(Solved) Google wifi port forwarding not working – How to fix

If you enjoy activities such as online gaming, you probably use port forwarding in your router.  This can help send connections to a particular device so that you can play games without experiencing lag.

Though Google Wifi router works well, some people have been reporting issues about the port forwarding feature failing to work as expected. Port forwarding may fail when there is a stuck priority device. This can occur if Google Cloud services are interrupted. To solve this, you should consider creating a new priority device. You can also fix port forwarding problems in other ways, as discussed below. Read on!

Understanding port forwarding

To fix the common issues that arise from your router, you have to understand the different functionalities available. Google wifi features port forwarding. This is a technique which lets some external device access certain computer services via private networks. If, for instance, you use certain online gaming apps, you can configure port forwarding on a router. Doing this enables you to eliminate any connectivity problems as you play different games.

How to fix this problem

Come up with a new priority device

If you are dealing with a stuck priority device, you should consider creating a new one. To achieve this, you can proceed to the Google wifi app then click on the settings tab. Toggle the cloud services off for about ten seconds. Once this period is over, connect them back on.

Clicking on the back arrow takes you back to the settings tab. Click on priority device so that you can create a new one. This priority device will be different from the stuck priority device. Finish the process by clicking on save. The new priority device should be set within a few minutes. You can now check if the port forwarding is working accordingly.

Reboot the client device

Sometimes, a simple reboot can solve common malfunctions on the system. You should attempt to reboot the client device for a few minutes to see if port forwarding starts functioning after that. You should also ensure that the IP and TCP details on the client are correct. The client requires a valid IP address within the network range.

Perform a power cycle

If you have rebooted the client device and are still experiencing the same problem, you should proceed with a power cycle. Do this for a few minutes on both Google wifi and modem and check if you notice any changes in port forwarding. The process involves unplugging the power cable from Google wifi. Give it a few seconds for it to power off fully. You can then proceed with plugging the power cable to the device and waiting for it to power on fully. You should follow the same steps to do a power cycle on your modem.

Focus on WAN IP address

When you first set up port forwarding, it is essential to have a public address on Google wifi’s WAN interface in which the internet connection can be performed. If the WAN interface is using a private IP address, it will hinder port forwarding from working. You can, therefore, confirm if port forwarding is working effectively by accessing your router’s WAN interface via the internet.

On the status page, make sure that the WAN IP address is public to continue using port forwarding. Apart from that, you should also ensure there is no double NAT. This happens when you have more than one router in your network. Having double NAT can prevent port forwarding from working as usual.

The appropriate ports should be open

Start the specific application you are using port forwarding so that the port is seen as open. You should also test your connection locally as well as the ports. Use a port tester program to test port forwarding to the computer. This program opens the port on your system so that it can listen to the connection.  It can help you get the right IP based on the port forwarding rule.

When the ports are open, you should notice the cursor blinking. If the ports, on the other hand, are closed, you should see a message that shows connection failure. The ports may sometimes show closed when Windows firewalls are blocking the connections. Your PC uses a particular firewall to give you protection as you access the internet. You should temporarily disable the firewall to see if port forwarding starts working properly. In case you do not notice any changes, you should consider getting in touch with the manufacturer of your client device. They can help you confirm if the right ports are configured.

What causes port forwarding problems in Google wifi?

Conclusion

Port forwarding is a useful technique on Google wifi that you should consider using. If this is not working as expected, you should try creating a new priority device, reboot the client device, or even perform a power cycle. Ensure that the WAN interface is using a public address and that the appropriate ports are open. If none of these steps are working as expected, you should find out if you are dealing with a faulty router. Sometimes, a bad router may make it impossible to apply techniques such as port forwarding. You should, therefore, consider replacing this device with a new one.

FAQs

Can port forwarding affect my home security network?

Yes, it does since you expose your network to the internet.

Should you use an online port tester to test your ports?

Though some people use this, it is not recommended since it is unreliable. Most of the online port testers often fail to give you accurate results. Consider using a port tester program instead.