How to fix your bricked iPhone due to Error 53

BY Gautam Prabhu

Published 19 Feb 2016

iPhone - Error 53

Earlier today, Apple released an updated version of iOS 9.2.1 (build 13D20) to fix ‘Error 53’ which was controversially bricking iPhones that were repaired at unauthorized iPhone repair shops.

The issue was affecting iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus. If you were stuck with a bricked iPhone then you should install iOS 9.2.1 build 13D20 to fix the issue. If you need help, please these instructions to fix Error 53 with iOS 9.2.1 build 13D20.

How to fix your bricked iPhone due to Error 53

Before you plug in your iOS device. take a moment to make sure you are using the latest version of iTunes. Click on iTunes in the menu bar and then click  on “Check for updates.”

Once iTunes is all squared away, it’s time to turn your attention to your iOS device and follow these instructions:

Step 1: Connect your iOS device to your computer using an USB cable. Wait for iTunes to open and connect to your device.

Step 2: Click on device button to the left of the iTunes Store button in the top right corner in iTunes.

Step 3: Next, you need to hard reset or force restart your iPhone.

  • Press and hold the Sleep/Wake or Power button on the right side of your iPhone 6 or later or on top for all other iPhones.
  • Press the Home button while still holding the Sleep/Wake or Power button.
  • Hold the two buttons simultaneously till the display turns your iPhone reboots and displays the Apple logo.

Step 4: After you’ve force restarted your iPhone, click on the Restore iPhone.. button in the summary tab in iTunes.

Important Note: Please note that this process will wipe all the data from your iPhone. If you don’t want data to be wiped, then hold the Alt/Option key on the Mac or Shift Key in Windows on your keyboard and click on the Check for Update option, instead of restoring. Download iOS 9.2.1 build 13D20 IPSW file from our download page. Please note that we’re not sure if it would work but it is worth trying to ensure you don’t lose the data if you haven’t taken a backup of the data.

Step 5: Click on Download and Install button.

Step 6: Click on the Agree button to agree to the Terms and Conditions.

Step 7: iTunes will now download the firmware file (which can take a long time depending on your internet connection as it can be as big as 2.0 GB). After downloading the file, it will process it, extract the software, prepare the device for software update, and restore the device.

Step 8: Do not disconnect your device until the restore process has finished. It can take 15-30 minutes. Your device will be restored to iOS 9.2.1 and reboot once or twice during the process. You will see while Hello screen after it is successfully updated. Follow the on-screen instructions to start using the device.

Please note that if you’ve repaired your iPhone’s Home button from an authorized repair shop then this process with disable the Touch ID feature to protect your device and prevent a fraudulent Touch ID sensor from being used.

Let us know how it goes.