Test TCP port connectivity for Apple software

If you can't connect with Home Sharing or AirPlay using iTunes on a Mac or PC, check to make sure that your ports are connecting correctly.

Apple software uses TCP and UDP ports for a variety of features, such as AirPlay and Home Sharing. If your software has a connectivity issue, you might experience issues including:

  • iTunes won't detect AirPlay.
  • iTunes, Apple TV, iOS, or Remote for iOS won't detect Home Sharing.

Check to make sure that your TCP ports are open. If they're not open, work with your security software provider to allow the complete list of ports and services that Apple products use or if you need help with uninstalling their software.

Before you test your ports

Find the IP address of the computer that you want to test.

  • If you want to test the computer that you're currently using, use IP address 127.0.0.1.
  • If you want to test a different computer on your network, find the IP address for a Mac or PC.

On a Mac

  1. From the menu bar at the top of your computer screen, choose the Apple menu () > System Preferences.
  2. In the search box in the upper-right corner, type IPv4, then press Return.
  3. The number to the right of IPv4 Address is the IP address that you need to test.

On a PC

  1. In your PC's search bar, type cmd, then press Return. 
  2. Type ipconfig, then press Return. 
  3. Find the IP address on the IPv4 Address line.

Test your ports

Find the TCP port number for the service you're having trouble with, then check the port's status on a Mac or PC.

On a Mac

If you're testing for an iTunes issue, make sure that iTunes is open and running in the background.

  1. Open Network Utility.
  2. Click the Port Scan tab.
  3. In the first field, enter your computer's IP address.
  4. Select "Only test ports between."
  5. In both port number fields, type the port number for the service you're using. For example, if you're testing Home Sharing from iTunes or AirPlay, type 3689 in both fields.
  6. Click Scan.

If you see an open TCP port listing, the port is open.
Network Utility Port Open

If you don't see an open TCP port listing, the port might be blocked or unreachable. Check the security software that's installed on the computer you're testing.

Network Utility Port Blocked

On your PC

If you're testing for an iTunes issue, make sure that iTunes is open and running in the background.

  1. In the search bar, type cmd, then press Return.
  2. On a single line, type the following. Enter a space between each item:
    • telnet 
    • The computer's IP address
    • The port number for the service you're having trouble with

      For example, to test whether port 3689 is open on the computer you're currently on, type the following:

      telnet 127.0.0.1 3689
       
  3. Press Return three times.

If you see "Command not found" or "not recognized," install Telnet Client and try again.

If you see "400 Bad Request,” the port is open.

If you see "Connect failed,” the port might be blocked or unreachable. Check the security software on the computer you're testing.

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