Some features of X-Plane require that X-Plane be able to communicate across your network. These features include:

  • networked multiplayer flights,
  • multi-computer simulations,
  • integration with apps on your phone or tablet.

In order for your computer to “see” the other computers in the situations above, you must first allow X-Plane to communicate through your firewall. If your computer is not running a firewall, of course, this is of no concern to you.

Windows

In Windows 10, if Windows Defender Firewall comes up automatically, you can allow X-Plane through the firewall in that popup. Otherwise, to allow X-Plane through the firewall manually,

  1. Open Windows Security.
  2. Click on Firewall & network protection.
  3. Click the Allow an app through firewall option.
  4. Click the Change settings button.
  5. Check the X-Plane app. If the app isn’t on the list, click the Allow another app button to locate it.
  6. Check which type of networks the app can use to access the network.
  7. Click the OK button.

In Windows Vista and Windows 7,

  1. Open Windows Firewall by clicking the Start button, clicking Control Panel, clicking Security, and then clicking Windows Firewall.
  2. In the left pane, click Allow a program through Windows Firewall. If you are prompted for confirmation, click Allow.
  3. (Windows 7 only:) Click Change settings, then click Allow if asked for confirmation.
  4. Select the check box next to X-Plane, and then click OK.

To allow a program through the firewall in Windows XP, follow Microsoft’s instructions in Knowledge Base Article 842242.

MacOS

To allow X-Plane through the firewall in Mac OS,

  1. Open System Preferences from the Apple menu.
  2. Click Security & Privacy.
  3. Click the Firewall tab.
  4. Unlock the pane by clicking the lock in the lower-left corner and enter the administrator username and password.
  5. Click Firewall Options… to customize the firewall configuration.
  6. Click the + (plus) button, then navigate to your copy of X-Plane.app. With X-Plane selected, click Add.

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X-Plane

The world’s most advanced flight simulator.