iPhone restore error 53 - not listed anywhere, what is the problem? has anyone seen it before???

If you have tried everything then you have a hardware problem related to the Touch ID and you will have to get it serviced.

Hi, poppyseed83.

Thank you for visiting Apple Support Communities.

I would recommend going through the steps in the article below.

Resolve iOS update and restore errors in iTunes

http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1275

Cheers,

Jason H.

deggie wrote:

It comes up every time if you have a 3rd party replace the screen and home button.

Interesting. Thanks.

That, of course, leaves the user with a flat brick as Apple won't have anything to do with it afterwards.

Pixy's problem is when he took the phone in for repair and they opened it they found a part inside the phone that was not from Apple. While pixy says they ordered it online and got it the next day they don't say where they ordered it from. If they did buy it directly from Apple then they could call Customer Service to investigate and resolve the situation.

iTunes Error Code 53

Check for hardware issues

Errors: 1, 3, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, 20, 21, 23, 26, 27, 28, 29, 34, 35, 36, 37, 40, 53, 56, 1002, 1004, 1011, 1012, 1014, 1667, or 1669.

Your device or computer might have a hardware issue that stops the update or restore from completing.

1. Check that your security software and settings aren't blocking your device from communicating with the Apple update server.
2. Then try to restore your iOS device two more times while connected with a cable, computer, and network you know are good.
3. Make sure that your security software and settings are allowing communication between your device and update servers.
4. If you still see the error message when you update or restore, contact Apple support.

If you still see the error message, check for outdated or modified software.

I think you guys got the wrong point or maybe my English is really bad. the point I'm sharing this is not that I want to defame Apple.

I found a lot of similar stories on touch ID not working before I try to restore my phone via iTunes. But I saw no one stating that you can end up killing your own phone before I try to do it myself until I found error code 53 occurred.

So I share this story to tell people don't try to restore your phone via iTunes or save trouble from updating your phone. I would have my phone still working if someone told me that restoring via iTunes can kill my phone. So yeah, just leave your phone there when you can still use it, or you will end up just like me, especially you know that they will void your warranty because of slight cracked screen.

sollarman wrote:

Apple SHOULD disable Touch ID functionality, including ApplePay system in case if something is wrong with touch ID module, but bricking the phone with error 53 is one of the nastiest things they came up with. Especially after the one year warranty period.

As long as you didn't get your device messed with by an authorized person, Apple can repair it for you.

It isn't blocking you from the update, it is telling you that the home button hardware or hardware on the logic board has failed. You can call Apple Customer Service and plead your case and see if there is something they can do for you short of the out-of-warranty replacement. But since you said you don't want to deal with Apple anymore you should do some research and find a phone that has an unlimited warranty and buy it. And the fact that your home button failed doesn't mean it is of low quality.

Jay 75 wrote:

Where is the correct place?

People are coming here because they received the error, they should at least know the truth about why they have the error. I think think keeping these kind of policies quiet help consumers.

But lets face it, you guys are not here to help customers you are here to help and defend the actions of Apple regardless of how appalling they are.

www.apple.com/feedback is the correct place. This has been provided ad nauseum.

The truth about why they have an error has also been explained: A failure in the hardware, likely caused by unauthorized service. In fact, I think there's even been a link to the official article. If not, here it is: If you see error 53 or can't update or restore your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support

But let's face it, you're not here to get a technical explanation. You're here to rant & rave & complain because you're upset and aren't getting the answer that you want.

That's an emotional problem. And as stated before, this is a technical support forum, not an emotional support forum. Seek a shoulder to cry upon elsewhere, please.

The update to brick phone was released recently. The policy decision to brick phones was taken recently and was included in a recent update.

'The Apple iOS 9 software update which it launched last autumn will, in the jargon, “brick” the handset '

http://www.theguardian.com/business/2016/feb/08/apple-under-pressure-lawyers-err or-53-codes

This was a cynical decision in an attempt to increase iphone sale at a time when they were leveling off.

<Edited by Host>

I had to get a whole new phone it was a horrible experience with apple. Not happy at all. Don't waste your time troubleshooting it's a hardware issue

had the same problem called apple support here is what helped

try with different cable and diffrent usb port

ercanSa78 wrote:

2015, august (iTunes 8.1.4) and still no solution... Mine touch id cable (so thin!) broke while replacing the screen, but after contacting Mac store by phone, by visiting; so much discussions but it comes down to this; your phone is DEAD. "Sorry sir, but you can buy a new one, with guarantee".......
Using iPhone since the first generations, have had 3, 4, 5 and 6 now. Never have needed the service, always jailbroken, hardware repaired by others or lately by myself, but never experienced such stupidity as the error 53 'hardware' problem....
I decided today that, after years of enjoying the good things of Apple phones (despite of the stupid incompatibility with other devices) it's finally OVER for me.
Apple can have mine 8 months old iPhone 6 and stick it somewhere where it fits. No more Apple phones for me..

Intelligent post. Do everything Apple tells you not to do, jailbreak, self-service, and then when the device fails, you blame Apple. Way to take responsibility for your actions.

Hi,

I am facing the same issue with my sister's iPhone. After reading through the thread I realised that the issue lies with the touch id. The lamest part is that my sister had her iPhone 6 replaced with a "new one" from Apple coz of the crescent on the facetime camera. The touch ID recently stopped working on the replacement iPhone 6 and I tried to restore the iOS to rule out any software issues. The iOS restore was stuck at 50% with "error 53". The worst part is that apple confirmed that her replacement iPhone 6 was a brand new phone and not a refurbished one. I guess they gave her a refurbished iPhone 6 where the screen & home button were replaced. We are now unable to update the iOS and we are stuck with a "bricked" phone. The phone is going back to apple asap! I shall keep you posted about what they say regarding that "error 53".

Its the touch id that causes the issue but thats a big issue for a lot of owners, the home button is the most used button on the device and so is likely to fail after a few years of use, as happens with all iPhones, the fact that this now can't be replaced without making your phone un-restorable is unacceptable, the 5s had no issue apart from loss of finger print feature if the button needed replacing, why they've done this i have no idea not a good move by Apple