Apple iPhone 6 and Apple iPhone 6 Plus users are losing their phones to "error 53"

posted by Alan F. / Feb 05, 2016, 10:32 PM

Apple iPhone 6 and Apple iPhone 6 Plus users are losing their phones to

A number of Apple iPhone 6 and Apple iPhone 6 Plus owners are complaining that their phone stopped working after a third-party repairman worked on their device. In all of these cases, the affected iPhone displayed an "error 53" message and would no longer work following repairs made to the Touch ID home button or the associated cable that goes with it.

To be perfectly clear, following the repair, the phone would still work perfectly until iOS 9 was installed. At that point, the error message would appear on the screen and the phone would be bricked. Photos, data and other content were lost forever. Some believe that this is taking place when iOS 9 starts looking for original components that are no longer on the phone. When those parts can't be found, the user is locked out and the only remedy is to purchase another iPhone.

Those left with a bricked iPhone are blaming Apple for not passing along details of this issue in advance to consumers and repair shops. Many believe that the error 53 issue was created to force iPhone users to have their handset repaired by Apple.

Whatever the reason, let this be a warning to you. If your iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus is damaged, you might want to consider allowing Apple to handle the repairs. Otherwise, "error 53" could leave you with an expensive paperweight.

"We protect fingerprint data using a secure enclave, which is uniquely paired to the touch ID sensor. When iPhone is serviced by an authorised Apple service provider or Apple retail store for changes that affect the touch ID sensor, the pairing is re-validated. This check ensures the device and the iOS features related to touch ID remain secure. Without this unique pairing, a malicious touch ID sensor could be substituted, thereby gaining access to the secure enclave. When iOS detects that the pairing fails, touch ID, including Apple Pay, is disabled so the device remains secure...when an iPhone is serviced by an unauthorized repair provider, faulty screens or other invalid components that affect the touch ID sensor could cause the check to fail if the pairing cannot be validated. With a subsequent update or restore, additional security checks result in an ‘error 53’ being displayed … If a customer encounters an unrecoverable error 53, we recommend contacting Apple support."-Apple

source: TheGuardian

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86 Comments

1. hafini_27

Posts: 951; Member since: Oct 31, 2013

So, only Apple is allowed to fix their phones?

posted on Feb 05, 2016, 10:40 PM 25

7. Napalm_3nema

Posts: 2236; Member since: Jun 14, 2013

No, there are plenty of Apple-authorized shops that can do the repairs. It just ensures they are using legit parts, whether they go to Apple or some local repair shop.

posted on Feb 05, 2016, 10:56 PM 8

55. xondk

Posts: 1904; Member since: Mar 25, 2014

I have to ask on this what is a 'legit' part, having repaired phones myself, and know others that work in repair shops, they generally buy their parts from places that sell those parts, and those parts are component wise identical to the original, so at least in my eyes that would mean they are original parts. Since if they didn't function exactly the same it wouldn't work? So it would seem Apple is checking components for their serial or such? and if it isn't on the approved list, they kill the phone? that is really a greedy move.

posted on Feb 06, 2016, 8:50 AM 7

73. lolatfailphones

Posts: 224; Member since: Apr 08, 2013

Oh yes the old "I repair phones all the time so I know what I'm talking about" claim. Everyone's a dev/software engineer etc here.

posted on Feb 06, 2016, 4:54 PM 1

88. xondk

Posts: 1904; Member since: Mar 25, 2014

I don't really see your reasoning, I'm pointing out that there's very little reason to purchase cheap 'copy' parts because original parts are very cheap as well? and I always confirm that its original parts if I get a store repair? So I don't see where I claim anything other then what I've experienced myself? and considering how easy it is to find original parts online? why is it a problem?

posted on Feb 08, 2016, 2:07 PM 0

90. TechieXP1969

Posts: 14967; Member since: Sep 25, 2013

It just insures you pay Apple outrageous prices for a repair that can be done cheaper with 2nd hand parts. Whether Appel did it on purpose or its just part of the secure way they made the device in this case, as stated, users should have been warned prior by putting a note in the box that says. Unauthorized repair could render your iPhone as a non-working device. It's that simple. Just liek pill bottles have warnings that state what happen if you take to many/much. Or how spray cleaners and pest sprays have poison symbols and warnings on the bottle. Apple just doesn't give a hoot. This is what you all pay your money for. CLOSE PLATFORM MEANS CLOSED. I remember when Apple's computers woudl refused to boot if you replaced things like hard drives without using Apple altered ones which were just the same as the ones off-shelf but had a specific piece of hardware that is not detect would prevent a Mac from booting. Enjoy your bricks! To me, a working iPhone is no less of a brick than a non-working one.

