Python Socket not on local network - python-3.x

Question

I wrote a basic server-client scripts using sockets, and everything works fine on my LAN, but it doesnt work when im trying to connect to the client thats not in my LAN. I also port forwarded these ports
this is server
###SERVER####
def ChatConnection():
print('Waiting for a connection...\n')
SOCKET = socket.socket(socket.AF_INET, socket.SOCK_STREAM)
SOCKET.setsockopt(socket.SOL_SOCKET, socket.SO_REUSEADDR, 1)
HOST = ''
PORT = 8989
SOCKET.bind((HOST, PORT))
SOCKET.listen(1)
CONN, ADDR = SOCKET.accept()
print('You can now chat')
while True:
MSG = str(input('\n[YOU]> '))
while not MSG: MSG = str(input('\n[YOU]> '))
CONN.send(MSG.encode())
print('\nAwaiting reply...')
REPLY = CONN.recv(4096).decode()
CONN.close()
this is client
###CLIENT###
def ChatConnection():
print('Waiting for a connection...\n')
while True:
try:
HOST = SERVER EXTERNAL IP
PORT = 8989
SOCKET = socket.socket(socket.AF_INET, socket.SOCK_STREAM)
SOCKET.setsockopt(socket.SOL_SOCKET, socket.SO_REUSEADDR, 1)
SOCKET.connect((HOST, PORT))
print('You can now chat with server')
print('\nWaiting for server...')
while True:
REPLY = SOCKET.recv(4096)
print('\n[USER]> %s'%REPLY.decode())
MSG = str(input('\n[YOU]> '))
while not MSG: MSG = str(input('\n[YOU]> '))
SOCKET.send(MSG.encode())
print('\nAwaiting reply...')
SOCKET.close()
except Exception: pass
what i need to do so this will work on the WAN?

Answer 1

Make sure that port forward WORKS, to check this run your program and try running a port scan on your public IP.Port scanning tool
Try to change the HOST to 0.0.0.0.
If that didn't work go to CMD and write netstat -a while your script is running.
Search for the port you are listening on and make sure the IP is 0.0.0.0.
If the IP is 0.0.0.0 then try to turn off your Firewall.