iPhone Stuck in Recovery Mode With Error 3194 or 21
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Adil_Shaikh • February 1, 2013 at 12:31pm
My iPhone 4S was running iOS 5.1.1 and got stuck in recovery mode while updating to iOS 6. I am seeing Error 3194 and Error 21 in iTunes. I have tried tools like TinyUmbrella and Redsn0w without success. The device was previously jailbroken.
Answers
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iClarified • January 12, 2026 at 7:01am
To resolve recovery mode loops and iTunes errors like 3194 or 21, first ensure you are using the latest version of iTunes or Finder. Error 3194 often relates to a communication issue with Apple's update servers, which can be caused by old entries in your computer's hosts file from jailbreak tools like TinyUmbrella. Open your hosts file and remove any lines containing apple.com, then restart your computer. For Error 21, try putting the device into DFU mode instead of standard recovery mode. To enter DFU mode, connect your iPhone to the computer, hold both the Power and Home buttons for 10 seconds, then release the Power button while continuing to hold the Home button until iTunes detects a device in recovery mode. Attempt the restore again using a genuine Apple USB cable and a different USB port if necessary.