[Solved] iTunes Error 3194, Error 21 and Error 1013

How to fix iTunes Error 3194, Error 21 and Error 1013

I finally found a few ways to resolve this after searching on Apple’s support page and other sites. I also came to the conclusion that the error 3194 in iTunes and the other errors are quite common and luckily quite simple to isolate to then resolve. Now the key here is isolate. Try one step at the time, don’t overdo it.

Note for Jailbreak and Firmware Downgrade.

If your issue is unrelated to Jailbreak or Downgrading a device then skip this section and move on to the next one.

This guide is not intended for downgrading or Jailbreaking, and while the info provided may still be useful it may not apply to your case. So unless you’re trying to restore your iOS device to the latest version of iOS this guide may not be for you.

Comments regarding this error while jailbreaking or using a software version other than the latest one will be ignored.

What causes the error?

The error 3194 happens when iTunes tries to validate the downloaded restore file (.ipsw) and is unable to reach Apple’s validation servers. The reason is usually something blocking the connection. Other causes are to try to use a firmware version that Apple is no longer signing ie. 5.1.1. So basically you can’t use an older firmware unless you work around the security that Apple has put in place. This article does not cover bypassing these security restrictions.

Common causes are:

• Firewall (try to disable it and attempt restoring again)
• Antivirus (try to disable it and attempt restoring again)
• Hosts file blocking access to the validation server. (keep reading for help with these)
• Stubborn computer (By all means try a different machine if you’ve tried everything here).
• Try this on a Mac (iTunes works almost flawlessly when used on a Mac)

In OS X the error shows as:

“The iPhone “name” could not be updated. This device isn’t eligible for the requested build.”

OR

“The iPhone “name” could not be restored. This device isn’t eligible for the requested build.”

In Windows the error is even less descriptive:

“The iPhone “iPhone” could not be restored. An unknown error occurred (3194).

Fixing error 3194 in iTunes

• Quit iTunes
• Download TinyUmbrella. (download links on the sidebar of their site)
  Backup links: (Please check the official website for the latest version)
  TinyUmbrella for Windows 5.10.14
  TinyUmbrella for OS X 5.10.14
• Open TinyUmbrella (It requires admin account on the computer)
• Select your iPhone and then click on the “Advanced” tab.
• Untick the box “Set Hosts to Cydia on Exit (If you need a clean restore from Apple uncheck this box)” as seen on the screenshot below.
• Apply the changes.

What TinyUmbrella achieves is to remove any blocks created by a previous Jailbreak or similar procedure.

If This method doesn’t work for you try the Alternative method below.

Alternative

As mentioned earlier, what causes the error 3194 in iTunes in most cases, is the inability of iTunes to contact Apple servers.

We can achieve this manually by editing the HOSTS file in Windows or in OS X. All you need to do is to remove any reference to gs.apple.com i.e.: 74.208.105.171 gs.apple.com.

In Windows

You can find the hosts file on: “C:\Windows\system32\drivers\etc\hosts”

Not sure on how to modify the hosts file? Check out this tutorial including a video. “How to modify the hosts file in Windows”

In OS X

You can find the hosts file on: “/etc/hosts” or “/private/etc/hosts”

Make sure you have admin rights to save the changes: Right click on notepad and select run as admin, then browse for the hosts file.

I hope this helps. Leave comments or questions in the comments. Also please share if you’ve found other ways to fix this issue so I can add them up for others to find.  Good Luck! – By Lone Ranger

[Related Articles]

• How to modify the hosts file in Windows.