FAQ: Adding Roon as a Firewall Exception

Generally, Roon should be able to see and connect to compatible remotes and devices without outside input, but there are cases when this is prevented by the the OS firewall or an installed Antivirus. To determine if this is the case, you can:

• Turn off firewall (on server and remote as well, if applicable)
  

• Restart Roon Server (and device)
  

• Attempt connection
  

If the devices are not visible or don't connect, please turn your Firewall back on and contact Roon for more troubleshooting steps. However, if the devices are visible and connect without the Firewall, go ahead and turn it back on then add exceptions as detailed below:

Server OS	Roon Software	Exceptions
Windows	Roon software	roon.exe  raatserver.exe roonbridge.exe
	Roon server (headless)	roonserver.exe raatserver.exe roonbridge.exe roonappliance.exe
Mac	Roon software	roon.app raatserver.app roonbridge.app
	Roon server (headless)	roonserver.app raatserver.app roonbridge.app roonappliance.app
Linux	Roon Server	roonserver.bin raatserver.bin roonbridge.bin roonappliance.bin

Ensure that you connect to your network via a Private network, not a Public one

For Windows 10:

1. If prompted by Windows Security Alert, select 'Private' network, and click on Allow access to add a rule for the app to allow it through Windows Firewall.

To manually allow Roon as an exception through Windows Defender Firewall in Windows Firewall Settings:

1. Open the Control Panel (icons view), and click on the Windows Firewall icon.
2. Click on the Allow an app or feature through Windows Firewall link on the left side.
   
1. For the first time opening "Allowed apps" you will need to click on the Change settings button for the settings to no longer be grayed out.
   
3. Click on Allow another app > Browse  
   
4. Navigate to Roon and select Open
   
5. Click on Network types > Private > Click OK > Add
   

Roon has now been added as a rule to be allowed through Windows Firewall. Below is a visual walkthrough of this process: 

For Windows 11:

1. Open Windows Security > Firewall & network protection, click Allow an app through firewall > Change settings > Allow the app in the firewall, and click OK.
   
1. Be sure to select Private for the network type

Be sure you are signed in as an administrator to remove or add allowed apps through Windows Defender Firewall. 

For macOS: 

1. System Preferences>Network
   
2. Select the Firewall tab
   
3. Click the Options button
   
4. Add the above exceptions in the table above using the ‘+’ at the bottom of the app list.

For users running McAfee, here's more information on adding exceptions. 

If you're still running into problems, get in touch with our support team here for assistance.

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