How to Set Up Port Forwarding

If you have a router at home or at your office and you wish to reach a device on the network, you will need to forward ports in order for outside traffic to get into your network.

What is Port Forwarding?

Think of your router as being a huge electric fence or wall, with a few doors or openings. This electric fence or wall serves as your barrier and security blanket from the scary outside Internet world. Your router comes pre-configured with a few of those doors (or ports) open to let you access the internet, but the others are closed tight.

So, in order to run a mail server, game server, access your computer remotely, etc. you will need to open an extra door or two in your router in order for the outside traffic to get inside.

This is called Port Forwarding and the general steps provided here can guide you in configuration.

Our Video Guide to Port Forwarding

Here’s a great video that explains the basics of port forwarding:

Five Steps to Set Up Port Forwarding

Please note that port forwarding is not a feature provided by No-IP.com and our support team can not guide you on this. The following guide was created to point you in the general direction. If you require further support than this, you may need to reach out to your router manufacturer or internet service provider.

Step 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.)

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)

Step 3: Locate Port Forwarding Settings

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

Step 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.

Step 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.