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How to Set Up Port Forwarding

Article Summary

  • Log in to your router at its default gateway address; the credentials are often on a sticker under or behind the router.
  • Find the port forwarding settings, typically under 'Advanced' and then 'Port Forwarding' or 'Virtual Server'.
  • Name the device, enter the port, select 'TCP/UDP' or 'Both', enter the device's internal IP address, and click 'Apply' or 'Save'.
  • Check the port at www.portchecktool.com, then connect with your hostname plus the port, such as 'http://hostname.ddns.net:8000'.
  • Mobile apps usually specify the port themselves, so enter just your hostname there.

  1. Login to Your Router

    Login to your router via the default gateway address. (Follow the link for additional instructions on finding your default gateway address step.)

  2. Enter Router Username and Password

    Enter the credentials for your router on its login page.
    Please Note: The credentials for your router should be found on a sticker located underneath or behind your router. If not, you can try the most common credentials below.


    Device         Username      Password

    D-Link          admin              (leave blank)

    Netgear        admin              password

    Linksys         admin              admin

    Asus             admin              admin

    DrayTek        admin              admin

    ZyXel            admin              1234

    TP-Link         admin             admin

    TRENDnet     admin             admin

    Belkin            admin             (leave blank)

  3. Locate Port Forwarding Settings

    Next,locate the port forwarding settings. Typically this will be under Advanced and then Port Forwarding or Virtual Server.

  4. Name Your Device

    On the Port Forwarding page, you will be prompted to enter in a custom name for your device, usually the device you’re trying to reach like a security camera or NVR. Then you’ll enter the desired port you are forwarding in the port field. Select “TCP/UDP” under Protocol or “Both” if you are unsure of which protocol you are using. Next, enter the internal IP address of the device you are port forwarding to and click “Apply” or “Save” to store the changes.

  5. Confirm That Your Port Forwarding is Working

    Finally, check to see if the port is open by going to www.portchecktool.com. Enter the port number you have forwarded and click Check Your Port. If the port is open, a report should come back stating so. You should now be able to connect to your device via a web browser. Simply enter your hostname followed by the port number into the address bar. For example http://hostname.ddns.net:8000.  Please Note: If you are using a mobile application, you will need to use just your hostname to connect. The application should already specify the port when attempting to connect.

    Port Forwarding Examples on Different Routers

    Below you will see interfaces from the 4 popular manufacturers: Linksys, Netgear, Belkin, and Asus. Be aware that your router may display a different interface. If you have any questions or are unsure what to do, we recommend finding a guide that provides more information.
    Linksys
    Security settings displayed by a modern Linksys router during port forwarding setup. Security settings displayed by an older Linksys router during port forwarding setup.
    NETGEAR
    Settings displayed by a modern Netgear router during port forwarding setup. Settings displayed by an older Netgear router during port forwarding setup.
    Belkin
    Settings displayed by a Belkin router during port forwarding setup. Settings displayed by an older Belkin router during port forwarding setup.
    ASUS
    Settings displayed by an Asus router during port forwarding setup.