How to Fix iTunes Error 3194 while Restoring or Updating iPhone/iPad

Written By Sumona Chatterjee
Approved By Rohit Arora
Updated on 10 Apr, 2023
Min Reading 4 Min
Share

Table of Content

You tried to restore your iPhone via iTunes, but an unknown error 3194 occurred showing iPhone could not be restored. So now how to fix iTunes error 3194 while updating or restoring iPhone? This post brings you easy fixes to successfully resolve iTunes error 3194.

iTunes error 3194 is usually witnessed when you try to restore or upgrade your iPhone or iPad to another iOS. Before moving on to fixes of this error let us understand the possible reasons for this technical glitch and based on that, follow the fixes to resolve the issue.

iTunes error 3194 occurred when restoring

Possible reasons for iTunes Error 3194 while restoring or updating iPhone/iPad

Your iTunes is unable to communicate with the Apple’s software update server. This could be either due to blocked connection, security software in the system, or any new entry in the host file.
The iOS version that you are installing or upgrading to is no longer digitally signed by Apple.
You used a jailbreak utility to modify your iPhone or iPad device. The jailbreak tweak modifies the host file and blocks Apple servers. This creates issues when you later attempt to update your iOS to a latest version or restore from a backup, by giving iTunes error 3194.

How to Fix iTunes Error 3194 for iPhone & iPad

Fix 1: Check hosts files
Fix 2: Use correct firmware version if updating manually

FIX 1: Check Hosts Files

For Windows users

Go to C:/Windows/System32/drivers/etc/ and locate the file ‘hosts’
Open the file in Notepad with Administrator Rights. Look for 208.105.171 gs.apple.com line at the bottom
Once you find the line add # in the beginning #74.208.105.171 gs.apple.com
If the address line is not present, add the line 208.105.171 gs.apple.com in the host file
Save the hosts file by clicking on the File menu and select ‘Save’
Connect your iPhone to the PC and update through iTunes. The iTunes error 3194 should be resolved now.

For Mac users

In the Finder, select Applications > Utilities
Open Terminal
Type the command sudo nano /private/etc/hosts and press Return
Enter the password to sign in to your Mac and press Return. Hosts file is displayed
Look for entry gs.apple.com
If there is no entry of gs.apple.com then the iTunes error 3194 is not due to the host file issue. Close the Terminal and try another method to fix iTunes Error 3194.
Add the # with space to the beginning of entry apple.com
Press Control-O to save the file
Press Return when asks for the file name
Press Control-X to exit the editor
Restart your Mac
Connect your iPhone to the computer and try update or restore via iTunes

After you finish your iOS update post fixing error 3194, revisit the hosts file and delete line 74.208.105.171 gs.apple.com again. This is necessary for your iTunes to update normally in future and do not generate errors while installing or updating iOS on your iPhone or iPad.Important Note:

FIX 2: Use Correct Firmware Version, if Updating iPhone Manually

The iTunes Error 3194 can also occur because of the wrong firmware version. Always use the appropriate device-specific firmware files for your iPhone and iPad, if doing manual updates. However, it is best to avoid manual updates and let the iOS device update itself through standard software update mechanism.

Also, do not forget to back up the iPhone or iPad data before updating or restoring your device. This will protect you from any kind of permanent data loss situation. Else, you will have to seek respite in iPhone Data Recovery software by Stellar. The software is capable to recover photos, videos, messages, contacts, or any piece of data from iOS devices, iTunes backup, and iCloud backup.

Conclusion

So now you can successfully resolve iTunes error 3194 while restoring or updating iPhone either by checking your system hosts files or using right firmware version.

Although on very rare occurrences, still if you are unable to fix the error with these ways, the last alternative you can opt for is a factory reset of your iOS device. But do remember to take a backup of all your data before performing a factory reset.

Was this article helpful?

YES0

About The Author

Sumona Chatterjee

Sumona is a tech blogger, avid photographer, & technogeek with vast experience in writing about media file recovery tips and tutorials. She has over 10 years of experience in media file recovery/media file repair technology. She is passionate about Photography, Creative Designing, Music, and Exploring lesser-known destinations.

15 comments

Sungwon Kim says:

February 18, 2019 at 10:22 am

I had this error past few days, iTunes not detecting iPhone. Thanks for your software help me to take backup on my iTunes!

Reply
1. Sumona Chatterjee says:
  
  February 19, 2019 at 9:47 am
  
  Hi Sungwon, Thankyou!
  
  Reply
Uta Briesewitz says:

September 26, 2018 at 10:11 am

I had an issue with iPhone 5s could not be restored showing message “Error 17”. Any help would be appreciated!

Reply
1. Sumona Chatterjee says:
  
  September 27, 2018 at 4:40 am
  
  Hi Uta, If you see one of these messages and need help updating or restoring your iOS device, install the latest version of iTunes and try to update or restore again. If you still can’t update or restore, please follows steps as mentioned in the blog or you can try our software demo version for restoring your iPhone backup.
  
  Reply
Mark Townsend says:

August 27, 2018 at 11:31 am

Hi, It’s worked for me for restore to 4.2.1..it will work add the line 71.208.361.130 gs.apple.com host file using notepad administrator and the restore by putting DFU or recovery mode. Thanks

Reply
1. Sumona Chatterjee says:
  
  August 30, 2018 at 3:09 am
  
  Hi Mark, Thanks for your appreciation!
  
  Reply
Glynn Lavender says:

July 26, 2018 at 11:05 am

Thank you very much! I wanted to be restore my iPhone 6S cause Jail-breaking and now I got pass the error 3194! You give the great solutions.

Reply
1. Sumona Chatterjee says:
  
  July 31, 2018 at 11:33 am
  
  Hi Glynn, Thank you!
  
  Reply
DION DASSANAYAKE says:

June 27, 2018 at 10:32 am

I trying to restore my iPhone 4 but it is still giving this error 3194, I just got your article on the search and used your software. It’s working fine for me!

Reply
1. Sumona Chatterjee says:
  
  June 29, 2018 at 2:59 am
  
  Dear Dion, Thanks for reading and choosing our software!
  
  Reply
Katrina Isaac says:

May 25, 2018 at 10:57 am

I restore my iPhone 6 from my setting and switched off, but now it’s stuck at apple logo. What can I do?

Reply
1. Harsha Alamchandani says:
  
  May 28, 2018 at 10:44 am
  
  Dear Katrina, Format Factory reset your iPhone 6. Please contact Apple store and they can do it for you
  
  Reply
Kimberly Genevieve says:

March 20, 2018 at 2:23 am

I had the same issue after restoring the iPhone 6, Thanks to Sumona for providing this fix!

Reply
Ben Hough says:

February 19, 2018 at 10:31 am

I faced same issues while restoring or updating my iPhone. Thanks for your blog now I find the right solution to resolve this problem. Thank you!

Reply
1. Sumona Chatterjee says:
  
  February 20, 2018 at 10:26 am
  
  Hello Ben,
  
  We feel glad that you like our post. Thanks
  
  Reply