Apple Releases Official Fix for ‘Error 53’

Apple has released an update for iOS 9.2.1, which solves the Error 53 message that disables iPhones with damaged or third-party replaced TouchID sensors.

Error 53 was implemented as a security measure to keep unauthorized users from replacing the TouchID sensor in Apple iPhones and iPads to gain access to information stored on the device. Apple’s touch sensors are paired to their device at the factory, so when third-party repair shops replaced the sensors, iOS detected that the sensor was not original and disabled the device.

Apple issued the following statement to TechCrunch earlier today:

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.

If your device has been affected by Error 53, you can install the update only through iTunes Connect– the update is not available over the air.