How can I fix iPhone restore error 3194 in Windows 10/11?

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Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

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Some users have stated that anerror3194error messagepops up when they try to restoreiOS devicesviaWindows iTunes. Theerror messagestates, “TheiPhone‘iPhone‘ could not be restored. An unknownerroroccurred (3194).” Thus, users can’t restore theiriPhonesor iPads with iTunes.

Error 3194 arises when iTunes cannot contact Apple’s update server. That is the activation server which is essential for restoring iOS to its default settings. This is how users can fixiPhonerestoreerror3194 in Windows 10.

Steps to fix iPhone error 3194 on PC

1. Update iTunes

First, make sure that the iTunes software is the latest version. Users can do that by opening iTunes, clicking Help, and selecting theCheck for Updatesoption. An iTunes dialog box might open from which users can select aDownload iTunesoption.

Alternatively, users can uninstall iTunes and then reinstall the latest version by clickingGetoniTunes’ MS Store page. Note that users will also need to uninstall Apple Software Update, Apple Mobile Device, Bonjour, and both 32 and 64-bit Apple Application Support.

Users an uninstall thosesoftwarevia the Programs and Features Control Panel applet, which they can open by pressing the Windows key + R hotkey and entering ‘appwiz.cpl’ in Run’s text box.

2. Edit the Hosts File

Error 3194 often arises for users who have jailbroken their mobiles. Jailbreaking aniPhonealters how iTunes connects with Apple’s activation server when users try to restore iOS.

Therefore, editing the hosts file can often fixerror3194. Follow the guidelines below to edit the hosts file.

3. Turn Off the Windows Defender Firewall

Error 3194 can be due to firewalls blocking iTunes’ connection with Apple’s update server. So, turning theWindows Defender Firewalloff might also resolve error 3194. U

sers can turn off WDF as follows:

4. Turn Off Antivirus Software

Remember that third-party antivirussoftwarecan also include additional firewalls. So, some users might also need to disable third-party antivirus utilities. To turn off antivirussoftware, right-click its system tray icon.

That will open a context menu from which users can usually select a stop, disable, shut down, or other turn off option.

For example, Avast users can right-click the antivirus software’s system tray icon and selectAvast shield controls>Disable for 1hour.

5. Fix Restore Error 3194 With iMyPhone

The iMyPhone TunesFix software can fix lots of iTunes’error messages. Therefore, thatsoftwaremight also resolveerror3194. The full version is currently retailing at $14.95 on the publisher’s website.

Users can clickTry it Free>Windowson the software’s website to download and install the trial version. Then clickFix Other iTunes Problems>Repairin iMyPhone’s window.

6. Restore the iPhone via iCloud

Those are some of the best resolutions for fixingerror3194. Note that users can also restoreiOS devicesto default settings with alternative third-partysoftware, such as PhoneRescue for iOS and Dr. Fone.

How can I fix iPhone restore error 3194 in Windows 10/11?#

Steps to fix iPhone error 3194 on PC#

1. Update iTunes#

2. Edit the Hosts File#

3. Turn Off the Windows Defender Firewall#

4. Turn Off Antivirus Software#

5. Fix Restore Error 3194 With iMyPhone#

6. Restore the iPhone via iCloud#