[Downgrade Guide] Top Ways to Fix SHSH Host Not Working

If you're trying to save or use SHSH blobs and encounter the SHSH host not working error, don't worry. This issue usually occurs when your computer can't properly connect to Apple's signing server or a custom TSS server. In most cases, it's caused by a misconfigured hosts file, outdated tools, or network problems. In this guide, we'll explain why this happens and show you simple methods to fix it quickly.

Part 1. What Is SHSH?

SHSH (pronounced "shsh") stands for Signature HaSH blobs — they're digital signatures used by Apple to control which versions of iOS or iPadOS you can install on your device.

1.1 What SHSH Blobs Are?

Every time you restore or update your iPhone, iPad, or iPod using iTunes (or Finder), your device contacts Apple's TSS (Tatsu Signing Server).

Apple's server checks what firmware (iOS version) you're trying to install.

If Apple is still "signing" that version, it sends back an SHSH blob, which is a unique cryptographic token specific to:

• your device's ECID (unique identifier),
• the firmware version, and
• Apple's private signing key.

Your device can only install iOS versions for which Apple provides a valid SHSH blob.

1.2 Why SHSH Matters?

Apple stops signing older iOS versions shortly after releasing new ones.

This means you can't downgrade to an earlier version unless you saved your SHSH blobs for that version while Apple was still signing it.

1.3 Common Use Cases

Jailbreakers often save SHSH blobs (using tools like TinyUmbrella, TSSSaver, or Blobsaver) so they can downgrade or restore their device to a specific firmware later.

With saved blobs and advanced tools (like futurerestore), you can sometimes restore to an unsigned iOS version.

1.4 Summary

Part 2. Why Is SHSH Host Not Working?

1. Incorrect "hosts" File Entry

• When using tools like TinyUmbrella or futurerestore, they modify your computer's hosts file to redirect requests from Apple's TSS server to another one (for saving or using SHSH blobs).
• If that entry remains or is malformed, iTunes/Finder or other tools can't properly communicate with Apple.

2. Cydia or TSS Server Is Down

If you're using a custom SHSH host (like Cydia's TSS server or tsssaver.1conan.com) and it's offline or overloaded, your SHSH request will fail.

3. Firewall or Network Blocking

Some corporate or school networks block access to Apple's signing servers.

If your SHSH host can't connect, the request fails.

4. Outdated Tool or Unsupported iOS Version

Tools like TinyUmbrella and futurerestore sometimes break when Apple changes how signing works.

5. Apple No Longer Signing That Firmware

If you're trying to save or use SHSH blobs for an iOS version that Apple already stopped signing, no SHSH host will be able to fetch it.

Part 3. How to Fix SHSH Host Not Working?

Way 1. Check and Reset the Hosts File

Sometimes, your computer's hosts file can block access to shsh.host. Incorrect configurations or leftover entries from old tweaks or tools may prevent SHSH Host from working properly. Here's how to check and reset the hosts file.

On Windows:

Step 1: Go to:
C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts

Step 2: Right-click → Open with Notepad.

Step 3: Look for a line like:
74.208.10.249 gs.apple.com

Step 4: Add a # before it or delete it completely:
#74.208.10.249 gs.apple.com

Step 5: Save the file and restart your computer.

On macOS:

Step 1: Open Terminal and run:
sudo nano /etc/hosts

Step 2: Find and remove or comment out the same line.

Step 3: Press Ctrl + O to save, then Ctrl + X to exit.

Step 4: Flush DNS cache with:
sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder

Step 5: Save the file and restart your computer.

Way 2. Check Your Network Connection

In some cases, the SHSH Host not working error occurs simply because of an unstable or weak internet connection. A quick network check can often solve the issue without using any additional tools.

Step 1: Open your web browser and visit a few websites to confirm your internet connection is active.

Step 2: Switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data. If you're on public or slow Wi-Fi, it may be blocking access to the SHSH host.

Step 3: Restart your Wi-Fi router. Turn it off for 30 seconds, then turn it back on to refresh the connection.

Step 4: Disable any VPNs or proxies temporarily. These can interfere with or slow down access to Apple's TSS server or the SHSH host.

Step 5: Run a speed test using a site like Speedtest.net to check your internet speed. A slow or unstable connection can cause SHSH Host errors.

Way 3. Use a Professional Downgrade Tool -- TunesKit iOS System Recovery

When you're dealing with an "SHSH Host Not Working" error, it means the old method of redirecting Apple's servers via a hosts file has failed. Modern tools like TunesKit iOS System Recovery bypass this outdated and complex process entirely, offering a streamlined solution for downgrading your iOS.

Instead of manually editing system files, TunesKit provides a dedicated downgrade feature that automates the process. Apart from that, it can also fix various iOS issues like iPhone background black, iPhone stuck in boot loop, and iPhone black screen of death, etc.

Here's how it works and the steps to follow.

Step 1Connect Your iPhone and Launch the Software

First, download and install TunesKit iOS System Recovery on your Mac or Windows computer. Open the application and connect your iPhone to the computer using a reliable USB cable. On the main screen, select the Upgrade/Downgrade iOS feature to begin.

Step 2Select the iOS Downgrade Option

2.1 You will be presented with two choices. Click on iOS Downgrade to proceed. The software is now preparing to find a suitable firmware for your device.

2.2 TunesKit will automatically detect your device model and its current iOS version. It will then display a list of iOS firmware versions that you can downgrade to. This list only contains versions that Apple is still digitally signing. Select the desired version from the dropdown menu and click the Download button. The software will securely download the correct IPSW file for you.

Step 3 Initiate the Downgrade Process

Once the firmware is downloaded and verified, the "Start Downgrade" button will become active. Click Start Downgrade to begin the installation. Once completed, your iPhone will be running the older iOS version you've selected.

Way 4. Check Server Status

One common reason why SHSH Host stops working is that Apple has stopped signing the iOS version you're trying to use. Once an iOS version becomes unsigned, it's no longer possible to request or save SHSH blobs for it—no matter what tool you use.

Follow these quick steps to check the signing status:

Step 1: Go to a trusted iOS firmware signing status checker website. Find the exact iOS version you want to downgrade or restore to.

Step 2: If you see a green checkmark next to that version, it means Apple is still signing it—great news! SHSH Host should work normally.

Step 3: If you see a red cross, that iOS version is no longer signed by Apple. In this case, you'll need to choose another version that's still open for signing.

Part 4. FAQs about SHSH Host Not Working

Part 5. Conclusion

The SHSH Host plays a crucial role in saving SHSH blobs and ensuring a safe iOS downgrade or restore. When it fails to work properly, your entire process can come to a halt. To avoid such headaches and make downgrading effortless, it's best to rely on a trusted tool like TunesKit iOS System Recovery. This tool not only fixes system errors but also lets you downgrade smoothly—without extra IPSW file. With it, you can handle SHSH blobs and iOS issues easily, even if you’re not tech-savvy.