You can save blobs for any currently signed iOS version, even if you are not planning to install it immediately.
The "Unable to request SHSH hot" error is frustrating, but it is rarely the tool's fault. Usually, it is a combination of Apple's signing gate and network interference. For casual users, 3uTools remains the most user-friendly flashing tool on Windows. However, for SHSH-sensitive operations (like downgrading to unsigned iOS 17 or 18), you must learn to use FutureRestore and manual blob management.
| Cause Category | Description | |----------------|-------------| | | The iOS version is no longer being signed by Apple. SHSH requests for unsigned versions will fail. | | Network/proxy interference | 3uTools cannot reach Apple’s or 3uTools’ backend servers due to firewall, VPN, or proxy settings. | | 3uTools server-side issue | 3uTools relies on its own blob-saving service, which may be temporarily down or rate-limiting. | | Incorrect device identification | Mismatched ECID or device model string leads to invalid request formatting. | | Corrupted local cache/data | Previous 3uTools cache or temp files interfere with new SHSH requests. | | iTunes/Apple driver conflict | Outdated or missing Apple Mobile Device drivers prevent proper communication. | 3utools error unable to request shsh hot
Sometimes the problem is not with the software or firmware but with the connection. An unstable internet connection, corporate firewalls, or even a temporary glitch on Apple's TSS servers can prevent the SHSH request from going through. As noted in 3uTools’ own documentation, a network problem is a straightforward but valid potential cause for the error. An Apple server-side issue essentially means the servers responsible for signing are unresponsive or misconfigured at that moment.
: Navigate to C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc on your Windows PC. You can save blobs for any currently signed
Your computer or router might be blocking the communication between 3uTools and Apple's servers. Turn off any active VPN or proxy software.
Look at the firmware list downloaded for your specific device model. For casual users, 3uTools remains the most user-friendly
Once saved, you can use them with 3uTools or other tools to flash that specific iOS version anytime in the future, even years after Apple has stopped signing it.