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Port 8080 is often used for web servers and local development tools. On macOS 2025, you may need to open this port to allow applications to receive external connections.
Step 1: Check Firewall Status
Before opening any port, make sure your system firewall is enabled and working properly.
sudo /usr/libexec/ApplicationFirewall/socketfilterfw --getglobalstateStep 2: Allow Application Through Firewall
If you’re running a web app or server on port 8080, the easiest and safest way to open it is by allowing your specific application through the macOS firewall.
sudo /usr/libexec/ApplicationFirewall/socketfilterfw --add /usr/local/bin/node
sudo /usr/libexec/ApplicationFirewall/socketfilterfw --unblockapp /usr/local/bin/nodeStep 3: Open Port 8080 Using pf (Packet Filter)
If you want to manually open port 8080 for all incoming traffic instead of just one app, you can use macOS’s built-in pf firewall to add a simple custom rule.
sudo tee /etc/pf.anchors/allow8080 > /dev/null <<'EOF'
pass in proto tcp from any to any port 8080
EOFThen enable and reload pf to apply the new rule:
sudo pfctl -e 2>/dev/null || true
sudo pfctl -f /etc/pf.confStep 4: Test Port 8080
After applying the rules, verify that port 8080 is open and accepting connections.
sudo lsof -i :8080Or test locally with:
curl -I http://localhost:8080Step 5: Secure the Configuration
Only open ports that are necessary for your application. To limit access to local traffic only, modify the rule like this
pass in proto tcp from 127.0.0.1 to any port 8080
