Q: How to fix unknown error 3 on itunes while restoring iphone 5?

DFU mode, this indicates how to put a device into dfu mode.  You are already there, but the link may be of help, otherwise doe a google search for "dfu iOS":

http://www.iclarified.com/entry/index.php?enid=1034

If this doesn't help, take it to an Apple store.  There have been very few posts involving an error 3, and the one or two that do indicate that Apple has said there's a hardware issue.

Feel as though I have tried almost everything on my iphone 5 ios 7.0.4 ...starting to wonder if there will ever be a fix.

I tried DFU mode.

I tried Tinyumbrella 7.0.2.

I tried Redsn0w 0.9.15b3.

I tried Recboot.

I tried editing host file.

I tried removing host file. (put host file back after)

I even tried the "freezer fix".

Next up is IOS 7.0.1 which is taking forever to download.

Everywhere I've googled people are saying not even Apple can fix it.

Nothing. Why did I ever restore this phone.

Tell me u have replace the batery?

i also have this problem on my ipad mini a1445

restored ipad then needed to activate it via itunes as wifi wont let me do it

now error 3 pops up everytime really pi**ing me off

so rang three to see what they could do ........

put me thru to apple tech they dont know what it is either so they say got to wait forr  a phone call

from them now i have hear it might be bricked but i havent done nowt to it

i dunno if it will solve YOUR issue with YOUR hw & sw, but i solved in this way:

ipad 3rd gen connected via usb to windows 7

disabled microsoft security essentials and windows firewall from control panel

starting restore procedure: OK device restored to ios 7.0.4

https://discussions.apple.com/message/24364877#24364877

hi there i got past this error 3

first thing i did was remove the host file from   C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\etc

then click start and choose run

in the dialog box type    cmd   then click ok

after the DOS prompt type   ipconfig /flushdns    and press enter,make sure you enter a single blank space after ipconfig.

then put what ever device you have into dfu mode and restore.

sorry i dont know how to do this on a mac. hope this works for yous having trouble

I was hoping this would make my day. Unfortunetly I followed your steps, but still got the error 3.

The problem is I am not in the states and I bought the phone from apple store.

The phone is still under warranty. Any advice on way forward.

I need apple to take it and give me a new one.

I just hate this hardware problem. Never had it on my previous 7 apple products!!

Thanks for sharing your solution.

By the way, i had another host file called host SAM. I did not remove at the beginning, and I removed then,

but NO LUCK

heyy i too facing the same

i m facing same issu iphone 5s updating 7.1

I have the same problem with my 5s. After update to 7.1, it stuck with Apple logo n seem like its restart million time per hour. well look like night club light. I'm regret about it. hmm

i had an iphone 5s  ios 7.0.6 and i tried to update to ios 7.1.6, it stuck in recovery and i am getting error 3 all time i try to update. the phone doesn't even belong to me!  How can i solve this problem? Someone help

I sent my phone with a friend to USA with the delivery and purchase orders. Let us hope apple will replace it.

you replaced it? thanks