TCP/IP addresses the server listens on.
At a glance
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Parameter | listen_addresses |
| Category | Connections |
| Default | 'localhost' |
| Value type | boolean / enum / numeric |
| Change scope | Restart required |
What it does
Specifies the host names or IP addresses on which the server accepts TCP connections. The special value * means all interfaces; an empty string disables TCP entirely (Unix sockets only).
How to apply a change
Requires a full server restart (postmaster context). Set it in postgresql.conf and restart PostgreSQL.
Inspect the current value and source with SHOW listen_addresses; or SELECT name, setting, unit, context, source FROM pg_settings WHERE name = 'listen_addresses';.
Tuning guidance
Set to * (or a specific bind address) to accept remote connections — and only then; leaving it at localhost is the safe default. Opening the listener is separate from authorization: you still need matching pg_hba.conf rules and a firewall.