How to Fix an iPhone Bricked by Error 53

Apple rolled out update to fix this error

iPhone repairs performed in an unauthorized service center lead to critical damage to the device, as the update to iOS 9 caused them to get stuck with Error 53 beyond the point where a user can actually fix it at home.
Apple initially said the error was caused by the use of unauthorized parts in an iPhone, and by modifications made to the Touch ID sensor in particular, but in a new statement released recently, the company actually reveals that it was all just a factory test and wasn’t intended to affect customers.


"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," Apple said in a statement.

And in addition to this statement, the company has also released a new update for devices impacted by Error 53 and running iOS 9.2.1 in order to fix them without the need to bring them in the store or to an Apple service center.

How to fix the bricked iPhone
Apple’s latest software update makes it possible to repair an iPhone bricked by Error 53 with iTunes, so first and foremost, make sure that you have the latest version of the application.

What you need to do next is to force-restart the iPhone by holding the lock and the home buttons pressed for at least ten seconds. When you see the Apple logo, you can let the buttons go.

Since you’re in recovery mode, iTunes should be able to detect that your device is stuck with Error 53 and then offer you the latest update that fixes the issue. A full restore might be needed, so you may actually lose all the contents of an iPhone, including apps, photos, and music.

Apple says that in case you’re still not able to fix the iPhone this way, your only option is to contact Apple Support and bring the device in store to have it fixed by the company’s engineers.