How to fix Error 3194 when upgrading an iPhone 4 to iOS 6.1
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ginozn • January 29, 2013 at 10:38pm
I have a GSM iPhone 4 running iOS 5.1.1 that is jailbroken with Absinthe. I am trying to update to iOS 6.1 using the latest version of iTunes, but I keep encountering Error 3194. I have already tried modifying my hosts file, but the error remains. How can I successfully upgrade?
Answers
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iClarified • January 12, 2026 at 5:05am
Error 3194 typically occurs when iTunes cannot connect to Apple's firmware signing servers or when the hosts file on your computer is redirecting the connection. To fix this, start by updating to the latest version of iTunes. Next, check your security software to ensure that communication with gs.apple.com is allowed. You should also check your hosts file and remove any lines that mention gs.apple.com. On Windows, the hosts file is located in the C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc folder, and on Mac, it is in /etc/hosts. If you have used TinyUmbrella, ensure that the option to set the hosts file on exit is disabled in the advanced settings. Finally, please be aware that Apple only signs specific versions of iOS. If the version you are trying to install is no longer being signed, you will only be able to upgrade if you have previously saved SHSH blobs for that firmware.
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Thatcher • January 30, 2013 at 8:55am
First, install the latest version of iTunes. Check your security software to ensure that communication to gs.apple.com is permitted. You should also check your hosts file, as a restore will fail if there is an active entry redirecting gs.apple.com. On Windows, this is found in C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts, and on Mac it is in /etc/hosts. Remove any lines containing Apple's servers. If you use TinyUmbrella, open the application and ensure the 'Set hosts file on exit' option is not checked in the advanced settings. If errors persist, try restoring from another computer or network. Note that Error 3194 often occurs when Apple is no longer signing the firmware version you are attempting to install.