Earlier this month, the report of a device-bricking error 53 spread like wildfire. Apple also acknowledged the error and said it was intentional and occurs to provide maximum security to the users. But now Apple has released a revised version of iOS 9.2.1 software update to fix all those devices turned into bricks by the error 53. This minor iOs 9.2.1 revision carries a build number 13D20.
For those not familiar, error 53 effectively bricks an iOS device and it appears on the devices that have received third-party Touch ID replacement instead of one from Apple’s official repair centers. As soon as users update their repaired device to iOS 9 or later using iTunes, they encountered error 53 due to an original component check failure. In response to the reports, Apple acknowledged the error 53 and said it is meant to improve iOS device’s security.
Apple has now addressed the error by pushing a minor iOS 9.2.1 revised update. Users who encountered error 53 can now fix their bricked devices by simply restoring the revised version of iOS 9.2.1 on those devices. This update will not only fix the already bricked iOS devices but also prevent error 53 from happening when a device repaired at 3rd-party sites is updated to iOS 9.
If you didn’t notice, iOS 9.2.1 is not a new version, but rather Apple has opted to add a patch inside the existing iOS 9.2.1 to address the device bricking error 53. Apple has also apologized its customers for the inconvenience caused by the error:
Some customers’ devices are showing ‘Connect to iTunes’ after attempting an iOS update or a restore from iTunes on a Mac or PC. This reports as an Error 53 in iTunes and appears when a device fails a security test. This test was designed to check whether Touch ID works properly before the device leaves the factory.
Today, Apple released a software update that allows customers who have encountered this error message to successfully restore their device using iTunes on a Mac or PC.
We apologize for any inconvenience, this was designed to be a factory test and was not intended to affect customers. Customers who paid for an out-of-warranty replacement of their device based on this issue should contact AppleCare about a reimbursement.
Although this minor iOs 9.2.1 update fixes the error 53, but you still won’t be able to use Touch ID on a device with a 3rd-party Touch ID installed because the Touch ID information is stored in a secured enclave, which is not even accessible for Apple itself. It means on a device with an unofficial Touch ID sensor installed, you won’t be able to use your fingerprint to unlock your device, make iTunes purchases, and other Touch ID functionality because iOS 9.2.1 build 13D20 will disable Touch ID on the device as long as you’ve got an unsupported Touch ID sensor connected to it. In order to get a working Touch ID, you’ll have to get your device repaired at an official Apple repair center.
Apple has taken the step in the right direction by providing a prompt fix for the troublesome error 53. However, even with the availability of the fix for error 53, Apple has already been hit with a class-action lawsuit over the same error.
Download iOS 9.2.1 Build 13D20
Since the revised iOS 9.2.1 build 13D20 is not available as an OTA update, you’ll have to download the full-sized IPSW firmware file and install it using iTunes. Here are the direct links to download iOS 9.2.1 build 13D20:
- iPhone 6s
- iPhone 6s Plus
- iPhone 6
- iPhone 6 Plus
- iPad Pro (GSM + Wi-Fi)
- iPad Pro (Wi-Fi)
- iPad Air 2 (GSM+Wi-Fi)
- iPad Air 2 (Wi-Fi)
- iPad mini 4 (GSM + Wi-Fi)
- iPad mini 4 (Wi-Fi)
- iPad mini 3 (China)
- iPad mini 3 (GSM + Wi-Fi)
- iPad mini 3 (Wi-Fi)
Do you have a device bricked by error 53? Did this update fix your device? Share your experience in the comments section below.