How to Fix Error 3194 on iOS

Editing Your Hosts File

1. How to Fix Error 3194 on iOS Picture 1
   Quit iTunes. Make sure iTunes is completely closed before proceeding so that the changes you make take effect.
2. How to Fix Error 3194 on iOS Picture 2
   Open the hosts file on the computer. Error 3194 most often appears when you are trying to update or restore your iOS device through iTunes, and iTunes cannot connect to the Apple verification servers. This is common if you have jailbroken your device in the past or are trying to downgrade iOS.

   1. Windows - Navigate to C:WindowsSystem32driversetc and double-click the hosts file. Select "Notepad" from the list of available programs.
   2. Mac - Open the Terminal from the Utilities folder, type sudo nano /etc/hosts, and press ⏎ Return. This will open the hosts file in a text editor.
3. How to Fix Error 3194 on iOS Picture 3
   Find the bottom of the hosts file. You'll be looking for an Apple address at the bottom. A standard hosts file will not have any lines without a # at the front.
4. How to Fix Error 3194 on iOS Picture 4
   Look for a .74.208.105.171 gs.apple.com entry. This redirects the signature verification process to the Cydia servers.^{[1] X Research source} It is the presence or lack of this redirection that is causing the error. What you do next depends on whether or not you can find this line:

   1. If you have 74.208.105.171 gs.apple.com at the bottom of the file, add a # to the front.
   2. If you don't have the line, add 74.208.105.171 gs.apple.com to the bottom of the hosts file.
5. How to Fix Error 3194 on iOS Picture 5
   Save your changes. This should allow your iPhone to make the connection properly.^{[2] X Research source}

   1. Windows - Click the File menu and select "Save."
   2. Mac - Press Ctrl+O to save and Ctrl+X to quit.
6. How to Fix Error 3194 on iOS Picture 6
   Open iTunes and attempt your restore or update again. In many cases, the changes you made to your hosts file should allow you to proceed.

   1. Note: If you're trying to downgrade to a previous version, it may not be possible with the version of the firmware you have downloaded. Try a normal restore using the firmware downloaded directly through iTunes.
7. How to Fix Error 3194 on iOS Picture 7
   Put your iOS device into Device Firmware Update (DFU) mode. This may be necessary if iTunes is still not able to connect. You will be prompted to restore your iPhone, which will erase all of the data on it:

   1. Connect the iOS device to your computer and turn it completely off.
   2. Press and hold the Power and Home buttons for 10 seconds.
   3. After 10 seconds, release the Power button but continue holding the Home button. You'll see a message in iTunes prompting you to restore the iPhone.