The Easiest Way to Fix iTunes Error 3194

Overview: The Causes, Symptoms, and Common Scenarios of iTunes Error 3194

"I encountered error 3194 when trying to restore my iPhone 11 via iTunes. Are there any solutions to fix this issue?"

Error 3194 in iTunes is an issue that you might encounter when updating, restoring, or syncing your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch with iTunes. Many users have had the displeasure of running into this error. When Error 3194 occurs, you'll see a pop-up window with the error message "Could not restore iPhone. An unknown error occurred (3194)."

The iTunes Error 3194 occurs when iTunes is unable to connect or communicate with Apple's firmware signature verification servers. This is usually because the hosts file has been modified in some way to block Apple's servers, typically when someone is jailbreaking their device. As such, the most effective way to fix the iTunes Error 3194 is to check and edit your host file. Here, we'll walk you through the steps so you don't have to try every fix you find online.

Steps to Fix iTunes Error 3194

Step 1: Make sure that iTunes is closed on your computer (for both Windows and Mac). Step 2: Access the hosts file on your computer: a. For Windows users: c:\windows\system32\drivers\etc\hosts b. For Mac users: /etc/hosts Step 3: Open the hosts file with administrator privileges. Step 4: Paste "74.208.105.171 gs.apple.com" on the last line of the "hosts" file. Save the changes. Step 5: Connect your iPhone to your computer using a USB cable and launch iTunes. Step 6: Press and hold the "Power" button for 10 seconds to turn off your iPhone. Step 7: After turning it off, press and hold both the Home button and the Power button for 10 seconds. Release the Power button but keep holding the Home button until iTunes detects your device in Recovery Mode.

The above steps should normally help most users get rid of the annoying iTunes error 3194. If it fails, you can try using the MobiSaver tool - an iTunes alternative for data recovery. Without having to restore with iTunes, the program can directly scan and extract data from an iTunes backup to export to your PC, memory card, USB drive, or other devices.

Step 1: Run the MobiSaver tool

First, download the MobiSaver tool > Connect your iPhone or iPad to the computer > Launch the MobiSaver tool > Choose "Recover from iTunes Backup" > Select an iTunes backup.

"Step 2: Unlock your iTunes"

If this iTunes backup is encrypted, you'll need to enter the password to unlock it. After entering the password, click “Continue.” The MobiSaver tool will now scan your backup file for any lost data.

Step 3: Preview and recover data from iTunes backup

After the scan, you can preview the detailed content of the lost photos/videos, contacts/messages, memos, and social app data. Select the files you need and click the "Recover" button to save them to your computer.