posted on Feb 09, 2016, 2:26 PM 0

17. engineer-1701d unregistered

i see a law suit coming if you buy the phone its yours like the law changed with rooting and jail-braking they did this on purpose think about the money they will have to pay out loss of pics music info everything that was not backed up

posted on Feb 06, 2016, 12:20 AM 11

31. podboq

Posts: 7; Member since: Feb 06, 2016

They did this on purpose to maintain the overall quality and longevity of the devices they produce. If they allowed just any junky-assed 3rd party repair person use aluminum foil and gum, the repair would fail, and if it happened enough Apple would get a bad rap. Instead, they're #1 on customer satisfaction, because Apple's devices 'just work', and when they don't, they just get repaired or replaced, and those just work, and if they don't, they get repaired or replaced. And Apple isn't just #1 on customer satisfaction, they're #1 on a lot of lists, in a lot of ways... Don't hate because you can't compete...

posted on Feb 06, 2016, 2:29 AM 1

36. pmsap

Posts: 105; Member since: May 26, 2015

A few years ago Microsoft paid a huge fine due to a behaviour like this (attempt to curbe competition) in Europe. I hope both US and European customers take apple to court. It will take many years in court but apple will eventually be blamed of anti-trust behaviour.

posted on Feb 06, 2016, 3:18 AM 9

39. submar

Posts: 713; Member since: Sep 19, 2014

dont you think it is your right to do anything to the phone as long as it is legal

posted on Feb 06, 2016, 4:10 AM 10

74. lolatfailphones

Posts: 224; Member since: Apr 08, 2013

If you want to do whatever you want with you phone buy Android

posted on Feb 06, 2016, 4:57 PM 0

41. maherk

Posts: 6939; Member since: Feb 10, 2012

You do know that the majority of 3rd world countries don't have Apple Stores nor the iPhones come with Apple Care? Like here in Lebanon if you want your iPhone fixed, you will most likely get it done by some guy you know, because there is no Apple Center to take it to. Pull your head of your anu$, and stop being a fanboy over such an issue.

posted on Feb 06, 2016, 5:02 AM 24

43. Macready

Posts: 1824; Member since: Dec 08, 2014

You're projecting the US situation and service onto the rest of the world. Newsflash, most iPhones are sold outside the US and in many countries (including China), it can be tough to find an authorized repair shop, depending on the area. And that's just part of the problem, the main problem is lack of communication regarding the possible damage due to software updates and the overboard consequences. They could just deactivate TouchID, but rather brick you're phone. Never mind those that ended up with a bricked phone when only their screen was cracked..

posted on Feb 06, 2016, 5:38 AM 16

54. VZWuser76

Posts: 4974; Member since: Mar 04, 2010

See post 23.

posted on Feb 06, 2016, 8:38 AM 0

56. xondk

Posts: 1904; Member since: Mar 25, 2014

Sorry, but that sound like you are just quoting their marketing department. If a proficient shop changes your parts, or if an Apple repair guy does it, it is identical procedure, there is nothing specific about what Apple does that increases the 'quality' and longevity, especially since those parts bought do come from Apple, it is original parts, the only non original parts you could use, are the non electronic ones, because the electronic ones have to be identical hardware wise, can you 'clone' it functionally? sure its possible, but no repair shop would get away with that at least not here in Denmark, here repairing means you return the device to what it was before it broke, replacing the parts needing replacement with new ones. This is a move done purely by greed and as pmsap writes as well, there's going to be a gigantic fine and possible ban if they don't reverse this.

posted on Feb 06, 2016, 8:56 AM 2

68. podboq

Posts: 7; Member since: Feb 06, 2016

I read all the responses to #31... ya'll are nuts! You won't be convinced because it's against your religion. So be it.

posted on Feb 06, 2016, 1:33 PM 0

91. TechieXP1969

Posts: 14967; Member since: Sep 25, 2013

they don't just work. If they did, they would never need a repair.

posted on Feb 09, 2016, 2:27 PM 0

28. StanleyG88

Posts: 240; Member since: Mar 15, 2012

How do you think Apple got all those mega Billions of dollars in their cash accounts? Requiring customers to ONLY come to them for repairs and then overcharging them when they do.

