Fix iTunes Error 3194 while Restoring or Updating iPhone/iPad

By Lois Green, Thursday, May 05, 2016

When we are trying to restore or update iPhone/iPad from iTunes backup, sometimes we will get a popup saying that "The iPhone could not be restored. An unknown error occurred (3194)." If you see the message, install the latest version of iTunes and try to update or restore again. If this doesn't help, follow the steps below to fix iTunes 3194 error.

iTunes Error 3194


Note: This guide could also be useful to fix the following errors in addition to Error 3194:

• Error 17

• Error 1639

• Errors 3000-3020

• Errors 3100-3999

• This device isn't eligible for the requested build

How to Fix iPhone 3194 Error 

Step 1. Make sure that iTunes is stopped on your computer (Widows/Mac).

Step 2. Open host files on your computer:

a. For Windows users: c:\windows\system32\drivers\etc\hosts

b. For Mac users: /ect/hosts

Step 3. Open hosts file with administrator rights.

Open Host File


Step 4. Copy "74.208.105.171 gs.apple.com" into the last line of the "Host" file.Then, "Save" the file.

iTunes 3194 Error Host File


Step 5. Connect iPhone to PC via USB cable and open iTunes.

Step 6. Press on "Power" button for 10 seconds to turn off your iPhone.

Step 7. Put the iPhone/iPad/iPod into DFU mode by turning the phone off and then holding down the Home and Power button for 10 seconds, then release the Power button but hold onto the Home button until iTunes tells you that the device is now in recovery mode.

iPhone Recovery Mode


Step 8. In recovery mode, you can restore iPhone. Hoever, restore iPhone will erase all data on your iPhone, so make sure you've ever backed up iPhone with iTunes or iCloud

Step 9. Once your iOS update is finished, go back to the hosts file and remove the "74.208.105.171 gs.apple.com" line again so that iTunes can properly update as usual. This is an essential step otherwise you may encounter future errors when trying to update or install iOS versions.

After that, iTunes 3194 error will be fixed on your own. If you are not very clear what to do, you'd better turn to the experts for help. Please share this post to your friend if you think that it is useful.

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