified as the correct, paired component. It is conceivable, & some have claimed, that this can happen even if none of the risk factors above apply, perhaps due to some minor mishap. Have your ever dropped your phone?
OTA update error
Credit: Apple/iFixit.com
How to keep your phone safe from Error 53 & bricking:
● Do a backup before updating any operating system on any platform.
● iFixit research indicates that OTA allows an iOS update without risking an Error 53. If the OTA fails, it is possible that the update has failed due to some other reason. Consider repeating.
If you have arrived at this point without a successful update, try your nearest Apple store. Some owners indicate that a repair or replacement has been provided at no cost.
If Apple won't provide a free fix, one of the expensive options is indicated. You could remain on the current version of iOS, but be aware that an out-of-date OS places your device at risk from other causes, such as malware & hacking. / investigations Error 53 we bricked brick bricking iPhone 6s roundup of Error 53 imbroglio do some additional testing issue plaguing iPhone 6 6 Plus users afflict owners newer iPhone 6s 6s Plus investigation yes latest generation iPhones likely vulnerable potential fix unlikely to help quick recap Error 53 iPhone damaged non-original Touch ID hardware iOS update home button embedded fingerprint sensor paired to your iPhone at the factory iOS detects any change hardware shuts down Touch ID completely security feature iPhone continues to work minus Touch ID functionality passcode until you update iOS combine rejiggered home button hardware software update iPhone displays Error 53 brick bricked bricking iBrick this issue affects both iPhone 6 6 Plus models first released 2014 revised S versions September 2015 updated Touch ID hardware immune to the error brick phone iPhone iPhone 6s removed original home button stock home button rose gold iPhone 6s 100% genuine Apple parts faulty components Apple implied might provoke Error 53 booted worked just fine Touch ID was no longer functional update latest build of iOS simplest OTA Over The Air update downloading installing update directly iPhone without connecting to iTunes process failed almost immediately Unable to Install Update An error occurred installing iOS 9.2.1 Error 53 iOS failed to update iPhone kept working no Touch ID as expected well-behaved iPhone tried second update method downloaded installed latest iOS through iTunes connecting computer halfway through the process iTunes bad news iPhone could not be updated An unknown error occurred (53) iPhone went into recovery mode iPhone 6 and 6 Plus tinkering with the home button updating through iTunes kiss of death bricked brick errors experimented 6s Plus same result reinstalling the original home button updating through iTunes Touch ID only option take your phone back to Apple Apple Authorized Service Provider you may get a new phone for free may have to pay for a new one end of the road iPhone 6s or 6s Plus Error 53 /
