As a major company, Apple is going from controversy to controversy. The last one he's been into has a name: error 53. The controversy has generated a small debate between those who defend this error tooth and nail and those who, at least, think that Apple should provide a solution when they bring an iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad with the error mentioned on the screen. In this post we will try to explain a little more about this failure, which is a big problem for users who are seeing it on their device.
What is Error 53?
Error 53 is a code that appears in iTunes when trying to restore or update an iPhone, and that, in theory, cannot be fixed. The error will appear when the device identifies a touch ID It could have been tampered with and would leave the device looking like a beautiful, expensive paperweight.
What devices are affected?
Those who are seeing this problem the most are the owners of a iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus. The iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus could also be affected, but the Touch ID design is different. In addition, having gone on sale in September 2015, the latest iPhone models are only 6 months on the market, so many of the users who have problems with the Touch ID will make use of the guarantee. IPads with Touch ID can also be affected.
The iPhone 5s, despite having Touch ID, does not seem to have this problem.
Why does Error 53 appear?
This is where the controversy begins. Apple Says Error 53 Appears to protect our data and privacy. With this in mind, if a device finds something that does not match between the new hardware and the one it included by default, this device will unilaterally decide to lock itself. In this way, by not being able to access it, you will be protecting all our data and privacy.
Does Error 53 only appear due to irregularities with Touch ID?
No. May appear from other hardware. There have been cases in which the Error 53 has appeared when repairing a screen in an unauthorized establishment. An expert mechanic who wanted to remain anonymous says that what Apple says is only related to Touch ID is "bullshit."
What is happening?
Nobody seems to be sure. Most likely, Apple does know what really happens with Error 53, but there are different theories among users:
- Apple wants we will repair the devices in your establishments. This is the theory held by most affected users. The apple company would never admit this, since it would be a monopoly practice and would be sued, something that, in fact, has already happened. In this way, Apple would fill its pockets with repairs. The problem with this theory is that they are not repairing the devices with the Error 53 that users get. If it was really done to earn more money, wouldn't it be better to block devices that are repaired in an unofficial establishment and then repair them? If we want to think wrong, blocking them would also force the affected customer to buy a new iPhone, but I think that a user who sees Error 53 on their iPhone does not consider buying another iPhone, if not to kick it and buy any other phone and the competition.
- It's a mistake. Error 53 is, worth the redundancy, an error, a failure, something that should not appear, or at least not like that. It is a security measure that is going wrong, that has gotten out of hand.
How many devices have been affected so far?
Es impossible to know the exact figureBut iFixit support page on the subject, which was published on September 19, 2014, has already received more than 200.000 visits. This does not mean, far from it, that all those who have visited your page do so because they have been affected, but at least it reflects the concern of users.
How can I avoid Error 53?
We already discussed this in its day: the best, whenever possible, is repair devices is an official establishment. But there are two problems:
- The price. Apple can repair your devices perfectly (or offer a new solution), but at a much higher price.
- Not all countries have access to an official establishment or authorized. For countries without support, how do you fix it? Apple invites us to contact them, so, in case of any problem, we should go to the country's website and contact Apple in any way possible, either with a call, with a chat or by e- mail.
Does Error 53 have a solution?
Sure, but it is not the simplest. What can be proven is to reassemble the original Touch ID and any other parts that had been changed.
Should Apple act differently?
YES. WITHOUT A DOUBT. I understand that the company that Tim Cook runs is concerned about our privacy. That is accepted. It is one of the points for which some of us buy their devices. But we must put some points about the i's:
- Why (shit ...) don't they warn clearly in some way? Apple should have released something BEFORE all of this happened. If the problem started to appear in September 2014, before starting to sell the iPhone 6 I should have warned that changing parts of the terminal could cause a "dangerous" error, to call it that.
- Why not fix the terminals that lead to the error? We return to privacy: I understand that they want to protect our data, but what if I go, ask, sign a kind of responsibility document and they unlock it for me? In the event there was some kind of data theft scandal, Apple could pull that document out and prove it's the customer's fault.
Which leads me to think that Error 53 is "something" that has gotten out of hand at the Cupertino company. They should do something and they should do it now. Of course, maintaining the level of security. What do you think?
I think it would be interesting if you took a look at this link
http://www.gsmspain.com/foros/p19326508_Aplicaciones-sistemas-operativos-moviles-iOS_Error-53-iTunes-iPhones-Touch-ID-posibles-soluciones.html#post19326508
It gives me the impression that it is easier for the touch id, the cable that feeds it or something related to it to be damaged when disassembling it (personally I have had to do it in the 5s and it is somewhat heavy) than for Apple to dedicate itself to putting that type of obstacle, that as you say, what makes you want to is to kick it and not buy an iPhone in life.
I work in a technical service repairing iPhone for 5 years, and from my experience error 53, comes out because when removing the button from the flex that goes to the logic board, they remove it badly and end up damaging or cutting it, if they disconnected it as It should be they would not damage it and they would not have any problem restoring the iPhone
I have three iPhone 6s but if that happened to me, I think I would never buy an iPhone again
To see two things
1 what of error 53 comes out when changing the home and only for the home since as we all know in the home there is the integrated Touch ID and that piece can only be replaced by Apple since our fingerprints are stored in it and when updating it verifies that said The button is original and it has not been changed since if it were not so, imagine that our phone is stolen and the unlocking is by fingerprint, they change the button for another and whoosh. But I repeat the error occurs when changing the home, if only the screen is changed and the same home is used, nothing happens I say it because I am tired of seeing friends with iPhone 6 and 6 plus with screens changed in unofficial sat and 0 problems and they have already updated a thousand times and restored and nothing and I also have a 6 that I bought used with the screen changed with the latest beta installed and 0 problems.
2. If you buy a phone of such a price and it is also under warranty, theirs is to put original parts on it if it breaks and that can only be done at Apple since they control all original parts and do not allow the sale of them outside of their domains and if they tell you otherwise they lie to you, in addition to changing the screen in Apple of an iPhone 6 costs € 100 and it costs more or less the same and although it cost something more in Apple it is a pity to put something pirate on a mobile of such quality and less costing the same or almost the same.
Look that I like iPhones and I have been with them for years, but this monopoly is tiring me, with so many select things so theirs. In the end what they are going to achieve is that they switch to the competition as you say here.
You have taken exactly what I was going to say. I can not agree more.
Well, the truth is that Apple is sometimes very sad, since I have been calling them for a month and waiting for a budget to change the screen and I still have no response, and I opted for an unofficial site, the truth is that they are a bit webones Sometimes their service is so dire that you have no other option.
I have an Iphone 5S and when I want to synchronize it with the iTunes to make a backup I get this error and I cannot complete the synchronization, it freezes before completing it. I know that this Iphone has not been repaired nor has it been opened to manipulate its internal accessories. Any solution?