If you see Error 3194, Error 17 or “This device isn’t eligible for the requested build” on your computer

If your computer is unable to communicate with Apple's software update server, you may see one of these messages.

  • Error 17

  • Error 1639

  • Errors 3000-3020

  • Error 3194

  • Errors 3100-3999

  • This device isn't eligible for the requested build

If you see one of these messages and need help updating or restoring your iOS or iPadOS device, make sure your Mac is up to date.

If you're using iTunes, install the latest version of iTunes If you’re using Apple Devices on your PC, make sure you use the latest version. If you're still unable to update or restore it, follow the steps below.

Address TCP/IP filtering, firewall or security software

If you have TCP/IP filtering, firewall or security software installed on your computer, try following these steps.

  1. Configure or temporarily uninstall your security software.

  2. Make sure you have a working internet connection. Try visiting www.apple.com/uk or contact your internet service provider for more help.

  3. Bypass your internet router. Some routers may block iTunes from accessing the update server. If you're using a router that wasn't manufactured by Apple, try the following:

  • Disconnect from your wired or wireless router and use an Ethernet cable to connect your computer directly to your modem.

  • Restart your computer and modem. Contact your internet service provider for instructions on using your modem.

After you confirm your internet connection is working, try to update or restore your iOS or iPadOS device again.

Restore or update from another computer

Try restoring or updating on another computer with a different internet connection. This helps to make sure there aren't any issues with your computer that are stopping it from communicating with the update server.

Errors 1639, 3000-3020 and 3100-3999 (with the exception of 3194) are sometimes caused by your network settings. If your computer uses a managed network, refer to your network administrator. Proxies, firewalls and other network security measures can cause these errors. If necessary, use a different network connection to restore the device. For example, if you're using the network connection at work, try restoring at home or on a friend's computer and network instead.

Check your hosts file

After you’ve updated your Mac or updated iTunes or Apple Devices to the latest version, check the hosts file to make sure your computer can contact the update server.

Windows

If you’re using a Windows computer, follow the steps on the Microsoft support site. Resetting the hosts file affects software services that rely on hosts file redirects. If you're using Windows on a business computer, consult your IT department to make sure applications work correctly after resetting your hosts file.

Mac

If you're using a Mac, follow these steps:

1. In the Finder, choose Applications > Utilities.

2. Open Terminal.

3. Type this command and press Return:

sudo nano /private/etc/hosts

4. Enter the password you use to sign in to your computer and press Return. Text won't appear in the Terminal window when typing your password.

hosts_file

5. Navigate using the arrow keys and look for an entry containing “gs.apple.com”.

If you can't see an entry containing gs.apple.com, then the hosts file isn't related to the issue. Close the Terminal and go to the "Address TCP/IP filtering, firewall or security software" section of this article.

6. Add the # symbol and a space (“# “) to the beginning of the gs.apple.com entry.

7. Press Control-O to save the file.

8. Press Return when asked for the filename.

9. Press Control-X to exit the editor.

10. Restart your Mac.

After your computer has finished restarting, try to update or restore your iOS or iPadOS device again.

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