How to Port Forward Google WiFi Router

Google WiFi is a popular home router system that provides fast, reliable WiFi coverage for your home. However, some advanced users may face issues setting up port forwarding on their Google WiFi router. 

Port forwarding is a technique to route incoming network traffic to a specific device or application on your home network. It can help improve network performance and resolve connectivity issues.

This guide will explain the whole concept of port forwarding and how it can be used with Google WiFi Routers.

What is Port Forwarding?

Port forwarding is a technique to route incoming network traffic to a specific device or application on your home network. This can improve network performance, resolve connectivity issues, and enhance online gaming experiences.

Why Use Port Forwarding on a Google WiFi router?

Most routers block incoming traffic by default for security reasons. But in certain cases, like hosting a Minecraft server, accessing your home surveillance system remotely, or using VoIP services, you need to create a rule that opens a specific port.

Google WiFi (and Nest WiFi) use a cloud-based management system via the Google Home app, which differs from traditional web-based router interfaces. This design choice simplifies user experience but also limits advanced configuration options. Thankfully, port forwarding is still supported, just managed differently.

For example, it can be helpful for gaming or using a remote desktop application. Opening specific ports on your router allows incoming network traffic to reach your desired device or application, enhancing your overall network experience.

How to Port Forward on Google WiFi Router

Setting up port forwarding on any router is a relatively simple process, but it requires technical knowledge and access to your router’s configuration settings. 

Here is a step-by-step guide to help you set up port forwarding on the router

1. Determine the IP Address of Your Device: First, you will first need to determine the IP address of the device you want to forward incoming traffic. This can typically be found in the network settings of your device.
2. Access Your Google WiFi Router Configuration: You must access your router’s configuration settings to set up port forwarding. This can be done by entering the IP address of your Google WiFi router into a web browser. You may need to enter a username and password to access the configuration settings.
3. Find the port forwarding settings: Once you have accessed your Google WiFi Router configuration, you must locate the port forwarding settings. This is typically found in the “Advanced” or “Firewall” settings.
4. Add a port forwarding rule: To set up port forwarding, you will need to add a new port forwarding rule. This typically involves specifying the IP address of the device you want to forward incoming traffic to, the ports to be forwarded, and the protocol to be used (TCP or UDP port numbers).
5. Save the Settings: After adding the port forwarding rule, save the settings and restart your Google WiFi router.
6. Test Your Connection: After restarting your Google WiFi router, you can test your connection to see if port forwarding has improved your network performance. If you still experience connectivity issues, you may need to adjust the port forwarding settings or try a different solution.

Common Use Cases and Port Examples

Here are some common services and the ports they typically use:

Service	Protocol	Port(s)
Minecraft Server	TCP	25565
Remote Desktop (RDP)	TCP	3389
FTP Server	TCP	21
Xbox Live	UDP	88, 3074
PS5/PS4 Online	TCP/UDP	80, 443, 3478-3480
Webcam Access	TCP	8080 or 554

Always confirm port numbers from the official documentation of your service or device.

Using PureVPN to Bypass CGNAT on Google WiFi router 

Here is how you can use PureVPN to port forward your Google WiFi router in just a few clicks:

1. Sign up for PureVPN, add Port Forwarding to your plan, and complete the payment. 
2. Download and install the PureVPN app, launch it, and log in using your credentials. 
3. Access the PureVPN Member Area, go to Subscriptions and click Configure next to Port Forwarding. 
4. Choose Enable specific ports, enter the ports you want to open, and click the Apply Settings button. 
5. Open the PureVPN app, connect to a port forwarding-supported server, and you are good to go!

Common Google WiFi Port Forwarding Issues & Fixes

1. “No Devices Available” in Port Forwarding Menu

Google WiFi only shows devices that have DHCP-assigned IPs. If you manually set a static IP, it won’t appear. 

Solution: Use DHCP reservations instead.

2. Port Forwarding Doesn’t Work Despite Correct Setup

Possible causes:

• Double NAT: If your Google WiFi is behind another router (e.g., ISP modem), you must forward ports on both devices.
• ISP Restrictions: Some ISPs use CGNAT, which blocks port forwarding. Check your WAN IP (Google WiFi’s external IP) against whatsmyip.org. If they differ, contact your ISP.

3. Can’t Access Port-Forwarded Service Locally (NAT Loopback)

Google WiFi supports NAT loopback, allowing internal devices to access forwarded ports via your public IP. If it fails:

• Restart the router.
• Ensure the service is running on the correct port.

Troubleshooting Port Forwarding on Google WiFi

Even after setting everything up, port forwarding may not work as expected. Here’s a quick checklist to diagnose and fix common issues:

1. Double NAT Problem: If your Google WiFi is connected to another router (like an ISP modem/router combo), both devices may be performing NAT (Network Address Translation). This can break port forwarding. Solution: Enable bridge mode on the ISP router or put Google WiFi in bridge mode (not ideal as it disables mesh features).
2. ISP Blocking Ports: Some ISPs block ports like 80 or 25 by default. Contact your provider or try using a different port number.
3. Firewall Settings on Device: If you’re forwarding to a Windows PC or server, check its internal firewall settings to ensure it allows traffic on the specified port.
4. Device Not Responding: Ensure the destination device/service is running and listening on the intended port. You can test this with tools like netstat or telnet.
5. Incorrect Protocol Selection: If you chose TCP but your application uses UDP (e.g., gaming services), port forwarding won’t work. Always confirm the correct protocol.

Can You Use UPnP Instead of Port Forwarding?

Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) is another method of enabling external devices to access services on your local network. It works automatically by allowing applications to request ports dynamically.

Google WiFi supports UPnP by default. While convenient, it’s also less secure because any local app can request to open ports without your approval. If you’re looking for manual control and precision, traditional port forwarding is the safer, more transparent route.

Wrapping up 

Opening a port will help you enhance your network or gaming experience. However, using a VPN before starting with a port forwarding add-on is essential to stay secure from incoming traffic. If you need more information on using PureVPN’s port forwarding add-on, reach out to one of our friendly reps via the Live Chat option.