Fix “This device isn’t eligible for the requested build” Error in iTunes When Updating iOS
If you’re trying to update iOS to the latest version on an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch and you get an error in iTunes saying:
The iOS Device “Device Name” could not be updated. This device isn’t eligible for the requested build.
You’re most likely encountering one the following problems: either you are using an old version of iTunes, you are using an incorrect version of the firmware for your device, or you have gs.apple.com re-routed or blocked in your hosts file.
How to Fix “This device isn’t eligible for the requested build” Error in iTunes
First let’s cover the iTunes and firmware aspect, then explain hosts modifications. Try these in order, one of them will likely fix the ineligible build error:
Wait, Then Re-try Updating iOS
Sometimes a little patience is sufficient to remedy this error message. Try waiting a little while and then attempting to download and reinstall iOS again, it often works.
1) Update iTunes
This is easy, just open iTunes and update to the latest version. This is required because the newest version of iOS require the newest versions of iTunes. Easy to resolve.
2) Use Proper iOS Firmware
The next thing you need to do is make sure you’re using the proper firmware IPSW file for your iOS hardware. You can download any firmware files from these links:
For example, if you have an iPhone SE, you must use IPSW firmware matching that device.
Additionally, you must use a version of iOS IPSW that is being signed by Apple. Older versions of IPSW are usually not signed.
A fair amount of confusion regarding older IPSW seems to be in the difference between GSM and CDMA downloads, in the USA this is easiest to determine based on the cellular provider: AT&T is GSM, Verizon is CDMA. If you’re not sure what to do with an IPSW file, you can read our walkthrough of how to use them.
If you’re certain you have the correct firmware file and you’re still getting the “device isn’t eligible” iTunes error, it’s almost certainly a result of gs.apple.com being blocked in the hosts file.
3) Remove the Hosts Block
If you know you’re using the proper iTunes and iOS version and you’re familiar with editing a hosts file, just throw # in front of the “74.208.10.249 gs.apple.com” entry and you very well might be good to go. If you have no idea what that means, read on and it’ll be explained easily.
This usually comes from users who have jailbroken an iOS device at some point on their computer, or did the error 3194 fix, and as a result have a line in their hosts file blocking Apple’s servers. There’s two ways to fix this:
Manually Editing Hosts
- Quit out of iTunes
- Go to the hosts file. For Mac OS X this is located at: /etc/hosts or /private/etc/hosts and in Windows it is located at: c:\windows\system32\drivers\etc\hosts
- Open the hosts file with Administrative privileges so that changes can be made and saved (eg: sudo nano /etc/hosts)
- Look for a line that resembles something like this:
- Put a # in front of that to comment it out, making it now look like this:
- Save the hosts file
- Flush DNS cache and restart iTunes
74.208.10.249 gs.apple.com
# 74.208.10.249 gs.apple.com
Using TinyUmbrella
TinyUmbrella prevents you from having to use the Terminal to edit system files, instead you can just launch the app and quit it. TinyUmbrella is third party software and is not verified, use it at your own risk.
- Download TinyUmbrella for Mac OS X (direct download link)
- Download TinyUmbrella for Windows (direct download link)
After you’ve downloaded and installed TinyUmbrella, here’s how to use it to remove a hosts block:
- Open TinyUmbrella and click on the “Advanced” button tab at the bottom
- Uncheck the box next to “Set Hosts to Cydia on Exit”
Now quit out of TinyUmbrella and the app will modify the hosts file in the process to remove the block, allowing you to connect to Apple’s servers again. Before you try though, be sure to turn the iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch on and off again, and relaunch iTunes as well.
If you still run into problems, you may need to flush the DNS cache as well. Quit out of iTunes and open the Terminal in OS X Lion, then type:
dscacheutil -flushcache
Now relaunch iTunes and you’ll be good.
Whichever approach you took, this fixes the “eligible build” error and the iOS device will update as intended.
Myiphone4.imei:012538003076523
Can’tdownload,update.app,ios,game
Newversion.initunesstore.
Don’topensafarifile,server.onmobile.
Lockedserver.Error403.404.400
i have had to restore my iPhone 5 as my friends changed my password but i have the right firmware iOS and i have the newest iTunes but i am still getting “This device isn’t eligible for the requested build” i have a mac so i went into manually edit host and i don’t have the line 74.208.10.249 gs.apple.com at all..??
