How to Deactivate IPv6 Protocol on Linux

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If you're not utilizing IPv6 on your network, there's typically no harm in leaving it enabled on your Linux PC. However, if you're using an IPv4 VPN, leaving IPv6 enabled may result in network traffic leaks while the VPN is active. This comprehensive guide demonstrates how to disable IPv6 in Ubuntu, Debian, and Linux Mint. If you wish to permanently deactivate IPv6, you'll need to make some quick adjustments to your boot loader configuration.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Press Ctrl+Alt+t on your keyboard. This will launch a terminal window.

Type sudo sysctl -w net.ipv6.conf.all.disable_ipv6=1 and then press ↵ Enter.

Execute sudo sysctl -w net.ipv6.conf.default.disable_ipv6=1 and then hit ↵ Enter.

Type sudo sysctl -w net.ipv6.conf.lo.disable_ipv6=1 and then press ↵ Enter.

Type cat /proc/sys/net/ipv6/conf/all/disable_ipv6 and then hit ↵ Enter. Make sure the result shows '1' before proceeding to the next step.

If it displays '0,' execute sudo sysctl -p and press Enter. You should see three entries ending with '1,' indicating you can move forward.

Open sudo vi /etc/default/grub and press ↵ Enter. The following steps will ensure IPv6 remains disabled even after a system reboot. You'll be prompted to input your password.

If you prefer using a text editor other than Vi, like Nano or Pico, feel free to do so.
Enter your password when asked.

Modify the value of GRUB_CMDLINE_LINUX_DEFAULT. The current value may be empty. Alter it to resemble the following:

GRUB_CMDLINE_LINUX_DEFAULT='ipv6.disable=1'
If there were other parameters like 'quiet splash,' simply separate them from the new one with a space (e.g., GRUB_CMDLINE_LINUX_DEFAULT='quiet spash ipv6.disable=1').

Modify the GRUB_CMDLINE_LINUX value. Adjust this line to read as follows:

GRUB_CMDLINE_LINUX='ipv6.disable=1'

Save and close the configuration file. If you're using Vi, hit the esc key, input wq!, and then press Enter.

Enter sudo update-grub at the command prompt and press ↵ Enter. This action guarantees that IPv6 will stay disabled upon rebooting your PC.

Helpful Hints

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the steps to disable IPv6 on Ubuntu?

To disable IPv6 on Ubuntu, open a terminal with Ctrl+Alt+t, then run the commands: sudo sysctl -w net.ipv6.conf.all.disable_ipv6=1, sudo sysctl -w net.ipv6.conf.default.disable_ipv6=1, and sudo sysctl -w net.ipv6.conf.lo.disable_ipv6=1. Check with cat /proc/sys/net/ipv6/conf/all/disable_ipv6 to ensure it shows '1'.

How can I make sure IPv6 remains disabled after rebooting?

To ensure IPv6 stays disabled after a reboot, modify the GRUB configuration. Open the file with sudo vi /etc/default/grub, update GRUB_CMDLINE_LINUX_DEFAULT and GRUB_CMDLINE_LINUX to include 'ipv6.disable=1', save the changes, and run sudo update-grub.

Is there any risk in leaving IPv6 enabled on my Linux PC?

Yes, if you're using an IPv4 VPN, leaving IPv6 enabled can lead to network traffic leaks while the VPN is active. It's advisable to disable it if you are concerned about privacy.

Can I use a different text editor to modify the GRUB configuration?

Yes, you can use other text editors like Nano or Pico to modify the GRUB configuration file. Just ensure you save your changes properly before updating GRUB.

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