What NAT Type Is and Why It Matters on PS5

NAT type is a network setting that affects how your PS5 connects to other players' consoles during online games. NAT stands for Network Address Translation — it's how your router manages traffic between your home network and the internet. Your PS5 will show you a NAT type (usually Type 1, 2, or 3) when you run a connection test.

Type 1 is the most open connection and gives you the fastest matchmaking and fewest connection problems. Type 2 is moderate and works fine for most players. Type 3 is the most restrictive and can cause lag, longer wait times to find matches, and occasional disconnections during gameplay. If you're experiencing these problems, changing your NAT type may help.

You cannot change your NAT type directly on the PS5 itself — the setting lives in your router, not your console. The PS5 just reports what it finds when it tests your network. To improve your NAT type, you'll adjust your router's settings or your network setup.

Key Takeaways

  • NAT type is determined by your router settings, not your PS5, so you'll need to access your router's admin panel to make changes.
  • Port forwarding — opening specific ports on your router for PS5 traffic — is the most direct way to move from Type 3 to Type 2 or Type 1.
  • UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) is an easier alternative that lets your router handle port forwarding automatically, if your router supports it.
  • You'll need your PS5's MAC address and your router's login credentials before you start making changes.
  • After any router change, restart both your router and PS5, then run a connection test to see if your NAT type improved.

Check Your Current NAT Type on PS5

Before you change anything, you need to know what NAT type your PS5 is currently reporting. Go to Settings on your PS5 home screen, then select Network. Choose Connection Status, and your PS5 will run a test and display your current NAT type.

Write down this result so you can compare it after you make router changes. If your NAT type is already Type 1 or Type 2, you may not need to make any changes — most online games run smoothly at Type 2. Only proceed if you're seeing Type 3 or if you're experiencing lag and connection drops during gameplay.

Enable UPnP on Your Router (Easiest Method)

UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) is the simplest way to improve your NAT type because it automates port forwarding. When UPnP is on, your PS5 can tell your router to open the ports it needs without you manually entering numbers. Most modern routers support UPnP, though some have it turned off by default.

Log into your router's admin panel by opening a web browser and typing your router's IP address (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 — check your router's label or manual if you're unsure). Enter your router's username and password. Look for a setting called UPnP, Universal Plug and Play, or sometimes UPnP IGD. Turn it on, save your changes, and restart your router.

Once UPnP is enabled, restart your PS5 and run another connection test. Many players see their NAT type improve to Type 2 with UPnP alone. If your NAT type is still Type 3, move to manual port forwarding.

Set Up Port Forwarding for PS5

Port forwarding tells your router to send specific traffic directly to your PS5 instead of blocking it or slowing it down. This is more technical than UPnP but gives you more control. You'll need your PS5's MAC address (a unique identifier for your console) and your router's login credentials.

Find your PS5's MAC address by going to Settings > System > System Software > System Information. Write down the MAC address shown there. Then log into your router's admin panel again and look for a section called Port Forwarding, Virtual Server, or UPnP/NAT-PMP. The exact name varies by router brand.

PS5 uses ports 3074 (TCP and UDP), 3478–3479 (TCP and UDP), and 3658 (UDP) for online play. You'll create forwarding rules that send traffic on these ports to your PS5's MAC address. Your router's manual or support page will show the exact steps for your model. After you've entered all the port forwarding rules, save and restart your router.

Assign a Static IP Address to Your PS5

Port forwarding works best when your PS5 always has the same IP address on your home network. By default, your router assigns a new IP address each time your PS5 connects — this can break port forwarding rules. Assigning a static IP address keeps your PS5 at the same address so the forwarding rules stay active.

Log into your router's admin panel and look for DHCP Settings, Reserved IP, or Static IP. You'll enter your PS5's MAC address and choose an IP address to reserve for it (usually something like 192.168.1.100). Save the change and restart your router. Your PS5 will now keep the same IP address, and your port forwarding rules will stay in place.

Test Your NAT Type After Changes

After you've made any router changes, restart both your router and your PS5. Wait at least two minutes for both devices to fully boot up. Then go to Settings > Network > Connection Status on your PS5 and run the connection test again.

Your NAT type should now show Type 2 or Type 1. If it's still Type 3, double-check that UPnP is enabled or that your port forwarding rules were saved correctly. Some routers require you to restart after making changes for the settings to take effect. If you're still seeing Type 3 after two restart cycles, contact your internet provider — they may have additional restrictions on your account that prevent port forwarding from working.

When to Contact Your Internet Provider

If you've enabled UPnP and set up port forwarding correctly but your NAT type remains Type 3, your internet provider may be blocking the ports PS5 needs. Some providers use Carrier-Grade NAT, which adds an extra layer of network restrictions that you cannot override from your home router.

Call your internet provider's technical support and ask if they use Carrier-Grade NAT or if they're blocking ports 3074, 3478, 3479, or 3658. If they are, ask them to disable Carrier-Grade NAT for your account or to open those ports. This is a legitimate request and many providers will do it at no cost. If they refuse, your NAT type may not improve, but you can still play online — Type 3 just means slower matchmaking and occasional lag.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my NAT type make me a better player?

No. NAT type affects connection speed and matchmaking time, not your skill. A better NAT type reduces lag and gets you into matches faster, but it won't improve your aim or game sense. If you're already playing fine at Type 3, changing it may not make a noticeable difference.

Is it safe to log into my router and change settings?

Yes, as long as you're logging in from a device on your own home network. You're only changing network settings, not anything that affects security. If you're uncomfortable doing this, ask someone with technical experience to help, or contact your internet provider's support team — they can walk you through the steps.

Do I need to change my router password after enabling UPnP?

It's not required, but it's a good idea. UPnP lets devices on your network request port changes automatically, which is convenient but slightly less secure than manual port forwarding. If you want extra security, change your router's admin password to something strong after you enable UPnP.

What if my router doesn't have UPnP?

Older routers sometimes don't support UPnP. In that case, manual port forwarding is your only option. Check your router's manual or the manufacturer's website to see if a firmware update adds UPnP support. If not, port forwarding alone should still improve your NAT type to Type 2.

Will my NAT type change back if I restart my router?

No. Once you've enabled UPnP or set up port forwarding, those settings stay in place even after a restart. Your NAT type will remain improved unless you manually turn off UPnP or delete the port forwarding rules.