The mysterious error message that may destroy your iPhone

This seems to harsh, since Apple calls victims of error 53 to its service center, and even gives them the option of purchasing a brand new device.

Some owners of iPhone 6 with an updated iOS 9 have found themselves holding a totally useless handset after a little-known “Error 53” is killing their beloved gadget permanently.

If the operating system detects any repairs have been made on the iPhone by a non-Apple technician, a message supposedly reading “Error 53” appears on the screen before it is disabled. It is related to repairing the home button, which also includes the Touch ID fingerprint sensor.

A statement from Apple to the Irish Mirrorsays: “We take customer security very seriously and Error 53 is the result of security checks created to protect our customers”.

Users who had their iPhones 6 and 6s repaired by a third party (ie not by Apple), and which had not been upgraded to the latest iOS9 version might come across display Error 53 alert, which simply meant their phone had gone dead for keeps.

“Error 53” is shown in those devices in which the Touch ID has been repaired by non-Apple representatives or other stores approved by them. The Touch ID, if replaced, will need to be re-paired and re-validated with the motherboard and this can only be done by Apple’s authorised service centres. Once a third party changes the home button or internal cable, the iPhone checks to be sure that all original components are running the phone, and if there are any discrepancies users face the “error 53” message and can’t access their data.

Apple told The Guardian that iOS shuts the phone down as part of a safety concern. When faced with the error, Apple apparently can’t undo the issue, and instead instructs customers to buy a new device.

It sounds like the issue isn’t necessarily intentional, or that Apple is hell bent on only allowing Apple-approved technicians to fix their devices.

There is no warning from Apple that installing the new software will brick your phone – just accept the update and fetch the mortar.

The company, however, advised iPhone users who are experiencing such problem to contact Apple directly or its authorized provider.