Why you might want to disable IPv6

IPv6 is the newer internet protocol that replaces the older IPv4 system. Most home networks run both at the same time — your router and devices support IPv6 even if you don't actively use it. Disabling IPv6 can reduce the attack surface your network exposes, since fewer open protocols means fewer potential entry points for someone trying to break in. It also simplifies troubleshooting when something goes wrong, because you're working with one protocol instead of two.

That said, IPv6 is becoming more common, and some services are starting to require it. Before you disable it everywhere, check whether your internet service provider actually uses IPv6 or whether your devices need it for anything you do regularly. If your ISP doesn't offer IPv6 service, disabling it won't change anything. If they do, you might want to disable it only on devices where you don't need it, rather than turning it off at the router level.

Key Takeaways

  • You can disable IPv6 at the router level (affects all devices) or on individual devices (affects only that computer or phone).
  • Router settings are usually found in the admin panel under "Network" or "Internet" — the exact location depends on your router brand.
  • On Windows, you disable IPv6 through Network Settings or the command line; on Mac, it's in System Settings under Network; on iPhone and Android, it's per Wi-Fi network in the Wi-Fi settings.
  • Disabling IPv6 at the router level is simpler if you want it off everywhere, but disabling it on individual devices gives you more control.
  • After you make changes, restart your router and reconnect your devices to make sure the settings take effect.

Disabling IPv6 at the router level

Disabling IPv6 on your router affects all devices connected to that network at once. This is the fastest approach if you want IPv6 off everywhere in your home. To do this, you need to log into your router's admin panel — usually by typing your router's IP address (often 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) into a web browser on a device connected to that network. Look for the username and password on a sticker on the router itself, or check your router's manual if you've changed them.

Once you're logged in, look for a section called "Network," "Internet," "LAN," or "Advanced Settings." Different router brands organize these differently — Netgear calls it "Advanced," TP-Link uses "Network," and Linksys uses "Internet Settings." Find the option for IPv6 and look for a toggle or dropdown that says "Enable" or "Disable." Select Disable, then save or explore your changes. Your router will usually restart automatically, which takes a minute or two.

After the restart, unplug your modem (the device that connects to your internet service provider) for 30 seconds, then plug it back in. Wait another minute for it to fully restart. This forces your modem and router to renegotiate their connection without IPv6. Reconnect your devices to the Wi-Fi network — they may ask you to re-enter your password, which is normal.

Disabling IPv6 on Windows computers

If you only want IPv6 off on one Windows machine, you can disable it without touching your router. Open Settings, go to Network & Internet, then select Wi-Fi or Ethernet depending on how your computer connects. Click on your network name, then scroll down and select "Edit" next to DNS settings. Change the dropdown from "Automatic" to "Manual," then turn off the toggle for IPv6. Click Save.

Alternatively, you can use the command line for a more complete disable. Press Windows key + R, type cmd, and press Enter. Type the following command and press Enter: netsh interface ipv6 set state disabled. This disables IPv6 at a deeper level than the Settings menu. To re-enable it later, use the same command but replace "disabled" with "enabled."

Disabling IPv6 on Mac computers

On a Mac, open System Settings and go to Network. Select your Wi-Fi network or Ethernet connection from the list on the left. Click "Details" or the settings icon. Find the TCP/IP tab and look for the IPv6 dropdown — it usually says "Automatic." Change it to "Off." Click OK to save the change.

You don't need to restart your Mac for this to take effect, but you may need to disconnect and reconnect to your Wi-Fi network for the change to explore when ready. If you're using Ethernet, unplugging and replugging the cable will force the change to take effect.

Disabling IPv6 on iPhones and iPads

On an iPhone or iPad, you can't disable IPv6 globally — you can only turn it off for individual Wi-Fi networks. Open Settings, go to Wi-Fi, and find the network you want to modify. Tap the information icon (the small "i" in a circle) next to the network name. Scroll down to the IPv6 section and select "Link-Local." This disables IPv6 for that specific network while keeping it on for other networks you connect to.

If you want IPv6 off on all your Apple devices, the easiest approach is to disable it at the router level instead. That way you don't have to change settings on every device individually.

Disabling IPv6 on Android phones and tablets

Android doesn't have a built-in setting to disable IPv6 on a per-network basis the way iPhones do. Your best option is to disable it at the router level if you want it off on your Android devices. If you need to disable IPv6 on a specific Android device only, you would need to use developer options or third-party apps, which is more complex and not recommended for most users.

If your Android device is having connection problems and you suspect IPv6 is the cause, try "forgetting" the Wi-Fi network (go to Settings > Network > Wi-Fi, long-press the network name, and select "Forget"), then reconnect. Sometimes this forces the device to renegotiate its connection settings.

What to do if disabling IPv6 breaks something

If you disable IPv6 and suddenly can't reach certain websites or services, that service may require IPv6 to work. Turn IPv6 back on and test again. If the problem goes away, that service needs IPv6 — you'll either need to keep it enabled or find an alternative service that works over IPv4 only.

Some streaming services, video calls, and cloud storage platforms are starting to use IPv6-only connections, especially outside the United States. If you're having trouble with a specific service after disabling IPv6, check the service's support page to see whether they mention IPv6 requirements. If they do, re-enable IPv6 on that device or at the router level.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will disabling IPv6 make my network faster?

No. IPv6 and IPv4 run in parallel, and disabling one doesn't speed up the other. Your internet speed is determined by your ISP connection, not by which protocols are enabled. Disabling IPv6 is a security choice, not a performance one.

Can I disable IPv6 on just my router without disabling it on individual devices?

Yes. If you disable IPv6 at the router level, all devices connected to that router will stop using IPv6, even if they have IPv6 enabled in their own settings. The router won't offer IPv6 to any device, so they'll fall back to IPv4 automatically.

Do I need to restart my devices after disabling IPv6?

Not always, but it's a good idea. Restart your router first, wait for it to fully boot up, then disconnect and reconnect each device to the Wi-Fi network. This ensures the change takes effect when ready rather than waiting for the device to refresh its connection on its own.

What's the difference between disabling IPv6 at the router versus on individual devices?

Disabling it at the router affects everything connected to that network. Disabling it on individual devices gives you more control — some devices can use IPv4 only while others still use IPv6. Use the router method if you want it off everywhere; use the device method if you want to disable it selectively.

If my ISP doesn't offer IPv6, does it matter if I disable it?

No. If your ISP doesn't provide IPv6 service, your devices can't use it anyway, so disabling it in your settings won't change anything. You can leave it enabled without any effect on your network.