Apple updates iOS 9.2.1 to fix ‘error 53’

Apple has released a new build of iOS 9.2.1 that can restore iPhones and iPads that were experiencing the “error 53” error message via iTunes. Replacing the home button with a third-party button or damage in repair rendered iOS devices useless.

The update has only been released to fix the error and contains no further changes. It is the 13D20 build of iOS 9.2.1, which users can use via iTunes to restore their iOS device with ‘error 53’. Only iOS devices with a 64-bit processor and Touch ID could be affected by this.

‘Error 53’ appeared when users tried to update or restore their iOS device, but the iPhone or iPad failed the security check. “This test was designed to verify that Touch ID worked before the device left the factory,” Apple told TechCrunch. According to the manufacturer, it was not intended that users came into contact with it.

Back in 2014, users complained about ‘error 53’ and soon the problem was traced to the Touch ID home button. Apple also had an information page about the error in question since early January, to which a step-by-step plan for recovery seems to have recently been added. At the beginning of this month there was a fuss about the problem when The Guardian wrote about it.

Especially users who had their device restored by a third party ran into the error. In some cases, the fingerprint sensor home button or its cables were replaced or damaged. Apple says it values ​​preserving the chain of sensor, cable and co-processor, the Secure Enclave, for security reasons with regard to fingerprint unlocking. The now released fix does not restore the operation of Touch ID.