Apple finally releases a fix for the Error 53 bug

Apple releases a fix for iPhones rendered useless by Error 53 bug. You can download the patch from iTunes and update the phone

Apple releases a fix for iPhones rendered useless by Error 53 bug. You can download the patch from iTunes and update the phone (Michaela Rehle / Reuters)

Apple has finally issued a fix for the Error 53 bug that was bricking its iPhones. The tech giant released a patch for iOS 9.2.1 that has been specially designed to restore the functionality of iPhones that have been shut down by the Error 53 bug. The update also ensures that iPhones with Home Buttons repaired by unauthorised personnel or service centres are not disabled. This is a major relief as the bug popped in phones being serviced by unauthorised centres.

So if you've been hit by the Error 53 bug, here is a list of steps you can follow to get your phone up and running:

• Update iTunes on your Mac or PC and make sure you remain connected to the internet throughout this entire process.

• Force restart your iPhone by holding both Sleep/EWake and Home buttons simultaneously for around 10 seconds.

•Connect your iPhone to the computer using the original cable provided with the phone. Then click on Restore after which iTunes will download the latest iOS 9.2.1 patched update. This make take anywhere between 15 minutes to a couple of hours depending on your internet connection.

• Allow the update to install and accept any prompts that pop-up during the software install.

The update comes after a lot of outcry on Apple's support forums and others like Reddit where users affected by the bug vented their frustrations, especially since Apple didn't issue a warning about the glitch.

Error 53 bug was initially spotted on Apple's support forums and then reported by The Guardian , where iPhone users were seeing an 'Error 53' pop-up if the TouchID sensor on their iPhone was repaired or replaced by anyone other than Apple's authorised service centres.

"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," Apple said in a statement to TechCrunch .

Apple has also confirmed that any iPhone restored through iCloud back-up will not be affected either.