How to Solve Error 3194 in iTunes [3 Solutions]

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You need help with numerous mistakes, such as error 9815 and error 20 on iPhone, while updating or restoring your iOS device. Among all the errors that come up while updating or correcting your iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch through iTunes is error 3194, the most troubling one. This error has also got a solution like others, but there are plenty of fixes and a variety of combinations that make it very dubious. This error usually occurs while downgrading the device; dealing with a broken iPhone will be even worse. If you are fortunate, you might not face any errors while making changes to iOS. But the fact is such cases can be counted on fingertips. This article will look at how to solve error 3194 in iTunes.

how to solve error 3194 in iTunes

Error 3194 is a standard error encountered when attempting to update or restore an iOS device (iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch) using iTunes. It typically occurs when iTunes cannot communicate with Apple’s update servers or when there is an issue with the device’s firmware or software. The  ways in which this error can be solved is by fixing the error in DFU mode and by opening the terminal in Mac and writing specific lines of code. 

Let us look at these solutions in detail.

How to solve Error 3194 in iTunes?

Error 3194 occurs in iTunes while updating/downgrading an iPhone or iPad. Whenever you restore or update your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch through iTunes, sometimes pops up an error 3194. When you come across this error, you will see the following message.

“iTunes has detected an iPhone in recovery mode. You must restore this iPhone before it can be used with iTunes.”

So to fix this issue, we’re here with some solutions to eliminate the 3194 error.

Solution #1 Fix Error 3194 in DFU Mode

  • Abort iTunes in MAC/Windows computer.
  • Now, you need to open the host file. If you have MAC, follow this path /etc/hosts.
  • For Windows, navigate to this route c:windowssystem32driversetchosts.
  • After this, open the host’s file with Administrative Rights.
  • Now, you need to copy the following line in the host file at the end.
74.208.105.171 GS.APPLE.COM
  • Connect your iPhone/iPad/iPod touch with your PC using the lighting cable.
  • Open iTunes.
  • Switch off your iPhone/iPad.
  • Now start DFU mode by holding Power & Home buttons simultaneously for 10 seconds.
  • Then, release the power button and, at the same time, keep holding the home button until you see the message.

“Your device is in recovery mode on your iPhone/iPad/iPod touch.”

  • Now update your iOS using the restore features available on iTunes. You will get updated with the latest firmware in your iPhone/iPad/iTouch from here.
  • After restoring, Flush the DNS cache by starting your device, i.e., iPhone/iPad, again (restarting).
  • Eliminate the last line from the host file that you entered recently.

how to solve error 3194 in iTunes

Solution #2

Now, even after following all the steps from solution 1, you cannot resolve the error. Could you try to solve 2?

  • You must follow the same steps as solution one; the only difference is adding the following three lines at the end of the host file.
#74.208.10.249 GS.APPLE.COM
#127.0.0.1 GS.APPLE.COM
#74.208.105.171 GS.APPLE.COM
  • That’s it. Now, you will be able to resolve the error.

how to solve error 3194 in iTunes

Solution #3

If you are using MAC and encounter this error, the following steps would be helpful to you.

  • Go to Applications.
  • Now Open the terminal.
  • Type the command mentioned below and then press return.
Sudo nano /private/etc/hosts
  • Enter the password you use for signing in to your computer and then press return. You won’t be able to see text appearing in the terminal window while entering your password.
  • The terminal will display the host file. If you cannot see a window resembling the following window, ensure you use an administrator password that is not blank.
  • Navigate through the arrow keys and find an entry containing “gs.apple.com.”
  • Add the symbols # and space (“# “) at the beginning of “gs.apple.com.”
  • Now, press the Control-O to save the file.

how to solve error 3194 in iTunes

  • Press the return button when you are asked for a file name.
  • Press Control-X to exit the editor.
  • Restart your computer.
  • Once your MAC restarts, try updating or restoring your iOS device.
  • Reboot the computer.

FAQs

What is Error 3194 in iTunes?

Error 3194 is a standard error encountered when attempting to update or restore an iOS device (iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch) using iTunes. It typically occurs when iTunes cannot communicate with Apple's update servers or when there is an issue with the device's firmware or software.

Is Error 3194 specific to a particular iOS version?

No, Error 3194 can occur on various iOS versions when attempting to update or restore a device using iTunes. The error is related to the communication between iTunes and Apple's update servers rather than being specific to a particular iOS version.

Can I fix Error 3194 without using iTunes?

Error 3194 is directly related to the iTunes software and the communication between iTunes and Apple's update servers. Therefore, fixing this specific error without using iTunes is impossible. However, alternative methods exist to update or restore your device, such as using Finder on macOS Catalina and later or using third-party tools like iMazing.

Summing Up

I hope all the tips mentioned above would have been helpful to you in to solve Error 3194 in iTunes. And if still, you are facing a problem, go through all the steps & solutions once again and check where you have made a mistake. Still, if you need help to resolve this, ask for help from Apple customer support.

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