How to fix iTunes Error 3194 when restoring an iPhone 4
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jasonloong • May 22, 2013 at 12:52am
I am trying to restore my iPhone 4 running iOS 5.1.1 but iTunes keeps showing Error 3194. I have tried several methods but cannot solve this. How can I fix this error and restore my device?
Answers
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iClarified • January 13, 2026 at 3:59am
iTunes Error 3194 typically occurs because the firmware you are trying to restore is no longer being signed by Apple or because your computer's hosts file is blocking communication with Apple's signing servers. To fix this: 1. Ensure you have the latest version of iTunes installed. 2. Check your hosts file. On a Mac, go to /etc/hosts. On Windows, go to C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts. 3. Open the hosts file and look for any lines that mention 'gs.apple.com'. Delete these lines or add a # symbol to the beginning of each line to comment them out. 4. Save the file and restart iTunes. If you are trying to restore to an older firmware like iOS 5.1.1, please note that Apple may have stopped signing that version, which would require you to have saved SHSH blobs for that specific device to proceed.
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techbuddies • May 23, 2013 at 5:25pm
If you are unable to update or restore your iPhone, verify that your computer has a working USB port and the latest version of iTunes. Connect the iPhone directly to a USB port on the computer instead of a hub or keyboard. Use the original USB cable if possible. If you receive Error 3194, this usually indicates a communication issue with Apple's firmware signing servers, often caused by entries in your computer's hosts file. Check the file for any references to gs.apple.com and remove them.