Do you get the dreaded iTunes Error 53 on your iPhone 6/6 Plus? It is quite a common problem and is pretty easy to fix so don’t worry about it. Usually, the error occurs when you are updating or restoring your iPhone with iTunes; the error message reads, “The iPhone could not be restored. An unknown error occurred (53)”.
What Causes iTunes Error 53?
If you take your iPhone 6 to an unauthorized repair shop to have the Touch ID button repaired, you are running the risk of bricking your device when you update – always use official Apple repair centers.
iTunes Error 53 happens because of security features that will only recognize the official Touch ID button that came with the iPhone. These buttons have a hardware number, and only the official repair stores can replace them with an official button. If you choose to have it done unofficially, you are asking for trouble.
When you try to install iOS 10 on such a device, it cannot connect to iTunes because the button hardware has failed. It was designed to make your iPhone 6/6 Plus safer – if anyone steals it, they can’t replace the Touch ID button with one of their own because it won’t match up with the component numbers. When you have it repaired at an official Apple center, they pair the button to the sensor, so you don’t get this problem.
How do you solve this? Let me show you
How to Fix iTunes Error 53:
First off, the lesson here is never to have your iPhone repaired anywhere other than the official Apple Care stores.
Other than that, there are 6 things you can do to fix the error:
Method 1: Clean The Registry
Whenever you uninstall an app or program on your computer, a few files will always go undeleted. These cause problems with other software and must be cleaned from the registry. Use a program called Clean Registry, restart your PC when done and see if the error still happens.
Method 2: Clear Your Junk Files
Unless you clear it regularly, whenever you use your PC, cache and log files tend to build up. If you don’t clean it out, your PC will slow down, and iTunes will not work properly; this can lead to Error 53. Clean your cache as per your browser instructions and start your computer again. Open iTunes and see what happens when you restore your device.
Is it still happening?
Method 3: Install Windows Updates
Microsoft is pretty good at working out when there is a problem with Windows, and they are quick to issue updates. Make sure you install all updates when they are released – if you don’t, all sorts of things can go wrong. Once you have updated, try restoring through iTunes again and see if error 53 has gone.
Method 4: Update Your PC Drivers
If your rivers are out of date or damaged, they can interfere with how things work. Ensure all your drivers are up to date by clicking Help > Updates on Windows or iTunes > Check for Updates on a Mac. Then try restoring again.
We’re not done yet
Method 5: Uninstall/Reinstall iTunes
Sometimes, all you need to do is delete iTunes from your computer and reinstall it. DO that, reboot your computer and try again.
Method 6: Use the Original Touch ID Button
The Touch ID button and motherboard are directly connected; using an incorrect button will cause Error 53. Use the original button or get it replaced at an official store, and the error will show up.
You could also see if there are any further updates to iOS. Apple does release minor updates quite regularly to fix things like this; check for updates and install any that are there.
Failing that, it’s off to an Apple repair center to have your device checked out.
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