How to perform a Telnet test on Windows, Mac OS, and Linux operating systems

Using Telnet on MacOS device

Step 1: Use the Spotlight feature to search for Terminal and open it.

Step 2: When Terminal is open, type the following command:

telnet domain.tld port-number

For example, if you are going to use Telnet to connect to an SMTP server on port 25, you would use the following syntax:

telnet indichosts.com 25

Using Telnet on a Linux device

Step 1: Open your Terminal app.

Step 2: After Terminal opens, type the following command:

telnet domain.tld port-number

For example, if you are going to use Telnet to connect to an SMTP server on port 25, you would use the following syntax:

telnet indichosts.com 25

Using Telnet on a Windows device

Telnet is integrated into Windows 10 system, however, it is disabled by default. To install or enable Telnet on your Windows device, follow the instructions below.

 

First let's install or enable Telnet on Windows 10 device using CMD or PowerShell

 If you prefer to use Control Panel interface instead, you can skip this section

Step 1: Open an Elevated Command prompt. To do this, right-click the Start Menu and select Command Prompt (Admin) or PowerShell (Admin).

Step 2: Next, type this command into the Command Prompt or PowerShell:

dsim /online /Enable-Feature/FeatureName:TelnetClient

and press Enter to enable Windows 10. Telnet will be installed.

Optionally you can enable Telnet on a Windows 10 device using Control Panel

 If you have already installed via Command Prompt, CMD or PowerShell, you can skip this section

Open the Control Panel in Windows 10. You can press Windows key + R, type control panel, and press return, to quickly open the control panel.

Next, click Programs.

After this, click Turn Windows features on or off beneath Programs and Features.

In the dialog window which opens, scroll down and look for Telnet Client. Check the box to the left of the option, then click the Ok button.

Windows will install the Telnet Client and you will see a window open while that takes place.

Click Okay when it’s finished.

Using Telnet on Windows 10 device after installation

Step 1: Right-click the Start menu and choose Command Prompt or Windows Powershell, depending on your configuration.

Step 2: When the command prompt, or PowerShell loads, type the following command:

telnet domain.tld port-number

For example, if you are going to use Telnet to connect to an SMTP server on port 25, you would use the following syntax:

telnet indichosts.com 25

Common Telnet Ports

587 – Alternative SMTP Port

110 – POP Mail

22 – SSH

143 – IMAP

You can find a list of other ports here.