How to Fix iTunes Error 3194 iOS 4.2.1 4.3 4.3.1 4.3.2 4.3.3 4.3.4 4.3.5 Tutorial
The tutorial will show you how to fix the common iTunes error 3194 while you’re trying to upload a custom jailbroken firmware to your apple device. You can do that by temporarily blocking Apple’s firmware signing services. Error 3194 seems to be triggered when unsigned firmware is used, often during an iOS downgrade or even during some restores like restoring your apple device firmware to a custom jailbroken firmware.
This Method Support the following devices:
- iPhone 2G
- iPhone 3G
- iPhone 3GS (old & new bootrom)
- iPhone 4
- iPod Touch 1G
- iPod Touch 2G (MB & MC)
- iPod Touch 3G
- iPod Touch 4
- iPad
- Apple TV 2
- iOS 4.3.2
- iOS 4.3.1
- iOS 4.2.1
NOTE FOR USERS WHO WANT TO DOWNGRADE FIRMWARE: If you’re trying to downgrade your firmware from a newer version to an older version you will only be able to do so if you have saved the SHSH in cydia for your device otherwise this method will not help you and there is no way for you downgrade.
UPDATE: If you’re trying to update/restore your device to a stock iOS 4.3.3 or Custom iOS 4.3.3 and you’re getting error 3194, or if you tried this method below and it did not work for you Click Here to see this fix. We recommend that you try the method below first.
Please Follow the steps below and watch the tutorial video below:
- Exit iTunes
- Locate your hosts file:
- In Mac OS X /etc/hosts
- In Windows c:\windows\system32\drivers\etc\hosts
- Open the hosts file with Administrator privileges using Notepad.
- Add the following lines to the very bottom of the hosts file:
- #74.208.105.171 gs.apple.com
- Connect your device to the computer
- Launch iTunes
- Put device into DFU Mode by turning your device off and then holding down the sleep 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 recover mode
- Use the iTunes Restore feature as usual with the iOS device
Once your iOS update is finished, remove the “#74.208.105.171 gs.apple.com” line from your hosts file again so that iTunes can properly update as usual.
Note: If you face error 1015 1004 please Click Here to fix iTunes error 1015 and iTunes error 1004.
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MY IPHONE 3GS is stuck on the apple logo… Please help i cannot restore either.
Restore your device through iTunes and try again.
Still doesnt work for me. Reason i am trying to back up and restore is to Unlock my phone after a 2y contract with AT&T.
I have a MAC OS X 10.5.8
An Iphone 4 Version 4.2.1 that was jailbreak with Cydia.
I removed Cydia before trying to back up and Restore
My host file only had :
##
# Host Database
#
# localhost is used to configure the loopback interface
# when the system is booting. Do not change this entry.
##
127.0.0.1 localhost
255.255.255.255 broadcasthost
::1 localhost
fe80::1%lo0 localhost
and i added the last line.
Please help! you seem to have fixed many cases about this!
have you tried it after removing
255.255.255.255 broadcasthost
::1 localhost
fe80::1%lo0 localhost
i have an iphone 4 on 5.1.1 unthreated JB working on turbo sim but i want to restore it on 5.1.1 so for that i downloaded the ispw firmware 5.1.1 restore form a good source and now when m restoring it so its giving me this error i hae tried these solution four to five time on my laptop and my pc now plzz help me what should i do?????
waiting for a sensible reply soon thanx in advance
You need to update through iTunes not restore
my ipod touch 4g won’t turn on. All that shows is the low battery with the lightning symbol.
You need to connect it to the charger for at least couple of hours.
sir did you fix your phone problem?tnx..reply in my maill..rhei17@yahoo.com
still facing the same problem.. i tried adding that ip adress but still giving me the same problem.. infact somebody was trying to downgrade my ipod touch 4G unfortunately he used the wrong firmware.. now i tried restoring it with an older version that when i got the error 3194..
You will need to update/restore your device to 5.1.1 make sure to use the IPSW that was downloaded by iTunes during the initial update.
Was stuck on this problem for a while now, and this worked wonders for me! Thank you!
thank you for your feedback..
i have followed all the instructions as mentioned, but still face
facing same error (3194)i em installing 4.3 in 3gs. currently i m using 4.1.,, pls help i m trying to upgrade from 3 dayxxxxxxxx.
You will need to us 5.1.1 it will not work otherwise.
i have upgraded my iOS 4.3.3 to 5.0.1 on my iPhone 3GS
but i didnt save SHSH blob. now i want to downgrade iOS to 4.3.3.
can any one help?
If you did not save the SHSH blobs then you will not be able to downgrade ? May i ask why do you want to downgrade your device ?
