Change the Default Port in BitTorrent Client

By default, all BitTorrent client uses port 6881-6999. Since BitTorrent accounts for a lot of the total internet traffic, your Internet Service Provider like to limit the connection offered on these ports. Since most BitTorrent client allow you to change the ports to another range, just choose anything you like.

Typically, I would choose a number between 1024-65536. For example, 5555-5559 or 8880-8889. Never choose a wide range like 5555-7777. This may result in slowing down your connection, rather than optimizing it.

2 things to take note if you are behind a router:

1) Ensure that you have the ports forwarded in your router.

This can be done from your router web interface. Enter any name for the Application field (this is for your reference); enter your port range (for example 5555-5559); set to both TCP and UDP for under the Protocol; forward to the IP address you want to port forward to. Do remember to check the “Enable”, else it will not port forward!

2) Uncheck “Randomise port each time uTorrent starts”.

Leaving this option checked will use a different port every time you launch the BitTorrent client, resulting in improper BitTorrent port forwarding through your router.

For example: You port-forward port 5555-5559, and left the randomise option checked. Each time you start the BitTorrent client, it chooses a number from 1024-65536. You may define it through the configuration menu shown above, but if you exit the client and re-launch it, the port will change.