How to fix an unknown error occurred (53) in iTunes

If you notice this error message, the first option you need to consider is to restart your device. Once yor restart it, connect it to your computer and try again.

Note: If restarting your device didn't work, try restarting the computer.

It is of great importance to update iTunes as soon as an update is available, to have redundant files removed, and corrupt files replaced. Maybe the reason behind the iTunes error 53 is that the iTunes version installed in your computer is out of date. In this case, all you need to do is to update it, either via iTunes itself or by downloading and installing iTunes via Apple's website.

To check if your iTunes version is up to date, follow the steps below:

1. Open iTunes;
2. Click on Help and select Check for Updates.
   
   

iTunes is more than the interface we see. It's a group of files, and tasks running in the background, for syncing, restoring, updating your iOS device, and other operations. If you tried all the other solutions, but none of them worked, it is possible that files are missing, or have become so corrupt that they are beyond repair.

In this case, consider reinstalling iTunes, by uninstalling it and then downloading and installing the latest version, from Apple's website. This will remove the corrupt files, and replace them with clean, and up-to-date ones.

It is possible that iTunes error 53 appears because of your computer itself. Over time, and you working on it, and updates being made to the operating system and programs, errors are bound to happen. A bad program, bug in the operating system, temp files, corrupt cache files and junk files, are some of the reasons behind your computer's odd behavior.

In this case, to fix this error, you need to optimize the computer. Some tips to optimize it include:

• Uninstall programs you don't need;
• Uninstall programs that don't work;
• Delete temp and junk files;
• Clear cache and cookies;
  
  

For more tips to fix issues with your computer's speed, and stability, check out the how to fix slow computer guide, which will help you optimize your computer, and use its full potential.

By updating your computer's operating system, you will ensure that all the latest updates are installed in your computer and that all the bugs in the previous version of the operating system are resolved. You will also remove all the corrupt files, as well as the redundant files. The update may also resolve the reason behind error code 53 in iTunes.

To learn more on how to update the operating system, check out the how to update my device's operating system guide.

Maybe a virus made changes to your computer's operating system, or iTunes files, and, as a result, the unknown error 53 in iTunes showed up. Scanning your computer with an antivirus software and removing the malicious software will fix the issue in this case. To ensure that your computer is free from viruses, you will also need to adhere to the tips below as much as possible:

• Stay away from suspicious websites;
• Don't open every email you receive, especially the junk emails;
• Update the antivirus software, as soon as an update is available;
• Don't install programs from untrusted sources.
  
  

To learn how to scan for and remove viruses, check out the computer virus protection guide.

Maybe a hardware defect is the reason for this error. Maybe the lightning port of your device is broken, or maybe the data transfer module of your device. If none of the other solutions worked, this is most likely the case. If you lack the necessary equipment and parts to fix your device, take it to a repair shop to have it repaired, as it's best for hardware issues to be repaired by authorized staff only.

Consider contacting Apple's support team if you are not sure where to start from to fix this issue, and if you tried the other solutions. The Apple team will guide you step-by-step, or invite you to take your device to them for a closer look.

You can contact the Apple team online, via getsupport.apple.

There is a very small possibility that an outdated antivirus software is the reason for this iTunes error, because it believes that iTunes files, or files iTunes attempts to download to update or restore your device will harm the computer. To fix this error, check if an update to your antivirus software is available.

You can check if an update is available for your operating system in the Help, or Setup tab of your antivirus software, or by visiting the antivirus developer's website. If an update is available, apply it.