NAT Type Strict Fix for Gaming

NAT Type Explained

Fix 1: Enable UPnP (Easiest — Try This First)

UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) allows your console to automatically negotiate port openings with your router, eliminating the need for manual port forwarding:

1. Log into your router admin panel (usually at 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 — check the label on your router)
2. Find UPnP settings — usually under Advanced, Network, or Security
3. Enable UPnP and save
4. Restart your router and console
5. Check NAT type on your console again

For most setups, enabling UPnP changes NAT from Strict to Moderate immediately. If it doesn't work, check for Double NAT (below) before moving to port forwarding.

Fix 2: Check for Double NAT

Double NAT happens when your device is behind two NAT layers — typically when your ISP provides a modem/router combo (gateway) and you've connected your own router to it. Both devices are doing NAT translation, which prevents UPnP from working correctly.

To check for Double NAT:

1. Log into your own router and check its WAN IP address
2. If the WAN IP starts with 192.168.x.x or 10.x.x.x — that's a private IP, which means you're behind Double NAT
3. A public IP (e.g., 73.x.x.x, 98.x.x.x) means no Double NAT

To fix Double NAT:

• Option A (recommended): Put your ISP's gateway into bridge mode or IP passthrough mode. This makes the ISP device stop doing NAT and pass the public IP directly to your router. Log into the ISP gateway admin panel and look for "Bridge Mode", "IP Passthrough", or "DMZ" settings.
• Option B: Use only the ISP gateway for everything and disable your own router. Connect devices directly to the ISP gateway. This works but you lose your personal router's features.

Fix 3: Manual Port Forwarding

If UPnP isn't available or reliable on your router, manually forward gaming ports:

Step 1: Assign a Static IP to Your Console

1. On PS5: Settings → Network → Settings → Set Up Internet Connection → your network → Advanced Settings → IP Address Settings → Manual
2. Set an IP outside your router's DHCP range (e.g., if DHCP is 192.168.1.100–199, use 192.168.1.200)
3. On Xbox: Settings → General → Network Settings → Advanced Settings → IP Settings → Manual

Step 2: Forward Ports in Your Router

Log into your router admin panel and find Port Forwarding (also called Virtual Server, NAT, or Application Rules).

PlayStation Network ports to forward:

• TCP: 80, 443, 3478, 3479, 3480
• UDP: 3478, 3479

Xbox Live ports to forward:

• TCP: 3074
• UDP: 88, 500, 3074, 3544, 4500

Forward each port to your console's static IP address. Save the settings, restart both your router and console, and check NAT type again.

Fix 4: DMZ (Last Resort)

DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) places a device completely outside the firewall, making all ports accessible. This is the most permissive option and achieves Open NAT but reduces security for that device. Only use DMZ for gaming consoles, not for PCs:

1. Assign your console a static IP (Step 1 above)
2. In your router admin, find the DMZ setting (usually under Advanced or Security)
3. Enter your console's static IP in the DMZ host field and save

Fix 5: CGNAT — When the Problem is Your ISP

Some ISPs — particularly mobile carriers and some rural ISPs — use Carrier-Grade NAT (CGNAT), where many customers share a single public IP address. With CGNAT, you cannot get Open NAT regardless of your router settings, because your public-facing IP isn't truly public.

Signs of CGNAT: your modem's public IP is in the 100.64.x.x range, or UPnP shows as working but NAT remains Strict. Contact your ISP and ask if they can assign you a dedicated public IP address — some offer this as an add-on or for business accounts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is NAT type and why does it affect gaming?

NAT type describes how your router handles port translation. Open (Type 1) allows all connections. Moderate (Type 2) works for most games. Strict (Type 3) limits matchmaking, blocks joining some friends, and causes party chat issues.

How do I fix Strict NAT type?

Enable UPnP in your router settings first. If that doesn't work, check for Double NAT. Then try manual port forwarding for your gaming platform. DMZ is the last resort.

Why is my NAT type Strict even with UPnP enabled?

Almost always Double NAT. Your device is behind two routers. Put your ISP's gateway into bridge/passthrough mode so only one device is doing NAT.

What ports do I need for PlayStation Network?

TCP: 80, 443, 3478, 3479, 3480. UDP: 3478, 3479. Forward these to your PS5's static local IP address.

What ports do I need for Xbox?

TCP: 3074. UDP: 88, 500, 3074, 3544, 4500. UPnP handles most Xbox requirements automatically when enabled.