posted on Feb 06, 2016, 1:27 AM 10

32. podboq

Posts: 7; Member since: Feb 06, 2016

I've never been 'over-charged' for a repair, in fact, I've never been charged for any repair from Apple, ever, nor even been charged for replacement of a device, ever. Why? Applecare. If you don't care enough to protect your device, what gives you the right to cry about it when something goes wrong?

posted on Feb 06, 2016, 2:37 AM 3

44. Macready

Posts: 1824; Member since: Dec 08, 2014

Cool story but you already paid through it with that "insurance" and in most places Apple still charges $129 for "service" on top of that for the current iPhone if you have to have it fixed or replaced.

posted on Feb 06, 2016, 5:48 AM 13

69. podboq

Posts: 7; Member since: Feb 06, 2016

It's $99 for the Applecare for iPhones... I should've specified that the AC for iPhone is a different animal than the product of the same name for Mac computers. So, I buy an iPhone model 6+ with 128GB for like $900 or so, over two years, pay whatever the price is for Applecare for iPhones, something like $100, then over the course of two years, if I stomp the s**t out of my iPhone, or drop it in s**t in the toilet, I can get a brand new $900 phone for $100 out of pocket, at the time. I can't say that that's a bad deal... really. And if ya'll don't like it so much, seriously, stop buying Apple products. And if you're Fandroids, why are you here on an Apple article anyway, sadistic much?

posted on Feb 06, 2016, 1:38 PM 0

92. TechieXP1969

Posts: 14967; Member since: Sep 25, 2013

Just because you are willign topay it, doesn't mean you arent being overcharged. You are a dummy. Let me show you. A Simple display replacement on an iPad. The original part of the display I can buy online for roughly $50 or less and pay $50 to have it installed. Same repair by Apple? 1.5 times as much.

posted on Feb 09, 2016, 2:32 PM 0

50. MSi_GS70 unregistered

same like plenty chinese makes fake cable chargers or wall chargers and they don't work.. The wide ring of apple third party is shrinking and shrinking and no one be allowed do anything for iphone ! .. There will be no headphones no , batteries , no cables , chargers , nothing.. The repair will be then not worth as e.g screen for iphone 6 will be like over 100 so they can piss right off. Apple destroying themselves and will end up like SONY .. What happened to sony is Apple responsible !!!

posted on Feb 06, 2016, 7:29 AM 0

60. sissy246

Posts: 7124; Member since: Mar 04, 2015

They do that so they can charge 3 times more for repairs.

posted on Feb 06, 2016, 9:17 AM 1

2. cripton805

Posts: 1485; Member since: Mar 18, 2012

Seems legit.

posted on Feb 05, 2016, 10:42 PM 1

16. AlikMalix unregistered

I'm thinking of another scenario: Breaking News: "Repair shops and thrives figured out that replacing a fingerprint sensor or cable allowed them to set their own fingerprint to access a stolen phone - users data is exposed. " Apple haters: "Apple should have had the stolen phones desabled if repair shops or thieves used unothoriaed repair parts". Either way Apple looses huh?

posted on Feb 06, 2016, 12:18 AM 7

30. vincelongman

Posts: 5723; Member since: Feb 10, 2013

Apple could just disable the fingerprint reader Users already have a PIN set up as backup, just as secure (if not more) Then send a message saying please take your iPhone to an official Apple certified repair center for them to fix for security reasons Bricking their $650+ iPhone is too far IMO

posted on Feb 06, 2016, 1:49 AM 13

33. podboq

Posts: 7; Member since: Feb 06, 2016

There's an idea. But it's not out of the realm of possibility that someone who's replaced the fingerprint sensor also might have a pin-breaker... That's common tech these days, been around at least since Terminator: 2 :D Eaaasy money...

posted on Feb 06, 2016, 2:39 AM 0

42. vincelongman

Posts: 5723; Member since: Feb 10, 2013

A pin-breaker? How would that work? They would have to sneak the code into iOS If they could somehow sneak a pin-breaker into iOS, they would sneak in malware and disable updates Extremely unlikely, if not impossible

posted on Feb 06, 2016, 5:24 AM 1

35. meanestgenius

Posts: 22218; Member since: May 28, 2014

Seriously Alik, Apple should not have a "kill switch" built into their very expensive phones because you decide to get it repaired form some place "not authorized" by Apple. That's just ridiculous.

posted on Feb 06, 2016, 3:11 AM 11

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