solidnliquid

Q: "Error 53" on iPhone 6+ without any prior unauthorized repairs

Hi,

 

I recently tried to upgrade my iPhone 6+ to the latest iOS 9 version (around a month ago) and unfortunately encountered the Error 53 problem which rendered my iPhone completely useless. I took it to the service centers in Singapore and they said that it is a hardware issue and they can only replace the phone for a fee since it is out of warranty. I practically gave up on it until I recently read the latest announcements by Apple and responses by the public (regarding lawsuits etc). My question is this: My phone has never been repaired or even opened up by any unauthorized 3rd parties. In fact the phone was in perfect working condition until I tried to issue the upgrade. And I still have not given the phone for any repairs to anyone. Surely the Apple service centers can provide an exception for such cases (I'm sure there must be methods for the Apple technicians to verify if an iPhone has been opened up previously) in which they can provide a option for a repair for a fee instead of demanding that I get a full out-of-warranty replacement.

 

Am I the only person here who thinks this is logical?

 

Thanks,

Hari

iPhone 6 Plus, iOS 9.2

Posted on Feb 10, 2016 7:22 AM

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Q: "Error 53" on iPhone 6+ without any prior unauthorized repairs

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  • Helpful answers

  • by deggie,

    deggie deggie Feb 10, 2016 7:54 AM in response to solidnliquid
    Level 9 (54,686 points)
    iPhone
    Feb 10, 2016 7:54 AM in response to solidnliquid

    Error 53 can also occur from the TouchID hardware failing on your iPhone, it doesn't require 3rd party repairs. If you are in warranty you can have it replaced, outside of warranty you will need to do an out-of-warranty replacement for the stated fee.

  • by solidnliquid,

    solidnliquid solidnliquid Feb 10, 2016 8:48 AM in response to deggie
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Feb 10, 2016 8:48 AM in response to deggie

    Hi Deggie,

     

    My question is why doesn't Apple provide me an option to repair the phone if indeed the TouchID has malfunctioned as you say, considering I never faced any issues with the phone in the first place (I have never configured TouchID even once. Not even just to try it out). It's really sad that a perfectly working phone has become completely useless just because I tried to upgrade it to the latest iOS version.

     

    Thanks!

  • by deggie,

    deggie deggie Feb 10, 2016 8:50 AM in response to solidnliquid
    Level 9 (54,686 points)
    iPhone
    Feb 10, 2016 8:50 AM in response to solidnliquid

    They do provide you with an option to fix it but the TouchID is mated with the logic board and security chip. Yours has failed.

  • by TJBUSMC1973,

    TJBUSMC1973 TJBUSMC1973 Feb 10, 2016 9:57 AM in response to solidnliquid
    Level 5 (7,636 points)
    Feb 10, 2016 9:57 AM in response to solidnliquid

    solidnliquid wrote:

     

    Hi Deggie,

     

    My question is why doesn't Apple provide me an option to repair the phone if indeed the TouchID has malfunctioned as you say, considering I never faced any issues with the phone in the first place (I have never configured TouchID even once. Not even just to try it out). It's really sad that a perfectly working phone has become completely useless just because I tried to upgrade it to the latest iOS version.

     

    Thanks!

     

    Your phone had a hardware defect (assuming there's been no damage or abuse).

    You did not report such a defect until after your one-year warranty expired.

    You are then required to pay the out-of-warranty fee option if you wish to have Apple service or replace the device.

     

    I should make that into a text shortcut so I don't have to type it all the time.  Because it doesn't matter what the defect is.  All that matters is whether or not you report it to Apple wishing your one-year warranty time frame.  If you don't then it's out-of-warranty and the service fee applies.

     

    The only time this is not true is if Apple has specifically addressed a specific issue (such as the iPhone 5 battery or Sleep/Wake Button) and granted an extension.

     

    Question:  If you wanted more than one year of free service & support from Apple, then why did you agree to the one-year warranty time frame when you bought the device?

  • by solidnliquid,

    solidnliquid solidnliquid Feb 10, 2016 10:35 AM in response to TJBUSMC1973
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Feb 10, 2016 10:35 AM in response to TJBUSMC1973

    But that's exactly what you've gotten wrong! I was completely unaware that my phone had any defect of any sort until I tried to upgrade my phone to the latest iOS 9.2.1 release less than a month ago. I have issued many prior upgrades before without any facing any issue. There was absolutely nothing wrong with the phone and it was working like a charm until the "Error 53" popped up on the latest upgrade.

     

    Also, I know I will have to pay a service fee since it is out of warranty. My point is the service centers refuse to REPAIR my phone for a fee and insist that I REPLACE it for a even greater fee. I do not mind paying the repair fee. If they agree to do so

  • by KiltedTim,

    KiltedTim KiltedTim Feb 10, 2016 10:40 AM in response to solidnliquid
    Level 9 (56,111 points)
    Mac OS X
    Feb 10, 2016 10:40 AM in response to solidnliquid

    That would be a matter of policy, which can not be discussed here per the Apple Support Communities Terms of Use.

  • by solidnliquid,

    solidnliquid solidnliquid Feb 10, 2016 10:42 AM in response to deggie
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Feb 10, 2016 10:42 AM in response to deggie

    Unfortunately, I have tried the service centers in Singapore and India and they do not have an option to repair, only to replace. I'm assuming you are referring to the Apple service centers in the U.S when you say that they give an option to fix?

  • by solidnliquid,

    solidnliquid solidnliquid Feb 11, 2016 12:05 AM in response to KiltedTim
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Feb 11, 2016 12:05 AM in response to KiltedTim

    Ok. Let me rephrase my question. Does anybody know if there are any authorized Apple service centers that will repair the phone instead of replacing the phone?

  • by sterling r,

    sterling r sterling r Feb 18, 2016 2:07 PM in response to solidnliquid
    Community Specialists
    Feb 18, 2016 2:07 PM in response to solidnliquid

    If you see an error 53 message in iTunes and “Connect to iTunes” on your iOS device, use the steps in this article to restore and recover your device using iOS 9.2.1 and iTunes on your Mac or PC.

     

    If you see error 53 and your iPhone or iPad gets stuck on the 'Connect to iTunes' screen - Apple Support

  • by xyounasx,

    xyounasx xyounasx Feb 18, 2016 2:47 PM in response to solidnliquid
    Level 1 (8 points)
    iPhone
    Feb 18, 2016 2:47 PM in response to solidnliquid

    WOow Nice 100%100  Solved ^_^

    Thanks Apple

    No more itunes error 53 just restore from itunes & thats all

     

    No more itunes error 53

    CLick on link

    If you see error 53 and your iPhone or iPad gets stuck on the 'Connect to iTunes' screen - Apple Support