Buzz
This guide will show you how to disable the firewall on your Wi-Fi router. Keep in mind that by doing this, you may be increasing the vulnerability of your network to virtual intruders and malware.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Locating Your Router's IP Address (Windows)
Access the Start Menu. You can do this by clicking on the Windows icon located at the bottom-left corner of your screen or by pressing the ⊞ Win key on your keyboard.
Enter cmd in the Start menu. Look for the Command Prompt icon, typically a black box, which should appear at the top of the Start menu.
Right-click on the Command Prompt icon. This action will bring up a menu.
Select Run as administrator. This will grant access to network information that only an administrator can view.
Choose Yes if prompted. Command Prompt will open after confirmation.
Input ipconfig /all into Command Prompt. This command prompts Command Prompt to display network addresses for all connections.
Hit ↵ Enter. This action will execute the 'ipconfig' command, displaying various text sections.
Find the 'Default Gateway' number. Look for this under the 'Wireless LAN Adapter Wi-Fi' section. The number beside it is your router's IP address.
- It should resemble something like this: 123.456.7.8
Take note of your router's IP address. Once you have it, you're ready to move on to disabling your router's firewall.
Locating Your Router's IP Address (Mac)
Select the Apple icon. Located at the top-left corner of your Mac's screen, this will open the Apple Menu.
Choose System Preferences. Look for it at the top of the Apple Menu.
Tap on Network. This icon resembles a purple globe and is found in the third row of options.
Click on Advanced. You'll find this button near the bottom-right corner of the window.
Press TCP/IP. This tab can be found at the top of the Advanced window.
Find the 'Router' number. The number listed beside 'Router' on this page is your router's IP address.
- This number should resemble something like this: 123.456.7.8
Note down your router's IP address. Once you have it, you're set to disable your router's firewall.
Disabling Your Router's Firewall
Input the router's IP address into your browser. Simply click the URL bar, replace the current content with the 'Default Gateway' or 'Router' number, and press ↵ Enter (PC) or ⏎ Return (Mac).
Provide your router's password if asked. Usually, you won't need to enter it if you're accessing the page via the IP address.
Find and select the Advanced Settings option. The location of this button may vary depending on your router's make.
- Some routers might label this option simply as 'Settings'.
Find and select the Firewall option. This option's location may vary, usually found in the 'Firewall' section of Settings.
Press Disable. By default, your router's firewall is enabled, indicated by a checkmark in the Enable box. Clicking Disable will turn off your router's firewall.
- This option might also be labeled as Off.
Click OK if prompted. This action will deactivate your router's firewall, but you can re-enable it at any time from this page.
Tips
Expert Interview
We appreciate you taking the time to read our article! To delve deeper into the realms of firewalls and viruses, feel free to explore our comprehensive interview featuring insights from Michael Thompson-Brown.
