Outcry over iPhone 'Error 53' and bad USB Type-C cables

Be careful when replacing parts. Poorly made cables can fry a laptop, and iPhones will stop working if the Touch ID button is repaired outside of Apple. It's a lesson some are learning the hard way.

Bridget Carey

Feb. 5, 2016 1:36 p.m. PT

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If you repaired your iPhone's home button, the phone may become completely unusable.

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In this CNET Update, learn about the latest tech headaches that come with replacement parts and repairs. iPhone 6 and 6S owners that replaced the Touch ID button with an independent repair shop are discovering the nightmare of "Error 53" -- Apple's iOS 9 software will kill a phone if you don't get the home button fixed by Apple.

Also, Google engineer Benson Leung fried his Chromebook Pixel laptop with a poorly made USB Type-C charging cable he got off Amazon. But not all USB Type-C cables are bad, of course. You can read up on Lenug's reviews of other cables he tried.

CNET Update delivers the tech news you need in under 3 minutes. Watch Bridget Carey every afternoon for a breakdown of the big stories, hot devices, new apps and what's ahead. Subscribe to the podcast via the links below.