I have a Iphone 4 For at&t the phone was working find but i broke the
glass (not Screen- it was still working afterwards) so i got the glass
replaced . Now my phone says emergency calls only. So i tried your
video on restoring the phone but i keep getting error 3194 & -1. My
current carrier is t mobile. what ca i do
What is your iOS version and have you tried to restore your device or update it to the latest iOS
i get 3194 error while restore iphone 4g verson 4.3.5…how fix it.———-thanks
You will not be able to restore unless you have saved the SHSH blobs for 4.3.5
I have an iphone 4, ios 4.1 and jailbroken, i want to restore and update it to IOS 5.0.1.. i already tried to change the ip add on host file as shown on ur video but still getting error 3194.. pls help.. thanks so much
You can only upgrade to the latest iOS which is 5.1.1 (you cannot upgrade to 5.1)
It wont let me change host file i keep getting access denied.
oh and i have a iphone 3gs trying to get 4.3.3 software.
You will need to open notepad as admin (right click on notepad and run as administrator)
I followed the instruction, but I was not able to do a downgrade the firmware from 5.1.1 for iPhone 3GS. Anyway, I got error message, the iPhone “iPhone” could not be restored. This device isn’t eligible for the requested build.
Please help me to resolve this issue, thanks!
You can only downgrade if you have saved the SHSH blobs for the iOS you want to downgrade to:
http://unlocker.ws/blog/iphone-how-to/how-to-save-shsh-blobs-for-ios-5-1-1-on-iphone-ipad-and-ipod-touch
I have iphone 3gs new bootrom.after updating some tweakes on cydia my iphone get stuck on apple logo.My ios is 4.3 with baseband of 6.15.i tried every step that you have told like TU,hostfile everything but i always get 3194 error.please tell how to fix it i will very thankful to you please tell me the correct way so i can run my iphone again.
you may need to restore your device to a custom 5.1.1 firmware
i have a iphone 4 and now 4.3.3. so i wanna upgrade and jailbeak it to 5.1 but i cannot. i tried with that host and without host also..what can i do for this.. please need a help..
You cannot upgrade to 5.1 because there is a newer version available 5.1.1
I have iPhone 3GS & iPhone 4 And like downgrade to iOS 4.3.3 from iOS 5.1.1 I not have any saving before update to iOS 5 I have try but i read this 3194 error redsn0w can only downgrade A5 device without iTunes I like downgrade without iTunes I only have problem with iTunes and error message. iOS have longer battery life.
You will only be able to downgrade if you have saved the SHSH Blobs before for 4.3.3
http://unlocker.ws/blog/iphone-how-to/how-to-save-shsh-blobs-for-ios-5-1-1-on-iphone-ipad-and-ipod-touch
when i try to restore my iphone i get an unknown error (21)
Open your hosts file and remove any lines that you added to the hosts file save it and try again.
I have ipad 1…stuck to itunes logo. I have tried to update through itunes but ended up 3194 error messsage . Modified the host file. now getting error 21 message. plz help…….
IF you are updating to 5.1.1 then you should not get that error, uninstall iTunes and install a fresh copy, remove anything you added to the hosts file and try to update again.
if i do this on my 4g ipodtouch running on ios 5.1, will it work????????
You can only tell if you try it, because there is a lot of reasons why it could not work.
I’m using iPhone 3g and I downloaded it, but the problem is I can’t update it properly and my iPhone is stuck in recovery mode. Please help me. I just got my iPhone and my mom’s gonna kill me if I can’t bring it back to normal :’(
Try to update or restore your device to the latest iOS version which is 4.2.1 in your case.
I downloaded it already but the problem is I can’t update it and if I tried to restore it, it would go back to DFU mode
Restore the IPSW file that was downloads by iTunes on your computer, not using the IPSW file you downloaded.
I have an IPhone 4 currently running on version 4.2.1. Is there a newer version that I can update to? How do I do it? When updating through iTunes, it gets just about done and then I get an error saying that the session has expired. Please help me!!!
Yes there is a new version it’s iOS 5.1.1 to update to that one use the instructions in the link below:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1414?viewlocale=en_US&locale=en_US
But keep in mind that if you relay on iPhone unlock or jailbreak then updating your device will remove your unlock or jailbreak status.
i can open hosts files using notepad perfectly, once i paste #74.208.105.171 gs.apple.com , but i can’t save it because access is denied! already set all files on format btw.
can someone help me on this? i have iphone 4 GSM with ios 5.0.1 and my i already jailbreak my device.
