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Knowledge document #549

Cannot access other devices in the FRITZ!Box home network

A device connected to the FRITZ!Box cannot access other devices in the home network (for example a computer, NAS system, streaming stick). Shared files and printers on other computers are not displayed in the Windows HomeGroup.

Simply proceed as described below. After each measure, check whether the problem is solved.

Note:All instructions on configuration and settings given in this guide refer to the latest FRITZ!OS for the FRITZ!Box.

1 Configuring the FRITZ!Box

Enabling the FRITZ!Box's DHCP server

In the factory settings, the FRITZ!Box automatically assigns the correct IP settings to all devices via DHCP. If you disabled the FRITZ!Box's DHCP server, re-enable it:

  1. Click "Home Network" in the FRITZ!Box user interface.
  2. Click "Network" in the "Home Network" menu.
  3. Click on the "Network Settings" tab.
  4. Click the "IPv4 Addresses" button. If the button is not displayed, enable the Advanced View first.
  5. Enable the DHCP server and define the range from which the FRITZ!Box assigns IP addresses.

    Note:The FRITZ!Box has the IP address 192.168.178.1 (subnet mask 255.255.255.0) and assigns IP addresses from xxx.20 to xxx.200 in the factory settings.

  6. Click "OK" to save the settings.

Allowing wireless devices to communicate

  1. Click "Wi-Fi" ("Wireless") in the FRITZ!Box user interface.
  2. Click "Security" in the "Wi-Fi" ("Wireless") menu.
  3. Enable the option "The active wireless devices displayed below may communicate with each other" in the section "Additional Security Settings".
  4. Click "Apply" to save the settings.

2 Restarting the device

  1. Restart the devices connected to the FRITZ!Box.

3 Guest access may not be used for connecting the device

Devices in the home network cannot be accessed via LAN or Wi-Fi guest access. Therefore, make sure that the device is not connected with the FRITZ!Box via guest access:

  1. Either: Connect the device to the "LAN 1", "LAN 2" or "LAN 3" port.

4 Configuring the Windows network type

Windows distinguishes between different network types and changes its firewall settings depending on whether a network is configured as a private network (home network), work network, or a public network. In public networks, the computer is not visible for other devices in the network and cannot be used for accessing shared files and printers.

Therefore, make sure that your computer is configured to connect to a private network:

  1. Click (Start) and then (Settings) in the Windows task bar.
  2. Click "Network & Internet" in the "Settings" menu.
  3. If you are using Windows 11, click "Properties" next to the entry for the network connection of the computer.
  4. If you are using Windows 10:
    1. Depending on how the computer is connected, select either "Wi-Fi" or "Ethernet".
    2. Click on the entry for the network connection to the FRITZ!Box.
  5. Enable the option "Private" in the section "Network profile type".

5 Configuring the device's firewall

The following step is only necessary if firewall software is installed on the device:

  1. Configure the firewall on the device so that it allows connections from the device to the FRITZ!Box and other devices in the home network. Refer to the manufacturer of the firewall for information on how to set it up, for example consult the manual.

Now you can access the other device or the shared files and printers in the home network. If it is still not possible to access a device or shared file or printer, the device or the sharing is not correctly configured or there is an error with the device. The manufacturer of the device may be able to give you advice on how to solve the problem.

Important:If a computer and its shared files and printers is not displayed in the Windows HomeGroup, this is due to the configuration of Windows or a firewall. You can find information on setting up a HomeGroup on Microsoft's website, for example see HomeGroup from start to finish.

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