What NAT type is and why it matters

NAT type is a network setting that determines how your gaming console, PC, or other device connects to other players online. NAT stands for Network Address Translation. Your router uses it to manage traffic between your device and the internet. The type you have affects connection speed, lag, and whether you can host games or join certain servers.

Most internet service providers and routers assign you a NAT type automatically. You cannot change it through a setting on your device alone — you have to change how your router handles the traffic. The three main types are Open (best for gaming), Moderate (acceptable for most play), and Strict (causes connection problems). Your gaming console or PC will tell you which one you have in the network settings menu.

An Open NAT type means your router is not blocking incoming connections, so you can connect to other players quickly and host games. A Moderate NAT type works for most situations but may cause slight delays. A Strict NAT type means your router is blocking many incoming connections, which leads to lag, failed matchmaking, and the inability to host.

Key Takeaways

  • Your NAT type is set by your router, not your device, so you need to log into your router's settings to change it.
  • Port forwarding — telling your router to send specific traffic directly to your device — is the most common way to move from Moderate or Strict to Open.
  • UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) is an automatic alternative to port forwarding that works on many modern routers and requires no manual setup.
  • If your router does not support port forwarding or UPnP, you may need to enable DMZ mode, which exposes your device to the internet but carries a small security trade-off.
  • Restarting your router and checking for firmware updates can sometimes improve NAT type without any manual configuration.

Check what NAT type you currently have

Before you make changes, find out which NAT type your device is reporting. On PlayStation, go to Settings > Network > View Connection Status. On Xbox, go to Settings > General > Network Settings > Detailed Network Statistics. On PC, most games show NAT type in their network diagnostics or settings menu — check your game's help section for the exact path.

Write down your NAT type and the port number your device is using, if the menu shows one. You will need this information when you log into your router. If your device already shows Open NAT, you do not need to make changes.

Enable UPnP on your router as the first step

UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) is an automatic system that lets your device ask your router to open ports without you having to do it manually. Most modern routers have it, and it is the easiest way to improve NAT type. Log into your router by opening a web browser and typing your router's IP address — usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 — then enter your admin username and password (often printed on the router itself).

Once you are logged in, look for a section called UPnP, Universal Plug and Play, or NAT-PMP. The exact location varies by router brand — Netgear, TP-Link, Linksys, and others place it differently. Turn UPnP on, save the settings, and restart your router. Then check your device's NAT type again. Many users see an improvement to Open or Moderate within a few minutes.

If UPnP does not improve your NAT type, or if your router does not have it, move to port forwarding.

Set up port forwarding if UPnP does not work

Port forwarding tells your router to send traffic on a specific port number directly to your device. Log back into your router and look for Port Forwarding, Port Mapping, or Virtual Server settings. You will need to enter your device's local IP address (different from your internet IP address), the port number your game uses, and whether it uses TCP, UDP, or both protocols.

Find your device's local IP address by going to Settings on your console or computer and looking for Network or Connection settings. On Windows, open Command Prompt and type ipconfig. On Mac, go to System Preferences > Network. Write down the address that starts with 192.168 or 10.

In your router's port forwarding section, create a new rule. Enter your device's local IP address, the port number (ask your game's support team if you are unsure which one), and select both TCP and UDP if the option exists. Save the rule and restart your router. Check your device's NAT type again after a few minutes.

Use DMZ mode if port forwarding is not available

If your router does not support port forwarding, look for DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) mode. DMZ exposes your device directly to the internet, which usually results in Open NAT type. The trade-off is a small reduction in security because your device is no longer behind the router's firewall.

To enable DMZ, log into your router, find the DMZ section, and enter your device's local IP address. Save and restart the router. Check your NAT type after a few minutes. DMZ is a last resort — use it only if UPnP and port forwarding do not work or are not available on your router.

Restart your router and update its firmware

Sometimes a simple restart improves NAT type without any configuration changes. Unplug your router for 30 seconds, then plug it back in and wait for it to fully restart (usually two to three minutes). Check your device's NAT type again.

Outdated router firmware can also cause NAT problems. Log into your router and look for a Firmware Update, System Update, or Administration section. If an update is available, install it and let the router restart. This can fix bugs that were blocking connections and may improve your NAT type automatically.

Troubleshoot if NAT type does not improve

If your NAT type remains Strict or Moderate after trying UPnP, port forwarding, and DMZ, the problem may be outside your router. Some internet service providers use Carrier-Grade NAT, which means your ISP's network is also translating addresses. You cannot fix this yourself — you would need to contact your ISP and ask if they can assign you a public IP address or disable Carrier-Grade NAT.

Double-check that you entered the correct port number and local IP address in your router settings. If you are unsure, contact your game's support team for the exact port number. Also verify that your router's firewall is not blocking the port — some routers have a separate firewall setting that can override port forwarding rules.

If you have made changes and your NAT type got worse instead of better, log back into your router and disable the changes you made. Return to the default settings and try a different method.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my NAT type make me a better player?

No, but it will reduce lag and connection failures. Open NAT type gives you a more stable connection to other players, which means faster response times and fewer dropped matches. This helps you play your best, but skill still depends on practice and game knowledge.

Is it safe to enable UPnP or port forwarding?

UPnP and port forwarding are generally safe for gaming. They open specific ports for your game traffic, not your entire device. DMZ is less secure because it removes firewall protection, so use it only if the other methods do not work. Never share your router's admin password with anyone.

Do I need to change my NAT type if I am playing single-player games?

No. NAT type only affects online multiplayer and games that require internet connection to other players. Single-player games work the same regardless of your NAT type.

What if my router does not have a web interface I can log into?

Most routers have a web interface, but some older or very basic models do not. Check your router's manual or the manufacturer's website for instructions. Some routers also have a mobile app instead of a web interface. If your router truly has no way to access settings, you may need to replace it with a newer model that supports UPnP or port forwarding.

Will my NAT type change if I restart my console or PC?

Not usually. Your NAT type is determined by your router's settings, not your device. Restarting your device will not change it. You have to restart your router or change its settings to see a difference.