iTunes Error 53
Apple Angers Fans With Strict Security Measures For Touch ID
This issue, introduced with iOS 9, has recently been the subject of many news articles and has incited some criticism towards Apple and its “attempts to keep repairs expensive and in-house”. But many of these reports have purely highlighted the negatives of this error (after all, that’s what sells stories), rather than the positives for iPhone and iPad owners. Here we look at Apples Touch ID system, what you can do to avoid it and how Error 53 shouldn’t affect reputable repair providers and their procedures.
WHAT IS TOUCH ID?
Apples Touch ID, which features on the latest iPhones and iPads is a biometric fingerprint recognition system. Apple have placed this technology within the home button of their latest devices and it allows you to unlock your phone and pay for items in stores or online with just a touch of a button. The system is made up of a capacitive ring which activates a scanner on contact which takes an extremely high-resolution image of your fingerprint. The image is then converted into a mathematical formula, encrypted, and stored in a secure enclave on the Apple chipset. Each time the fingerprint sensor is used, the new image is compared with the one stored within your device and either accepted or declined.
WHAT IS UNKNOWN ERROR 53?
If you have a damaged or had a repair on your Touch ID sensor and try to update or restore your device then you are likely to encounter problems in the form of “Error 53”. This is plainly a security feature, included with iOS 9 onwards, which disables your phone and stops third party access to your device via swapped out sensors. While this seems highly unfair on unsuspecting users who have already changed their Touch ID sensors, it actually gives iPhone and iPad users strong protection over their important information and data should they lose a device. Think about the potential uproar and levels of theft if Touch ID systems were easy to swap or transfer!
Apple have responded to the recent highlighting of Error 53 and a spokesperson had this to say:
“We take customer security very seriously and Error 53 is the result of security checks designed to protect our customers, iOS checks that the Touch ID sensor in your iPhone or iPad correctly matches your device’s other components. If iOS finds a mismatch, the check fails and Touch ID, including for Apple Pay use, is disabled. This security measure is necessary to protect your device and prevent a fraudulent Touch ID sensor from being used. If a customer encounters Error 53, we encourage them to contact Apple Support.”
Original Quality Repairs From Eden
Eden Repair Centre has vast repair experience within the Apple range and is a trusted service provider to the education sector. We also supply businesses throughout the UK with repair contracts and maintain large fleets of mobile devices. Our technicians know just how sensitive Touch ID cables are and take extra measures to ensure we never encounter Error 53. If you wish to book a repair or speak to the team please call on 0113 892 1115.
HOW CAN I AVOID ERROR 53?
Well, simply by looking after your Touch ID system. As it sits inside your “Home Button”, there are a few things you can do to reduce the risk of damage. Without making you feel like a nervous wreck, here are a few suggestions:
- Avoid allowing liquid to get into the system. This could be a rain drop, excess moisturizer on your hands or even condensation from leaving your iPhone in the bathroom while you’re in the shower.
- Don’t press the button too hard. This sounds like common sense but we often see buttons that have been forced too far (Warning: kids are often to blame for this).
- Have a trusted professional carry out any repairs to your device. Experience is required to complete this repair as Touch ID systems have a thin flex cable which is easily torn if treated incorrectly.
WHY RESPECTED REPAIR PROVIDERS REMAIN UNAFFECTED
Many high street shops offer low priced repairs for mobile phones, but with the use of cheap, copied parts and untrained technicians, many unsuspecting customers are encountering problems after repairs are complete. Sometimes users are left with missing parts or fixings within their device or sometimes even a dead handset.
The truth is that repairs for Apple iPhones and iPads, or any other smartphone or tablet, require a huge attention to detail as even the slightest of errors during the repair process can lead to irrecoverable damage to various components. As long as you choose a reputable repair provider with experienced technical staff and a comprehensive guarantee, issues like error 53 will easily be avoided.
Whether you need a repair or not, it is always worth completing regular back ups of your data. This can be done in “The Cloud” or simply by plugging your device into a laptop or desktop computer.
