iTunes errors have become part and parcel of Apple’s ecosystem. Such errors occur especially when users update their iOS devices to the latest iOS version released by Apple. When iOS 10 was released, many iPhone and iPad users were put in dire situation by iTunes error 14. And now there are complaints galore about Error 3194 in iTunes while restoring or updating iPhone or iPad.
There are multiple fixes for this iTunes error 3194, and therefore, users get bewildered to choose the right one. Note that when this error appears, you should believe that iTunes fail to communicate with Apple’s software update server. You may also see below mentioned messages:
- Error 17
- Error 1639
- Errors 3000-3020
- Error 3194
- Errors 3100-3999
- This device isn’t eligible for the requested build
In this situation, you may need to update or restore your iOS device; there is another option of installing the latest version of iTunes on your computer.
If the issue persists, you need to take a few more actions.
How to Fix Error 3194 in iTunes While Restoring or Downgrading iPhone or iPad
When you face the error 3194 in iTunes, in most cases you should blame the hosts file. For Windows and Mac hosts file, there are different solutions.
Windows users:
Go to C:/Windows/System32/drivers/etc/ and locate the file that’s named “hosts”.
For detailed information, Windows users may follow this link.
Mac users:
Step #1: Select Applications and then Utilities in Finder.
Step #2: Launch Terminal.
Step #3: Enter the below-mentioned command and hit Return:
sudo nano /private/etc/hosts
Step #4: Type in the password you use to sign in to your Mac and hit Return.
Step #5: The Terminal will show the hosts file. Most probably, you will see a window as mentioned below.
While you are at this window, check the entry of “gs.apple.com”.
If there is no entry with gs.apple.com, then you can’t blame hosts file. In this case, close down the Terminal and go ahead and check “Address TCP/IP filtering, firewall, or security software.”
Step #6: Put hash (#) and a space (#) to the beginning of the gs.apple.com entry.
Step #7: Now hit Control-O to save the file.
Step #8: Hit Return when you are asked for the file name.
Step #9: Press Control – X to leave the editor.
Step #10: Finally, Restart your Mac.
Once your computer is done with restarting, try to update or restore your iPad or iPhone.
Fix Issues Regarding TCP/IP filtering, firewall, or Security Software
If your computer is loaded with TCP/IP filtering, firewall, or security software installed on your computer, follow these steps.
Step #1: You should configure or uninstall security software for the time being.
Step #2: Make sure that Internet connection at home or office is working properly.
Step #3: Avoid your Internet router as there are some routers that might prevent iTunes from accessing the update server. If you are using a router that is not made by Apple, you can follow instructions as mentioned below:
- Instead of using wired or wireless router, use Ethernet cable to connect your computer with your modem.
- Restart your computer and modem. Get some help from your Internet service provider on using your modem.
Once your Internet connection is working properly, you should try to update or restore your iPhone or iPad again.
Is Your iOS Device Jailbroken?
TinyUmbrella is a popular software that can fix iTunes error 3194 in a Jailbroken iPhone or iPad.
Point to Ponder 1
This TinyUmbrella software works particularly for Jailbroken iPhones and iPads; as a matter of fact, the software is also useful in 3194 error to downgrade your iOS version. Normally, a Jailbroken device is not restored to factory settings.
Point to Ponder 2
To downgrade, you have to save SHSH blobs on local drive or on Cydia. Cydia has saved SHSH blobs up to iOS 7.0.4. With the help of TinyUmbrella, you can save SHSH blobs of your device.
Step #1: First off, download the iOS firmware you want to upgrade or downgrade your iOS device to.
Step #2: Now download TinyUmbrella.
Step #3: Now sync your iPhone with computer and if iTunes pops up, close it down.
Step #4: Launch TinyUmbrella and click on ‘Start TSS Server’.
Step #5: Put your iPhone in DFU mode.
Step #6: Click on Shift + Restore if you are updating your firmware (this action is for Windows computer); for Mac users, they should press Option + Restore and then point it to the iOS ipsw file downloaded earlier.
Normally, iTunes restores it to the correct iOS firmware you pointed to and update your iPhone.
Restore or Update from Another Computer
Error 3194 is sometimes caused by network settings. And therefore, you need to restore or update your device on another computer with a different Internet connection. This will give you assurance that your computer is working fairly good. If your computer employs a managed network, check your network administrator. Note that proxies, firewalls, and other network security measures can be culprits.
Hope these workarounds work for you and resolve the error 3194 in iTunes. If you have any other solution for our readers, you are welcome to write your feedback on Facebook, Twitter and Google Plus.