Apple has offered a fix for the “Error 53” bug, which has caused some iOS devices to malfunction after they received an unofficial replacement of the connector between the home button and the Touch ID sensor.
On its support website, Apple instructed affected iOS owners to manually update to the latest version of iTunes, then force restart their device.
The “Error 53” bug started affecting users who had unofficial replacements of their connector only after the iOS 9 update, the Guardian reports. Apple customers who had an unofficial replacement had their iOS devices rendered useless.
“When iOS finds an unidentified or unexpected Touch ID module, the check fails. For example, an unauthorized or faulty screen replacement could cause the check to fail,” Apple said.
The problem was widespread enough that Apple became the target of a class action lawsuit from customers who had their devices ruined by Error 53, according to MacRumors.
Apple is now offering reimbursements for customers who had to pay for an out-of-pocket replacement of their devices affected by Error 53.
“We apologize for any inconvenience, this was designed to be a factory test and was not intended to affect customers,” Apple said in a statement, according to TechCrunch. “Customers who paid for an out-of-warranty replacement of their device based on this issue should contact AppleCare about a reimbursement.”
