If you see Error 53 when you update or restore your iPhone or iPad

If you see Error 53 while updating or restoring, find steps to fix it.

About Error 53

When updating or restoring your iPhone or iPad, you might see Error 53. This can happen in Finder with macOS Catalina 10.15 or later. It can also happen with macOS Mojave 10.14 or earlier, or with iTunes on a PC.

If you saw Error 53 before February 2016, you can fix it now. In iOS 9.3, Apple released an update that lets you restore your device using your Mac or PC.

Update software and connect your device

  1. Make sure that your Mac has the latest software updates.

  2. If you use iTunes, update it to the latest version.

  3. Connect your device to your computer with a USB cable.

  4. Locate your device on your computer.

  5. When you see Restore or Update, click Update to reinstall the software without erasing your data.

  6. If you can't get past the Apple logo, force restart your device, then click Restore.

  7. When you see the Hello screen, follow the onscreen setup steps.

  8. If you previously backed up your device, set up from your backup.

  9. When you see the Touch ID screen, tap Set Up Touch ID Later.

If you see Error 53 when installing iOS 9.3 or later, make sure that your computer can communicate with Apple's servers. If it can't, try another computer.

If Touch ID didn't work before you saw Error 53, it still won't work after you restore your device. You might need service.

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