Thanks for the help! Did the manual edit of the hosts file and that did it. No clue why all of a sudden this error started popping up — updates worked fine until now, and never jailbroke my iPad or anything.
Erik
You should upgrade to iOS 6.1.3.
i have the same problem.
just download iphone 4s firmware ios 6.1.3, go to itunes, then restore. (hold option if u use mac, and shift if u use wins, then click restore. select the firmware that u download before, and it should running perfectly).
Please help! tried everything but still “This device isn’t eligible for the requested build” error !!!
iTunes 11.0.2 and osx 10.8.3 are up to date, HandsOff is tmp disabled, hosts file has the # before the “74.208.10.249 gs.apple.com” line , only the iPhone is connected and i did a fresh reboot – but i still get the eligible-error after iTunes has checked the ipsw file, it has loaded after pressing alt+update.
Is there no one with an idea how to come from 6.0 to a jailbroken 6.1.2 ???
Apple just says “only current ios is supported” but there must be a way. e.g. how will a developer support its software for compatibility with earlier release …
i’m getting the same error. i did all steps as well.
i am using mac
i downloaded ios6.1.2 for my iphone 4s
i did everything as it was said using terminal but i got the same error
then tried to used the software u suggested but the box said to uncheck was already unchecked and i could;t check or uncheck it
any help please ????
You need iOS 6.1.3 then
Did not work. Same error. I followed all steps.
ahh… so, after manually editing host, one should use the normal restore (and update), not the option+restore. it DOES work after all!!
thanks for the post, and providing multiple options!
i have iphone4 and i want to upgrade to 6.1 I
I downloaded tiny-umbrella on my macpro but when I open it. it opens and disappear. i cant do anything with it !!!
and i can not find any folder related to Hosts in my library too. i have snow leopard and iphone 4.3.2
Thanks. Worked for me!
This is magical! Thank you very much!!!
Hello there ,
I know that you already have a lot of people thanking you for this and mine doesn’t matter
But thank you
My phone is fixed :D
The advanced step worked like champ…. Finally i fixed my customers computer after 2hrs.. Great!!!!!
Hi there, plz help,
Does this work on 4s ios 6.0.1 restore to 5.1.1?
i upgraded my 4s w/o saving shsh blobs (i actually used tinyumbrella unchecked “request shsh from cydia”, but it did not save the shsh, it only saved .cache and known_devices) now i am stuck with 4s 6.0.1 trying to downgrade to 5.1.1, gives me the “isn’t eligible” error.
i’ve tried advanced editing method, but not flush DNS yet
i need your advice!!
thx
Mr.P
I tried everything here but I’m still getting the same error message.
I have a 3GS with baseband 04.26.08, running 5.1.1, achieved via pwnagetool. I’m giving my phone to someone and just want to restore it fresh. I’m attempting to simply restore from the custom ipsw that I originally used to get 5.1.1 on this phone.
I even tried Deeptesh’s recommendation, but to no avail.
Any ideas? Or maybe there’s a better way to wipe the device while keeping the jailbreak (and the ultrasnow unlock, which is the only reason I jailbroke it in the first place).
P.S. I’m on a mac.
I found the possible solution for all those that tried all the suggested methods and did not work. After a long struggle, I found a video on You Tube and tried it as follows:
In the hosts file, go to the line ‘74.208.10.249 gs.apple.com’, DO NOT put a # in front. Instead DELETE the ‘gs.apple.com’ part only.
If you have a line with ‘127.0.0.1 gs.apple.com’, DELETE this entire line completely.
After days of struggling, I did this and it restored immediately. I was updating a JB iOS 5.1.1 on iPhone 4 to a fresh iOS 6.0.1 install.
This saved my life. Thank you so much!
Went to an Apple Store today and they told me they couldn’t help me because of the fact that my iPad was jailbroken. How lame is that?! Well, thanks to this tutorial anyone can be a freakin’ Genius.
Many thanks!
Miracles do happen! Thank you so much! This was the only thing that would fix my 4s! I was so worried I was going to be without a phone for days…I was even able to restore my backup! Thank you so much!
I followed the steps carefully… However, I keep on receiving the same error, I tried the manual option and the Tiny Umbrella…
Please, help!!!
See post by Deeptesh on your comment page. I solved my problem and hopefully it will help you. I had the same difficulty with all the options not working.
