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How to Enable UPnP on a Router

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Updated February 11, 2023

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Difficulty Medium

Steps 4

Time Required 10 minutes

Sections

Things to Know

If you are experimenting with the various features of your wireless network, you may wonder how to enable UPnP on a router. The best routers, after all, allow for kinds of settings adjustments, including those involving UPnP. Why enable this feature and how to do it? Keep reading to find out.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

UPnP stands for Universal Plug and Play and, when enabled, your router will allow any connected UPnP devices to forward ports, saving you some hassle.
Head into the settings of your router, which is accessible via web browser, firmware, or dedicated mobile device app.
Look for UPnP settings and be sure to enable the feature, saving your changes after that. This process can also be followed to disable the UPnP feature.

Why Enable UPnP on a Router?

The main reason people look to turn on Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) on a router is for efficiency and Internet speed. You see, enabling UPnP makes your router assume the best of every device in your network, so they can forward port automatically, saving you the hassle of learning how to port forward on a router. If you are relatively certain that local programs are trustworthy and are not filled with malware, enabling UPnP is a great way to increase your overall connection experience.

How to Access UPnP on a Router

The process here differs according to the make and model of your device, such as when you are learning how to ping a router, turning off WiFi remotely, or blocking the MAC address on a router. However, the steps are traditionally fairly straightforward.

Insider Tip

If you turn on UPnP, make sure your security features are on point. Change the password and network name.

STEP 1

The first thing you need to do is ensure that your wireless network is operating correctly. The router should plug into the modem via Ethernet cable and both devices should be transmitting a clean signal. Check the connection with a couple of mobile devices or a computer. If you’re trying to see which ports are open on the back of your router, it’ll be any of the slots that don’t have an ethernet cable inserted.

STEP 2

The UPnP settings will be found on the admin control panel or a traditional settings page. Unfortunately, many routers demand different processes to access these pages. Check the instructions or perform a quick web search for specifics.

STEP 3

In many cases, you can get by by inputting the router’s public IP address or static IP address into the address bar of a web browser. Other options include opening up firmware or using a dedicated mobile app provided by the manufacturer.

STEP 4

Poke around the settings or admin panel and look for advanced wireless settings or, in some cases, UPnP settings. Find the correct setting option and click enable to turn on UPnP. After that, save your changes and, if necessary, perform a router restart.

F.A.Q.S

What happens if I turn off UPnP on my router?

It speeds up some of the day-to-day operations of your router, though be sure to have your default IP address and default password at the ready to adjust.

Should I turn on UPnP on my router?

This depends on the overall security of your network traffic and whether or not you are good at port forwarding. If you end up disliking the feature, disable UPnP in the settings menu.

Is UPnP better for gaming?

Better is relative, but UPnP certainly makes gaming convenient, as you won’t have to issue ports for any connected gaming device in the network settings.

STAT: A worm or malware program can use UPnP to compromise the security of your LAN. (source)

REFERENCES:

Lawrence Bonk

Lawrence Bonk is a copywriter with a decade of experience in the tech space, with columns appearing in Engadget, Huffington Post and CBS, among others. He has a cat named Cinnamon.