Question: 
How to fix iTunes error 3194 during restore?
Answer:
iTunes Error 3194 is caused by firmware restore verification error when the firmware version you’re trying to restore is not signed (authorized) by Apple or you don’t have the SHSH blobs saved in Cydia (or Saurik) server.
Your hosts file could be pointing to either Apple or Saurik server which caused this error. You will need to edit your hosts file.
Scenario 1: if you need to restore to an earlier firmware version and if your SHSH blobs is saved in Cydia (Saurik) server:
You will need to add the following line to your hosts file.
74.208.151.171 gs.apple.com
Apple OS X Snow Leopard & Leopard
- Open Terminal (Click Spotlight, or press Command+Space. Now type terminal.)
- Copy and paste the following code into Terminal
sudo /Applications/TextEdit.app/Contents/MacOS/TextEdit /etc/hosts - Press Enter.
- Add 74.208.151.171 gs.apple.com.
- Save by pressing Command+S, click Save.
Apple OSX 10.4.X Tiger
- Open Terminal (Click Spotlight, or press Command+Space. Now type terminal.)
- In Terminal type, ‘sudo pico /etc/hosts‘, press Enter.
- Insert 74.208.151.171 gs.apple.com.
- Press Ctrl+X, then Y to save.
- Type ’sudo niload -v -m hosts . < /etc/hosts’, press Enter
- Type ‘lookupd -flushcache’, press Enter.
Microsoft Windows 7 / Vista
- Click Start -> All Programs -> Accessories.
- Right click “Notepad” and select “Run as administrator”
- Click Yes on the UAC prompt.
- Click File -> Open.
- Change the file filter drop down box from “Text Documents (*.txt)” to “All Files (*.*)”.
- Browse to “C:\Windows\System32\Drivers\etc”.
- Select “hosts” and click “Open”.
- Insert 74.208.151.171 gs.apple.com.
- Close Notepad. Click Save when prompted.
Microsoft XP/2003/2000
- Browse to Start > Programs > Accessories > Notepad.
- Click File > Open.
- Browse to “C:\Windows\System32\Drivers\etc”.
- Select “All Files (*.*)” from the Files of Type drop-down menu.
- Select “hosts” and click “Open”.
- Insert 74.208.151.171 gs.apple.com.
- Close Notepad. Save when prompted.
Scenario 2: if you need to restore to a firmware version that is currently being signed by Apple:
You need to remove any line on your hosts file that has something like 74.208.151.171 gs.apple.com from your hosts file. You can also add ‘#’ in front of it e.g. # 74.208.151.171 gs.apple.com.
Simply see the steps above in order to edit your hosts file.
[...] and select the iOS 4.1 firmware file you have just downloaded. If you get a iTunes error 3194, read here on how to fix [...]
where do u insert those numbers, are u replacing anything or do you just add it?
just add it
im still getting a fail after adding/removing all different combinations of this.
Help.
if you get the same error when restoring to earlier version of firmware, most likely you don't have the SHSH blobs stored in Cydia (saurik) server and Apple is no longer signing it!
So what would you suggest as a solution around this ?
I have completed all the steps but keep getting a message that says "the iphone cannot be restored at this time because the iphone software update server could not be contacted or is temporarily unavailable"
Any ideas?
try at another location, Apple server seems to have a block in place if you're trying to restore too many devices from a single location
I'm having the same issue… tried in two different computers and different network connections (at my office and at home) still getting the same error message.. any idea???
what's the error message?
i also have same issue man, please help us
same error here
the iphone cannot be restored at this time because the iphone software update server could not be contacted or is temporarily unavailable
[...] Napisał eXevo błąd 3194 przy probie restore z itunes. co dalej? eXevo błąd 3194 How to Fix iTunes Error 3194 During Restore? | AskiPhoneQuestion.com miałem taką samą sytuacje na 3gs telefon wpada w błąd 28 po wgraniu 5.0 jb tethered efekt [...]
"if you get the same error when restoring to earlier version of firmware, most likely you don't have the SHSH blobs stored in Cydia (saurik) server and Apple is no longer signing it!"
What does this mean? Is there a fix for this?
"if you get the same error when restoring to earlier version of firmware, most likely you don't have the SHSH blobs stored in Cydia (saurik) server and Apple is no longer signing it! "
Is there no fix for this?
