The error “The iPhone ‘iPhone’ could not be restored. An unknown error has occurred (3194).” sometimes exhibits up in iTunes or Finder whereas trying to restore or downgrade older iPhones such because the iPhone 4s, 5, 5s, 6, and 6 Plus.

This error happens when iTunes fails to confirm firmware with Apple’s TSS (Tatsu Signing Server), actually because Apple has stopped signing older iOS variations after new updates.

However, it’s not simply Apple’s signing coverage. Local points akin to:

• Modified hosts file
• Firewall/antivirus interference
• Outdated iTunes model
• Corrupted iTunes cache

may also set off this error.

Now that you just perceive what causes the error, let’s transfer on to the options.

1. Update iTunes

Using an outdated model of iTunes might stop correct communication with Apple’s servers attributable to unsupported signing protocols or lacking safety certificates.

1. Open iTunes in your laptop.
   
2. Click on Help > Check for Updates.
   
3. Once updated, reconnect your iPhone and try the restore again.

2. Disable Antivirus and Firewall

Your security software might be blocking iTunes from accessing Apple’s TSS server. Temporarily disabling the firewall and antivirus can allow the restore to complete.

1. Press Win + S and search for Windows Security.
   
2. Go to Virus & menace safety.
   
3. Click Manage settings beneath safety settings.
   
4. Turn off Real-time safety.
   
5. Go again to Windows Security and open Firewall & community safety.
   
6. Select Domain community.
   
7. Turn off the Microsoft Defender Firewall.
   
8. Repeat for Private and Public networks.
9. Reconnect your iPhone, open iTunes, and try restoring again.

Note: Make sure to turn the firewall back on with the same steps to reinforce your system’s security.

3. Reset iTunes Cache & Edit Hosts File

Sometimes, outdated iTunes cache or modified host files can block iTunes from verifying the firmware. Resetting and editing these helps re-establish communication with Apple’s server.

1. Open iTunes.
   
2. Go to Edit > Preferences.
   
3. Under the Advanced tab, click on each Reset Warnings and Reset Cache.
   
4. Navigate to the folder:

   C:WindowsSystem32driversetc

5. Open the hosts file utilizing Notepad.
   
6. Remove any line that features:
   74.208.10.249 gs.apple.com
   
7. Save the file, shut every thing, and retry the restore course of.