Guide To Resolve Linksys Port Forwarding Not Working Issue

Linksys routers come with built-in firewalls. These firewalls protect your network from malicious content and programs as well as from hackers. Therefore these firewalls block the passage for most of the applications and programs. Due to which users need to configure router's settings manually that allows the usage of certain programs and applications that you need to use. For doing so port forwarding is essential. But many users come up with an issue stating “Linksys port forwarding not working”. So if you are also facing the same issue, then check out this helpful guide.

How To Configure Port Forwarding?

First of all one of the main reasons as to why Linksys port forwarding not working issue is arising could be because of incorrect configuration. So here are complete steps as to how you can correctly perform port forwarding on your Linksys router:

First fetch any smart device of your choice. This device should have a tie up with the router's wifi network.

Now on it, open up an internet browser. You can use any up-to-date browser like chrome, safari, internet explorer, firefox as well as edge.

Thereafter move to its address field. Here write down the router's IP address. It is 192.168.1.1 (by default). As an alternative web address will also serve the purpose. It is myrouter.local. Now push the enter key.

To login, put up the router's security key. In case you didn't modify it, then the security key is admin.

Finally as you enter the main panel, move to the router settings option. As you do so, a security option comes up. Tap on it.

Now select the tab named Apps and Gaming.

As per your need select Single port forwarding or port range forwarding option. Now all you need to do is, give in the basic information like application name, internal port, external port detail, device’s IP and certain other asked details.

Once done, tap on Save. Thereafter on Apply. Finally to close down the window tap Ok.

When you follow these steps accurately, there are very few chances of issues with Linksys port forwarding not working.

Troubleshooting Steps

Sometimes even after accurate configuration, the problem might still persist. So in that case, you can consider these troubleshooting steps:

✓ Check For Router's Firmware Updates

Remember, if your Linksys router’s firmware is not up-to-date then you will face one issue after the other. Therefore Linksys port forwarding not working can also be a result of a pending update.

Pending updates not only affects proper functioning of the router but it also poses security risks. Therefore first login into your router's main panel. From there head towards the firmware upgrade section, to check for the latest available updates. If found, install them immediately by adhering to on-screen prompts.

✓ Confirm Opening Of Correct Ports

It's essential to confirm that the correct ports are opened and forwarded. For this, double-check the port numbers for the specific application or game you are trying to access. You can find a list of common ports online as well as in the documentation of your application. Giving in wrong details, will definitely lead to Linksys port forwarding not working. So ensure the correctness of it.

✓ Disable Router's Firewall Temporarily

As written above, Linksys router's come with built-in firewalls to protect your network and crucial information from the outsiders. Sometimes these firewalls also block legitimate traffic. Therefore Linksys port forwarding not working problem prevails. So as a solution, you can deactivate the firewall. Although after analysis you should re-enable the firewall as quickly as possible. Because keeping it disabled means opening the passage for hackers.

✓ Check Your Device's IP Address

While setting up port forwarding it's essential that your device must have a static IP address. If it's set to dynamic then the port forwarding not working issue will remain constant no matter what you do. Therefore, giving a static IP address is non-negotiable.

✓ Check For Double NAT

Double NAT is yet another potential culprit behind Linksys port forwarding not working. Double NAT state occurs when you have two routers in your network. To fix this issue, either put the modem/router into Bridge Mode or Pass-Through Mode, or configure the second router to function as an access point instead of a router.

✓ Restart The Router

Sometimes a simple kick of reboot can help fix such glitches instantly. So it's advisable to perform the same on your Linksys router. To do so just follow three simple steps one after the other. Begin by taking out the router from the electrical socket. Thereafter, hold on for at least a minute. Now replug. There are high chances that after performing a reboot the Linksys port forwarding not working issue will no longer persist.

✓ Reset: The Ultimate Saviour

Before connecting to the experts, the last troubleshooting step that you can take is that of reset. Reset clears up all the customization. It brings your device to the same condition as you first unboxed it. After resetting, you can redo the configuration. For resetting, first ensure activation of the device. Nudge the reset key on the router. Hold on for not less than seven to eight seconds. As you release it the reset completes.