How to Enable the Firewall on macOS

Step by step

1. 15 sec

   Open System Settings

   Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen. Select System Settings from the dropdown menu to open the primary configuration interface.

   Note: You can also use Spotlight search by pressing Command + Space and typing System Settings.
2. 15 sec

   Access Network settings

   Scroll through the sidebar on the left side of the window. Locate and click on the Network menu item to view your connection preferences.

3. 15 sec

   Navigate to Firewall

   In the right-hand panel, find the Firewall section. Click the Firewall button to access the security controls for incoming connections.

4. 10 sec

   Toggle the Firewall switch

   Locate the primary Firewall toggle switch at the top of the menu. Click the toggle so it switches to the On position.

   Note: If prompted, enter your administrator password to authorize the change.
5. 45 sec

   Set Firewall Options

   Click the Options button below the toggle to fine-tune your configuration. Enable 'Block all incoming connections' if you require maximum security for public networks, or keep 'Automatically allow built-in software to receive incoming connections' enabled for standard usage.

   Note: Enable 'Stealth Mode' in these options to prevent your Mac from responding to ping requests.