BY FAR THE BEST ADVICE EVER YOU JUST HELPED ME FIX MY PHONE AND IVE BEEN TRYING FOR 2 DAYS NOW!!! WILL DEF SHARE YOURE ADVICE!!!
what if i dont have in the “hosts” file , this last line “74.208.10.249 gs.apple.com” , what should i do ?!
Fantastic explaination.. works like a charm. Thanks!!
My Hosts file shows the below info , with no IP address shown.
any thoughts?
##
# Host Database
#
# localhost is used to configure the loopback interface
# when the system is booting. Do not change this entry.
##
127.0.0.1 localhost
255.255.255.255 broadcasthost
::1 localhost
fe80::1%lo0 localhost
any chance u found a solution. my ipod does the exact same thing
Hi, I’m wondering if you found a way my host file is same as you…. please help me! :(
I had this exact problem. In my case, the cause was that I was logged in as a non-Administrator user. When I logged in as an Administrator, the expected lines showed up in my hosts file *with* the # sign in front. Then I followed Deeptesh’s instructions in the comments below, and everything worked.
Wow thanks!!!
I dont have the line, “74.208.10.249 gs.apple.com” in my host file, what can i do.. I am getting the message “iphone could not be restore” Please help me out . thanks
I dont have the line, “74.208.10.249 gs.apple.com” in my host file, what can i do.. I am getting the message “iphone could not be restore” Please help me out . thanks
First I made sure my host file was correct. I used Gas Mask for that. Then I Deleted Cydia. Then deleted any apps installed after Cydia. Then the restore worked in itunes. Took me a week to figure it out. Good luck.
Thank you so much. Had to do the dscacheutil -flushcache for it to work.
I have an iPod 4th Gen which I updated to IOS6. I’m trying to downgrade back to IOS5.1.1. but I keep getting this error. None of these solutions worked. Please help!
Hello. I’m on 4.3.3 and I want to upgrade to 5.1.1 on a 3gs jailbroken iPhone. When trying to restore in dfu mode, I get ‘error 3014’. I the edit my hosts file and ADD the gs.apple.com line. Go back to iTunes, try to restore, but then I get the ‘requested build’ error. What can I do? I’m stuck in a loophole. Please help.
god bless u
Thanks so much! :)
I just tried this today and didn’t have any luck. I’ve managed to download the ipsw file but then it runs into problems when contacting Apple to verify the software. Has anyone managed this since September 20?
Worked like a charm. Cant tell you how frustrated I was because I couldn’t update to IOS 6. Thanks. The site below has some info on how to actually edit your host file
https://osxdaily.com/2012/08/07/edit-hosts-file-mac-os-x/
Thanks a lot! it’s work for my iphone4
thanks a lot budddy.. the trick worked fine.
Worked perfectly. Tks!!!
thank soo much… i fixed my iphone!! :)))))
Thanks so much. It resolve my problem (jailbroken 3GS unable to restore to factory setting & update to latest iOS) which I’ve being trying to figure out for hours.
Thanks a bunch, this really worked!
thanks! I never comment, but this really helped a lot!!
thanks man, this is the best way to solve my problem :D
thank you so much.
Same problem here! I did carefully all the steps, tried on different computers, even with different internet connection, still getting the “isn’t eligible” message!
It’s an iPhone 4 running iOS 4.3.3 and I want to restore it to the very same version. No dice. PLEASE HELP!!!
use tiny umbrella if you’ve every jailbroken an iphone
same problem as edgar! please HELP
You are wonderful… THANK YOU!
Thank you soooo much!!! That works like a charm! (The Tiny Umbrella way)
Superb! works at the first try…. After a week trying to search for help, my ipad 2 problem solved here…. Thanks alot to osxdaily…
Regards,
Glad that this has worked for me, by using tinyumbrella. Thanks buddy!
everything listed on this site worked thanks i had a bricked iPhone and this worked not jailbroken but its restored at least
i love you.
have same problem with my iPhone (3GS, iOS 4.3.4) like Edgar
NEED SOME HELP PLEASE!
I wanted to upgrade mi ipod 4g from 4.2.1 (jailbroken) to 5.0.1 and then jailbreak, but I jailbroke with redsn0w without restore the right firmware (forgot it :/), I downloaded the right firmware to restore and followed all the steps, but still having the same thing “this device isn’t eligible”.
Please help me :(
Thanks for this, the method did a restore not an update wiping all my pictures, but that was my fault for not backing up. Over all the method worked!