Any help will be great. thanks
close the hosts file, right click on notepad and run as administrator then browse for the hosts file and open it, now you should be able to save.
when i try to save after writing 72……that thing it doesnt save
i also had done run as administratoe but it stilll doeant work
It should work if does not restart your computer try again or try another computer.
i have iphone 4
version 5.0 9a334
i trying to restore it to 5.0.1 or 5.0
it can’t be its give me error 3194 and i try to put #74.208.105.171 gs.apple.com
and it’s give me the same error what can i do for this???
i don’t whant to update it
i want to put this version 5.0.1
but it’s give me the same error i try all the way
There is no way you can upgrade or downgrade to any iOS older than the most update iOS which is in this case 5.1.1 UNLESS you have saved the SHSH blobs for the iOS you want to update to. Please see the following link to learn about shsh blobs.
I don’t have a jailbroken device and error 3194 appeared while trying to update to the latest version. I followed the step in the video and when I press restore in Itunes then upadte and restore it still comes up with the error. I am unable to restore the ipod touch, thus unable to use it. Do you know any ways to fix this?
Do not use restore to update, instead use update.
It works. Thank youl.
glad it worked for you.. thank you for your feedback
Hi,im using iphone 4 with ios 4.3.5. How do i upgade it to ios 5.1.1?should i just connect my phone to itunes and choose update?i try the restore option but no avail.msg error 3194.i not yet follow ur method “put in dfu mode and restore” many thanks in advance
**im running jalibreak tethered 4.3.5 on my phone
Once you update your device through iTunes to 5.1.1 you can login to our members area to do untethered jailbreak on 5.1.1
Yes you should use update instead of restore
Thanks..i tried to update yesterday..but it appear error 3194.what should i do?
make sure if you have added #74.208.105.171 gs.apple.com to your hosts file to remove it first.
it dont works..i followed your DFU recovery mode and it works perfectly! Thanks!!
great thank you for your feedback
Hello,
I have a 3GS Iphone with ios 3.1.3. I would like to install 4.3.3 jailbroken ios. Is it possible?^
Today I tried to do this with Snowbreeze 2.7.3 to preserve my baseband. At first time Itunes worked fine with upload the firmware, but I get black screen when the phone tried to restart (maybe because I selected the wrong version of bootroom).
After that, I returned it to ios 3.1.3. Now, when I try to update it do version 4.3.3 again, I get 3194 error. I tried to put # at hosts line about gs.apple, without success. Do you know what can be wrong?
Best Regards!
You will not be able to upgrade to anything lower than 5.1.1 unless you have the SHSH Blob saved for it so what you need to do is to upgrade to 5.1.1 while preserving the baseband
i have ipod touch 4g-4t .3.2 n i want to jail it but i do it gives me error 3194 n i have de solution is still givn me de same error
You need to update it through iTunes to 5.1.1 then jailbreak it.
i tried to restore and update my iphone and it came up with the error code, i folowed your video and when i opened the hosts folder that bit of text was already at the bottom :/ what i do
please help
then remove the text at the bottom and try again.
Im from Brazil, and have 3GS, and with itunes and psw Original download with itunes etc,, and return 3194 error on upgrade 5.1.1 – with this solution WORK FINE.. Thks, NOT WORK WITH OTHERS SOLUTIOS – ONLY WITH THIS – fine
thank you for your feedback …
Hi im have iphone 3gs with 5.1.1 iOS can i downgrade to 4.3.5 if yes plz help me
When i trying restore it to 4.3.5 its says error 3194
You can but only if you have saved the SHSH Blob for iOS 4.3.5 otherwise you cannot.
SHSH Blob ? How can i see im saved or not? And can you tell me about that SHSH Blob?
http://unlocker.ws/blog/iphone-how-to/how-to-save-your-bbtickets-with-tinyumbrella
So if i didint save it i cant restore iOS?
No but the good news is that the new untethered jailbreak for iOS 5.1.1 has just been released :
http://unlocker.ws/blog/iphone-reviews/untethered-jailbreak-ios-5-1-1-on-iphone-4s-ipad-3-ipad-2-has-been-released
Hey, have an iPhone 3gs, IOS 5.0.1 trying to downgrade to 4.1. In the attempt to do so, I got stuck in recovery mode. I tried using tiny umbrella to fix the recovery but it needs to be compatible with version 4.3 in order to fix ANY recovery apparently so I attempted a second recovery. I am still stuck and attempted to restore to 4.3.3. Received this 3149 error and tried this fix multiple times (among others), nothing happens. There is no work around this if I can’t get past recovery mode. I can’t get past that mode without having 4.3.3 compatible with Tiny Umbrella. I can’t do that without restoring my phone to 4.3.3. & I can’t do that without fixing this 3194 error. I’m at a loss and I doubt i can receive much help anymore seeing as I’ve asked countless others and have yet to receive a response. ANYTHING HELPS! I need some advice, tips, steps, cheats, just something so I can get closure with this device and if it’s destroyed I’d rather know that for a fact then continue using pointless methods that only work in certain cases.
