error 51

I tried resetting my 7 two days ago due to the same “No Service”/“Searching” issue, and essentially bricked my phone. I was getting a few different error codes, but at the end of the ordeal kept getting error 51. After two days of working with an iOS senior advisor, I had to create a new administrator account on my MacBook Pro, and under that account, do a DFU restore in iTunes. That was what finally fixed my phone after around 30 restore attempts. Once my phone restored to factory settings and was updated with the new iOS, I was able to return to my normal Mac account, restore my phone with the latest backup, and delete the temp admin account.

Follow this exactly as stated: If you see an error when you update or restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod - Apple Support

So a day after my original answer, my phone started having the same issue. I ended up spending another hour with a senior advisor, and we finally figured out my phone had a hardware issue (the modem was shot), and I had to send it to Apple to get it replaced. Luckily, my phone was just inside the warranty window. After about a week I got my phone back, and haven’t had an issue since. And they actually replaced my battery too for free which was awfully kind of them. If my original post doesn’t prove to be a lasting solution, you likely need to look into sending your phone in for the same issue.

Hi, I’ve been having the same problem with my 15 month old iPhone 7. Your recommendation about restoring in DFU mode in a different admin account gave me hope, so I tried it and still got the Error 51. Are you saying the only solution is to send it in for a $350+ repair?

Just had this same error, turns out if your serial number on the back of your phone has A1660 and you have this issue you can go and get a new phone for free from apple (if they can’t fix the issue) if you’ve already paid you can get your money back

Had the same issue with my iPhone 7. Brendon is correct about the replacement program for select models (A1660). The information can be found here: https://www.apple.com/support/iphone-7-no-service/

How did you fix

Hit enter too quickly! Sorry. What if the phone hasn’t been backed up? Are we going to lose all photos and data???

If you have to restore your phone via DFU and you have no backup, yes you will lose photos and data.

Same here,

Having "searching" for network, tried to restore and now got "error 51", phone's bricked, any fix? the recommended link doesnt help.

What’s your source of this information.

I was able to get a refurbished iPhone 7 from Verizon for $150.

error 51