I added that text to the notepad but it still shows error 3194!!!! I just want to get my phone working!!!
help. am to facing the same problem… i tried everything stated above… some end up with error 3194…and sometime with luck bypasses the error and stuck up in error" the iphone cannot be updated blah blah… and every more try outs end up in error… i cant bypass any error either pls help me..
am on ios 4.0 with 3gs on 6.15.00 bb..help me
help. am to facing the same problem… i tried everything stated above… some end up with error 3194…and sometime with luck bypasses the error and stuck up in error" the iphone cannot be updated blah blah… and every more try outs end up in error 2005… i cant bypass any error either pls help me..
So. Anyone knows how to resolve that problem?
Im trying to restore from 4.1 and have tried all possible combinations.
What the sense to post manual that does not work and you don't know real fix
i dont have a host file in there – what am i doing wrong???
are you finding it at the right place?
where i was told above got to everything else but it not there?
I tried the above Scenario 2: if you need to restore to a firmware version that is currently being signed by Apple:
You need to remove any line on your hosts file that has something like 74.208.151.171 gs.apple.com from your hosts file. You can also add ‘#’ in front of it e.g. # 74.208.151.171 gs.apple.com.
It always comes back with Error 3194 on iTunes 10.4.1 on Windows. I've attempted this 8 times and need more support if you know what's wrong. Is Apple still signing iOS 4.1 firmware?
Thanks!
Apple is still signing iOS 4.1 for 3GS
you have a host file but it does not have a txt extension. explore to this location from explorer "C:WINDOWSsystem32driversetc"
the host file doesn't have any extension but can be opened with notepad
That’s cool but is there any news or semtohing like a hint if our hero will release a jailbreak tools for these update? Looking forward to that manny thanks in advance!!!
If you connect with the itunes store the iphone will do the sync and you'll pass the error. I just did that (after hours trying a bunch of different things) and it worked!
Before the whole thing procces right_?
[...] and select the iOS 4.1 firmware file you have just downloaded. If you get an iTunes error 3194, read here on how to fix it. 8. The restore will end with error 1015 and recovery loop on the iPhone, this can [...]
I have an Ipad2 running on 4.3.3. How can I update to 5.0.1? I've tried through Itunes, holding shift and restore, but get an error 3194. Tried many different suggestions but no success yet!!
guys after you add the *numbers*.gs.apple you have to put a "#" in front so it looks like # 74.208.151.171
I have the same problem, someone please help, I'm stuck and need this hone to work. where is the hot file and how do i get to it to add these numbers. Thanks
nice one, many thanks for this information
thank u very much it is working for me
I have a 3gs on 3.1.3 (7E18) firmware at 05.12.01
Now i connected to i tunes and it unlocked(was ATT and they unlocked it).
So the phone does work with t mobile. now when i try to update it to 5.1.1 i get error 3194.
any ideas?? newest version of i tunes. on win xp.
would an apple computer be better?
or if i go to apple store will they be able to update?
no cydia or jailbreak done yet.
help……. i have just downgraded my iphone 3gs from 6.0 to ios 4.1 and jailbreak it and unlock, i am successful with that, now i want to update to ios 5.1 custom firmware, i made the file already but i cannot update it using itunes, it always says error 3149, i tried everything that the net has to offer in repairing it but still 3149 is popping up, i only want to have the assistive touch function… please help…. thanks….
if you don't have the shsh for 5.1.1 you won't be able to restore it
hi. Tonchi…can you tell me how u have downgraded the ios? i did the same updated to 6.0 and now its not activating the fone nothing helping…can u please tell me the procedure you followed?
my email is. iraheel AT me DOT com
[...] Once your iPhone is in DFU, launch iTunes and press Shift+Restore (Windows) or Option+Restore (Mac). Be careful not to select the wrong IPSW during restore!If you get error 3194, you need to edit your hosts file. See here. [...]
thank u so much! my iphone 3gs has been sitting here for almost 2 months since i upgraded to io6 and now i can use it.
GO TO – MY DOCUMENTS> MY MUSIC>ITUNES – DELETE FILE "iTunesLibrary.itl" that will fix the 3194 error.
Dont mention it
I try to save my SHSH blobs but it says that i dont have any ??