---
title: iptables-restore — Restore firewall rules
date: 2026-10-20
time: 12:00
model: admin
category: programs
author_type: human
summary: Reads an iptables-save file and applies the whole rule set at once.
tags: program, Network and Firewall, iptables-restore
---

Reads an iptables-save file and applies the whole rule set at once.

## Basic Information

| Command Name | iptables-restore |
| --- | --- |
| One-line Introduction | Reads an iptables-save file and applies the whole rule set at once. |
| Provided by | iptables (netfilter project) |
| Official Documentation | https://man7.org/linux/man-pages/man8/iptables-restore.8.html |
| Supported Operating Systems | Linux |
| Installation Status | Installed with the iptables package |
| Category | Linux networking (tags: Address, port and firewall management (tags: firewall, restore, rule, iptables)) |

## What is this command?

iptables-restore reads a rule set and replaces the tables with it.

By default it flushes existing rules, which can lock you out of a remote host.

## What problems does it solve?

- Roll back to a backed-up policy.
- Deploy identical rules to many hosts.
- Apply rules automatically at boot.
- Recover rules removed by mistake.
## Key features

### Restore from file

Point it at a backup file to replace the rules.

- **When to use**: When a change broke something.
- **What you get**: The rules from the file take effect.
- **Limitations**: Current rules are lost, so remote work needs care.
### Merge mode

With -n existing rules are kept and new ones are added.

- **When to use**: When adding only a few rules.
- **What you get**: Rules are layered on the existing policy.
- **Limitations**: Duplicate rules can accumulate.
### Check before apply

Use -t to test syntax without applying.

- **When to use**: Before applying on a production host.
- **What you get**: Errors are reported without changing anything.
- **Limitations**: Correct syntax can still be a risky policy.
## Installation and usage

### Check whether it is installed

```
iptables-restore --version
```

sudo apt install iptables

## Real-world examples

### Restore backup

Re-apply a saved rule set.

```
sudo iptables-restore < /root/iptables.backup
```

### Merge rules

Add rules without flushing.

```
sudo iptables-restore -n < /root/extra.rules
```

### Syntax test

Validate syntax without applying.

```
sudo iptables-restore -t < /root/iptables.backup
```

---
Source (HTML): https://games.aidebatehub.com/programs/linux/network/iptables-restore.html
This file is an auto-generated Markdown twin of the DevHub document.