Best →

How to Turn Off a Router’s Firewall

Written By:

Updated February 12, 2023

Our posts contain affiliate links. Sometimes, not always, we may make $$ when you make a purchase through these links. No Ads. Ever. Learn More

Difficulty Hard

Steps 5

Time Required 10 to 15 minutes

Sections

Things to Know

If you are experimenting with the various features of your wireless network, you may wonder how to turn off a router’s firewall. The best routers, after all, allow for all manner of settings adjustments. Why would you turn off the firewall and how to do it? Keep reading to find out exactly that.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

A router’s built-in firewall or default firewall is an important measure of wireless network connection security, so exercise caution when turning off software firewalls of any kind.
Some may want to temporarily disable the firewall feature for a speed and efficiency boost within their network connection.
You can disable a router’s firewall via a web browser admin page or by accessing the router’s firmware software.

Why Turn Off a Router’s Firewall?

Though a network firewall is extremely important for security, some users turn it off for advanced Internet speed and more efficient connections. Plus, when it’s on, it tends to limit the data usage on a router. It is highly risky, however, as you open yourself up to hackers, viruses, and all kinds of other Internet-based nasties. Perform this procedure at your own risk, such as when learning how to disable access to a router from the Internet.

Insider Tip

Be sure to always turn the firewall back on as soon as you are done using whatever feature that required it to be disabled in the first place.

How to Turn Off a Router’s Firewall

This is a relatively difficult process, especially when compared to learning how a WiFi range extender works. Follow along, however, and you’ll be fine.

STEP 1

Make sure your Internet connection is running smoothly, with the cable modem plugged into the router via Ethernet cable and the router emitting a clean signal. Also, jot down your router’s IP address, network name, and password.

STEP 2

Access the admin panel by entering the IP address into a standard web browser on a computer. This can also be done by opening up the firmware software, so it depends on your router. Enter the network name and password if needed.

STEP 3

Click on the advanced settings option, though this may just be called “settings” depending on your router.

STEP 4

Find the firewall settings page. Click on “disable firewall” or “enable firewall” if the latter is activated. This option should be clearly demarcated and easy to find.

STEP 5

Once you have clicked to disable the firewall, be sure to click “OK” to accept the settings change. After that, you may need to reset the router to fully integrate the change. Also, you can always perform this procedure to turn the firewall back on again when needed. After all, a router’s firewall is an integral part of wireless network security.

F.A.Q.S

Is port forwarding needed to network a printer through a router?

Not necessary, as many wireless printers can access your network natively, though you may need to mess with advanced settings and be sure to download any automatic updates for the printer.

How to make my router more secure?

To make your router more secure, enable the firewall and take a look at security settings. You can also change DNS settings for the router in this section. But, keep in mind these security settings differ depending on different broadband routers.

Have you checked the manuals?

A router’s manual, after all, will include information on firewall settings, automatic updates, advanced settings, router settings, security settings, and much information regarding Internet access.

STAT: A firewall is a barrier that controls what kind of data comes into and out of your network. A firewall can prevent spam sites from installing unwanted programs on your computer, protect your personal information from theft, and much more. (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.