I’ve managed to get past the 3194 error but can’t get past the “preparing to restore phone” on iTunes. I
You can only downgrade if you have the SHSH blob saved for 4.1
my ipod fell into the tiolet and after i dryed it, and i connected it into itunes it said that it needs to be restored and that ther is aproblem with 3194 what should i do!?? help!!!!!!!
Update to the latest iOS instead of restoring.
Hi, I have an iPad 2 iOS 5.0, can I jailbreak it? I tried to update the iOS to 5.0.1, using your method, but no success, i keep receiving 3194 error…thx for your help, guys!
There is no need to upgrade to 5.0.1 because you can still jailbreak it on 5.0, we have the jailbreak tutorial in our members page.
for the people that are still getting error….
when you first open the “hosts” file at the very bottom you will see a ip address copy and paste that then save it somewhere you will remember then replace it with “#74.208.105.171 gs.apple.com” then do the rest of the steps it should then work.
Hi there I try to restore my iPhone 3GS from 5.1.1 to 5.1 but I get error 21. Then I run TSS server and uncheck cydia host and get error 21. And 3194. I did the cydia host and get the same error any help. My iPhone is 3GS. iOS 5.1.1 baseband 6.15.00 new boot room
You can only downgrade to a custom iOS
hi, my ipad2 current version is 4.3.5, i downloaded firmware for 5.0.1, but error 3194 when shift+update, any way to fix tis problem? thks!!
You cannot upgrade to any iOS older than the most current iOS which is now 5.1.1 and thats why you are getting this error
You cannot upgrade to any iOS older than the most current iOS which is now 5.1.1 and thats why you are getting error 3194
how to update my iphone 3gs . because it is in RECOVERY MODE ..can you help me .. tnx
Connect it to iTunes and click update, if iTunes does not recognize it then put your device in DFU mode first.
Hi,
I´m unable to restore my Iphone 4 on Itunes.
I allways get the 3194 error code.
I did the instructions exactly the same way as shown in the video, adding that number in Notebook but is is just impossible, I have IOS 5.1
What is your device model, iOS version and what is it you are trying to do?
Still get error 3194, tried this manual method ( by changing host file, putting sharp (#) before the line then i tried it without the # ) and checking/unchecking host to cydia on TinyUmbrella, starting server.
Also, I was sure Itunes was closed before both methods. Tried in dfu mode but nothing..
plz help )=
Idevice: Ipod touch 3g
iOs: 4.1 jailbroken , trying to upgrade to custom 4.3.5
hola amigo yo tengo un ipod touch 1g con la vesion 3.1.3 y kisiera aumentar la vercion degamen si ce puede
Connect it to iTunes and restore to the 3.1.3 that was downloaded by iTunes at the time of update.
tengo un ipod touch 1g con la versión 3.1.3 y kisiera aumentar la vesion digamen si ce puede
I still get error 3194 and redsn0w cant find the Iphone anymore so i cant get it out of DFU mode please help
What is your device model, iOS version and what is it you were you are trying to do
Hi I’m trying to update my iPad 4.2.1 to 5.0.1 using sn0wbreeze….. When i try to restore it just stays in ” preparing ipad for restore “….This sucks!!! Huhu I need HELP!!!!
Do you have have the SHSH blob saved on your iPad for 5.0.1 if you don’t then there is now to upgrade to 5.0.1 you can only update to 5.1
I have apple 3g and I can connect the iPhone to iTunes.
And I have changed that file too..But my problem is that When I try to restore iPhone from iTunes, iPhone gets turn off and all process gets stopped…What should I do..??
What is your iPhone model, iOS version, and what is it you were to trying to do to begin with?
Thx! Really worked!! Though i would be stuck with dat error forever!! Really, THX!!!
Glad it worked, thank you for sharing
when i try entering the address in the hosts in note pad at the very bottom of the screen, it won’t let me save it. it gives me an error “you don’t have permission to save it in this file” and i am an administrator.
right click on your notepad app and click Run as Admin then browse to find the Hosts file and open do the changes then you can save it.
I have apple tv. changing the hosts still get error 3194 now what can I do
Try to update your device through iTunes.
I have an ipodtouch 5.1 jailbroken and I cant restore it back to 5.1 it says error. Please help
Try to use the restore button in iTunes but do not select the IPSW you downloaded instead look for the IPSW downloaded by iTunes when you first updated your device.