Thanks for the info.
wow it works for me, thanks
Funcionou! Valeu!
THANKS!
Bless you!!! Nothing else worked but this did. I was worried that all my stuff would be lost when it restored, but it was all there. THANK YOU!!!
Thanks for the info about the TinyUmbrella settimgs. After I changed the settings, I was able to restore my iPhone 4 again.
Thanks for the guide, all I had to do was use tiny umbrella and uncheck the box and it worked perfectly!
Have the same issue as Marcio. Trying to Downgrade from 5.0 to 4.3.5 GSM.
A few sites give you instructions that basically includes downgrading to itunes 10.4 and restoring with 4.3.5 ipsw.
I’ve tried everything it says here, plus.. Nothing works!
Is there a solution? or am i wasting my time trying to downgrade to 4.3.5 in the first place?
Having the same problem as Micheal and Marcio. Can’t seem to downgrade from 5.0 to anything below.
Does anyone now of a way around this?
Thanks
Hey, I actually did all the steps above, but it still appears the same error. I want to restore my ios 4.3.5 and my current ios is 4.3.5. Any idea how to solve this?
Thank You a lot!
Thank you so much! I’ve been looking and trying for over 2 hours to find a way to restore my iPod and I just found it here!
Cheers, thanks!
Worked like a charm with the TinyUmbrella option .
I had my iPhone 4 in IOS 5.0 , did a jailbreak before upgrading to 5.01 then got stuck on the ” Unable to upgrade …. ” .
thanks a bunch ..
Thanks! Tiny Umbrella worked liked a charm!
very informative. Nice touch with the TinyUmbrella information
Worked awesome, thanks! I tried a lot of other solutions but this one is the only one that worked for me. (obviously)
thanks you. you save my iPhone
Thanks a lot. I had to go all the way to tiny umbrella, but it worked first try. Thanks Again, I’ve been trying to fix this for days.
Dear MAT,
Did all the options you gave, still getting the same problem. any other thing i can try? i have 4.3.3 on my iPHone, but it is crashing a lot and i wanted to fresh install, and that is why i am doing thing. any other idea i might try??
thanks,
dan
I am willing to try other firmware if you have a suggestion. appreciate it.
Hi Pal,
I did all the steps, but keep receiving the same error message. In my case I want to downgrade from 5.0 to 4.3.2 GSM.
There is anything that you might help me out?
You can’t downgrade from iOS 5.0 to iOS 4.3.2.
Hi Mat,
Thanks for the reply. But could you explain me why?
WooHooo!
Thanks a lot! This helps me a lot!
Surely works!
I edit the host file manually by copy the host file to desktop and then edit. Delete the original host file (move to trash) and then copy the edited host file from desktop into the /etc folder!
thanks a bunch!
iTnes 10.5.1 is installed
hi there,
unfortunately have the same problem than Amin. Don’t know what to do, tried all the stuff. have the same configuration as him. used redsn0w 09.9b8 to create custom fw. have a mac
Hi
I did everything that you said BUT i still get the error.
I have an iPhone 4 with ios4.3.5, bb 4.10.01 and want to upgrade it to ios5 with a custom ipsw.
Same
Same
SAME
SAME
Thank you!!! So much!! only solution I could find that worked!!
Thanks so much! I couldn’t get iOS 5 on my iPod Touch, and I thought it was because Apple could tell I had been jailbroken before and I was therefore ineligible for an update. Didn’t know the fix was so simple! Thanks again.
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If u right-click on the hosts file and change the read and write priveleges you can edit it directly with TextEdit
https://discussions.apple.com/message/15156516#15156516
or if you are using Snow leopard you can do this:
sudo /Applications/TextEdit.app/Contents/MacOS/TextEdit /etc/hosts
Hi,
Another fix for this is not to update the iOS device that you’re trying to upgrade but to restore it instead. This gets around the error but of course wipes your device in the process, so make sure you do a backup first.
Once iOS5 was on my device, I restored the backup. Everything went fine for me with one exception, I lost the folders for some reason which was a nuisance but otherwise everything else was ok.
Hope this helps.
you should preface this entire article with a big warning saying “if you dont know how to pick the right firmware you shouldnt be doing what youre trying to do”
How you know you are picking the right firmware?, I thought I could use any version?
Considering that I already choose the right my model between GSM or CDMA, is there any particular firmware version, i should choose?. Thanks for clearing this doubt.