Supported router devices for Back to My Mac

Products Affected

Back to My Mac

Symptoms

See the information below to learn what types of routers work best with Back to My Mac.

Resolution

Note: For the best user experience with Back to My Mac, update to OS X Lion v10.7.4 or later (use Software Update to download and install the latest updates). Also make sure your router supports NAT-PMP (NAT Port Mapping Protocol) or UPnP (Universal Plug and Play), and that it's enabled.

Apple AirPort products

These Airport models work with Back to My Mac

  • AirPort Express (all models)
  • AirPort Extreme Base Station (all models)
  • Time Capsule (all models)
  • Notes:

These Airport models do not work with Back to My Mac (because their firmware does not support the minimum functional requirements):

  • AirPort Base Station (Graphite)
  • AirPort Base Station (Dual Ethernet)

Other routers

If you use a router that is not manufactured by Apple, verify that it supports NAT-PMP (NAT Port Mapping Protocol) or UPnP IGDv1 (Universal Plug and Play Internet Gateway Device). Also, install the latest firmware available for your router. Check the manufacturer's website for instructions and more information.

Notes:

  • Some routers (including integrated "all-in-one" models which also include a DSL or cable modem) may support NAT-PMP or UPnP technology, but it might not be enabled by default. In addition, these routers may have only a single setting to enable or disable UPnP, which may control UPnP IGDv1 and other UPnP protocols. If you aren't sure if your third-party router device supports NAT-PMP or UPnP, you can review the product documentation supplied with the router, or contact the manufacturer.
  • If NAT-PMP or UPnP technology has been enabled on your router device and you can reach iCloud services, yet are unable to use Back to My Mac, check to see if a firmware update is available for your router.
  • To learn more about Back To My Mac router requirements, refer to this article.

 

Additional Information

If you can connect to other computers but they can't connect to yours:

  • Make sure that you're not using a "double NAT" network configuration (where more than one router is providing Network Address Translation between your Mac and the Internet). While this may not affect the ability of your computer to contact others via Back to My Mac, it may prevent other computers from discovering or connecting to your computer.
  • Some firewalls, such as at a large organization, may not allow some Back to My Mac connections. For example, you might not be able to contact your Mac at work from home, but you might be able to contact your Mac at home from work. Check with your organization's network administrator to see if the Back To My Mac service can access your computer(s) through the firewall.

Disclaimer: Due to the wide range of devices that may vary widely in their capabilities, the many different ways manufacturers implement and may change implementations of their devices, and the complexity and uniqueness of any given networking environment—you should use this information only as a general guide. The accuracy of this information is not guaranteed by Apple; and users of this information must assume responsibility for purchase decisions.

Important: Information about products not manufactured by Apple is provided for information purposes only and does not constitute Apple’s recommendation or endorsement. Please contact the vendor for additional information.
Not helpful Somewhat helpful Helpful Very helpful Solved my problem