How to: Linux flush or remove all iptables rules

 

Here is small script that does this. Debian or Ubuntu GNU/Linux does not comes with any SYS V init script (located in /etc/init.d directory) .

You create a script as follows and use it to stop or flush the iptables rules.

Please don't type rules at command prompt. Use the script to speed up work.

Procedure for Debian / Ubuntu Linux

A) Create /root/fw.stop /etc/init.d/fw.stop script using text editor such as vi:

#!/bin/sh

echo "Stopping firewall and allowing everyone..."

iptables -F

iptables -X

iptables -t nat -F

iptables -t nat -X

iptables -t mangle -F

iptables -t mangle -X

iptables -P INPUT ACCEPT

iptables -P FORWARD ACCEPT

iptables -P OUTPUT ACCEPT

(B) Make sure you can execute the script:
# chmod +x /root/fw.stop

(C) You can run the script:
# /root/fw.stop

A note for RedHat and friends Linux user

Please note that RedHat enterprise Linux (RHEL) and Fedora / Centos Linux comes with pre-installed script, which can be used to stop the firewall:
#/etc/init.d/iptables stop