Users often reports error 3194 when restoring either stock, or custom firmware / iOS. These are the steps to fix error 3194 when restoring custom / stock firmware on iPhone / iPad / iPad.
iTunes error 3194 usually appears when you’re trying to restore an unsigned firmware, often during an iOS downgrade or even during some restores. If you run into Error 3194 from iTunes, you can temporarily fix 3194 error by pointing iTunes to Cydia’s SHSH server where you’ve SHSH blobs saved for that particular firmwares.
Occurs when trying to install an old firmware and Apple’s server disallows the installation. The only solution is to have SHSH backup and modify the hosts file to point to Saurik’s Cydia Server where they are backed up (or localhost if you have it yourself).
*** If you’re getting iTunes error 3194 with the latest firmware (Signed iOS) then simply remove the Cydia’s SHSH server IP, if it’s already in the Hosts file. It’s the reverse of the process explained below.
“The iPhone “iPhone” could not be restored. An unknown error occurred (3194).”
How to Fix iTunes Error 3194
You can fix iTunes error 3194 by adding Cydia’s SHSH Caching Server to the hosts file. You can do this either by using TinyUmbrella or you can also manually edit the hosts file. We’re going to explain both methods.
Fix ITunes Error 3194 [TinyUmbrella]
To add Cydia’s SHSH Caching Server to the Hosts file:
Download TinyUmbrella;
Launch TinyUmbrella, go to the “Advanced” tab and check “Set Hosts to Cydia on Exit”;
Click on “Apply Changes” and then reboot your PC/Mac.
Put your iDevice into DFU Mode and Try restoring it via iTunes.
Fix ITunes Error 3194 [Manually]
Close iTunes.
Locate the Hots file:
Windows:
Go to C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\ and locate hosts file.
Open and edit the hosts file in Notepad.
Note: Win 7 and Vista users MUST run Notepad with admin privileges. Right click on Notepad app and select Run as Administrator.
Mac OS X:
Go to \etc\ directory and locate hosts file. Copy it on your desktop
Open the hosts file in TextEdit.
Add the following lines to the very bottom of the hosts file:
74.208.105.171 gs.apple.com
remove any other line that contains gs.apple.com
Put your iDevice into DFU Mode and Try restoring it via iTunes.
That’s it! You should now be able to successfully restore the desired older firmware (if SHSH saved).