What is Error 3194 iPhone Restore?
Restoring your precious iPhone via iTunes is supposed to be a pretty seamless process. That said, things do not always go as planned: since you are here, we assume you have run into iPhone Restore Error 3194 in Windows 10.
The nuisance in view prevents you from restoring your iOS device and causes a great deal of frustration. To help you get rid of this error, we have drawn up an exhaustive list of proven troubleshooting tips – whatever your scenario involves, you are sure to find the best solution to what is behind your problem.
There are certain issues that are reported to be the most common triggers for Error 3194 on Windows 10. They are as follows:
- invalid or out-of-date iTunes;
- the lack of communication between your iTunes and Apple’s software update server;
- a blocked or faulty Internet connection;
- overreacting security software in your system;
- changes in the hosts file.
No matter which of them is the culprit in your case, you will get your iPhone restored in no time. Just read on to be able to do the right thing.
How to fix iTunes Error 3194?
In this article, you will find step-by-step instructions on how to remove the iPhone could not be restored error message. Make sure to follow them carefully – this will help you avoid complicating matters further.
Restart your PC
We know this is simplicity itself, and yet users often rush to use sophisticated troubleshooting methods before doing the most obvious thing. Thus, restart your machine – hopefully, this will be enough to get things back on track.
Check your Internet connection
Restoring an iPhone via iTunes on Windows 10 requires an active internet connection. Check if you have one. If you are having issues connecting to the Internet, the most straightforward step is to restart your modem and wireless router. Make sure airplane mode is off. Move your laptop closer to the router if you are using a wireless connection. If your issue persists, consider switching to a wired connection. Try using an Ethernet cable to connect your computer directly to your modem.
No luck so far? Then let’s run the Network troubleshooter:
- Click on Start and go to Settings.
- Open the Network & Internet category and navigate to Status (which is in the left-pane menu).
- Go to Change your network settings. Now click Network troubleshooter.
If nothing helps, do not hesitate to contact your internet service provider.
Update iTunes
You need the latest version of iTunes to be able to restore your iPhone on Windows 10. This means you should open your iTunes, select Help and proceed to Check for Updates. You will be walked through the process of updating the software. Alternatively, you can go to Windows Store and click on More. Select Downloads and updates and click Get updates. Once you are done, try to restore your device again.
Temporarily disable Windows Defender Firewall
In some cases, Windows Defender Firewall hinders iTunes from connecting to Apple’s update server. To work around this problem, do the following:
- Hit the Windows logo key + Q combo.
- Type “firewall” (without quotes) and press Enter.
- Click on Windows Defender Firewall.
- Once in Control Panel, go to the left pane and select Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off from the menu.
- Select Turn off Windows Defender Firewall for both private and public network options.
Now you should be able to restore your iPhone. After doing this, make sure to turn your firewall back on.
Turn off your security solution
Chances are your third-party security software has something do with iPhone Restore Error 3194 on your PC: certain products are notorious for interfering with the normal function of iTunes. In a case like this, disable your anti-virus program and check whether the issue has been resolved. If this method has proved helpful, turn on and tweak the software. If it keeps overreacting or coming into conflict with programs on your PC, consider switching to another tool. For example, Auslogics Anti-Malware will keep malware out without creating issues on your Windows PC.
Modify your hosts file
Jailbreaking your iPhone changes the way your iTunes connects to the verification server, which may lead to iPhone Restore Error 3194. In such a scenario, you should edit the hosts file this way:
- Exit iTunes and go to C: > Windows > System32 > drivers > etc.
- Locate the hosts file. Right-click it and select Open with from the menu.
- Click on the Notepad option. Press OK.
- Go to the bottom of the file and modify the text as shown below:
- If you see 74.208.105.171 gs.apple.com, place # in front of this line.
- No 74.208.105.171 gs.apple.com entry? Then enter this line yourself.
- Now click on File and select Save in Notepad.
- Exit Notepad and restart your PC.
After your computer is finished restarting, check if the restore error is no more.
Use iCloud
If iPhone Restore Error 3194 is not a fixed problem at this juncture, you are left with no choice but to use iCloud to restore your device:
- Log in to iCloud.
- Locate the Find iPhone service.
- Click All Devices.
- Select your iPhone.
- Click Erase. This will restore your device to its default settings.
This is it – now you are aware of how to fix iTunes Error 3194. If you are yet to resolve the problem, please contact us via the comments section below. We’ll do our best to help you!
