Opening Firewall and Port Forwarding for Your Bitcoin Node

Alright, so you installed Bitcoin Core. Good job!
But if you want your node to actually help the Bitcoin network (and be a real part of it), you need to open a small door on your computer (and router) so other nodes can reach you.

This is where firewalls and port forwarding come in.

Don’t worry — it’s pretty easy. Let’s go step-by-step.

Windows (Firewall & Port Forwarding)

First:

  • Press Windows Key

  • Type “Firewall”, open Windows Defender Firewall.

Then:

  • Click Allow an app through firewall.

  • Find Bitcoin Core on the list.

  • Make sure both Private and Public are checked.

Now your computer isn’t blocking Bitcoin Core.

Second:

  • Log into your router (usually at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).

  • Find Port Forwarding settings.

  • Forward TCP Port 8333 to your computer’s local IP address (ex: 192.168.0.105).

Now the outside world can actually reach your node.

macOS (Firewall & Port Forwarding)

First:

  • Open System Settings > Network > Firewall.

  • Turn Firewall ON (if it’s off).

  • Click Firewall Options.

  • Hit the + button.

  • Add Bitcoin Core to allowed apps.

Boom, your Mac isn’t blocking Bitcoin anymore.

Second:

  • Log into your router (usually at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).

  • Find Port Forwarding settings.

  • Forward TCP Port 8333 to your computer’s local IP address (ex: 192.168.0.105).

Open and ready to go!

Ubuntu/Linux (Firewall & Port Forwarding)

First:
If you’re running a firewall like ufw, run these commands:

 

sudo ufw allow 8333/tcp
sudo ufw reload

 Port 8333 now open on your machine.

Second:

  • Log into your router (usually at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).

  • Find Port Forwarding settings.

  • Forward TCP Port 8333 to your computer’s local IP address (ex: 192.168.0.105).

Done!

How to Check if Your Port is Actually Open

Want to double-check that you did everything right?

Go here:
👉 https://www.yougetsignal.com/tools/open-ports/

  • Type in 8333 as the port.

  • It should say OPEN.

If it says CLOSED, recheck your firewall and router settings.

That’s it!

If your port is open, your Bitcoin node is officially a real part of the network — helping keep Bitcoin strong.

If you get stuck, no worries — just check your router brand online (“how to port forward on [your router model]”) and you’ll find quick guides.

Keep your node online as much as you can. 🚀
Bitcoin thanks you!