What NAT type is and why it matters on Xbox

NAT type is a network setting that affects how your Xbox connects to other players online. NAT stands for Network Address Translation — it's how your router handles traffic between your console and the internet. Your Xbox will show you a NAT type (Open, Moderate, or Strict) in your network settings, and this type determines connection quality in multiplayer games.

An Open NAT type means your console connects directly without restrictions, giving you the fastest matchmaking and most stable connections. Moderate NAT still works but may cause slight delays in finding matches. Strict NAT can make online play difficult — you may experience lag, longer wait times to join games, or trouble connecting to other players at all.

You cannot change your NAT type directly on the Xbox itself. The setting lives in your router, not your console. Changing it requires adjusting how your router handles network traffic, which you do from your router's settings page on a computer or phone.

Key Takeaways

  • Your NAT type is determined by your router settings, not your Xbox, so you must log into your router to change it.
  • Port forwarding and UPnP are the two main methods to improve NAT type, and UPnP is faster if your router supports it.
  • You will need your Xbox's IP address and your router's admin login before you start making changes.
  • Changing router settings can affect all devices on your network, so make one change at a time and test after each one.
  • If you cannot access your router settings or your router does not support these features, contact your internet service provider for help.

Find your Xbox's IP address and router login details

Before you touch your router, write down your Xbox's local IP address. On your Xbox, go to Settings > Network > Network Settings > Advanced. You will see an IPv4 address listed — this is the number you need. Write it down exactly.

Next, find your router's IP address and default login. Most routers use 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 as their address. Look on the back or bottom of your router for a sticker with the default username and password — it often says "Admin" and a default password. If the sticker is missing or worn, check your router's manual or the manufacturer's website.

If you have changed your router password before and do not remember it, you will need to reset the router to factory settings. This erases all your custom settings, so only do this if you have no other option. Hold the reset button on the back of the router for 10 to 15 seconds while it is powered on.

Enable UPnP if your router supports it

UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) is the easiest method because it handles port forwarding automatically. Open a web browser on your computer or phone and type your router's IP address into the address bar (usually 192.168.1.1). Log in with your admin username and password.

Look for a setting called UPnP, Universal Plug and Play, or sometimes just "Enable UPnP." The location varies by router brand — it might be under Settings, Network, or Advanced. Turn it on and save the changes. Your router will restart, which takes one to two minutes.

Once UPnP is on, restart your Xbox. Go to Settings > Network > Network Settings and check your NAT type again. If it now shows Open, you are done. If it still shows Moderate or Strict, UPnP did not work for your setup, and you will need to try port forwarding instead.

Set up port forwarding as an alternative

Port forwarding tells your router to send specific traffic directly to your Xbox. Log back into your router using the same method as before. Look for Port Forwarding, Port Range Forwarding, or Virtual Server — the name depends on your router brand.

Xbox uses ports 3074 (both TCP and UDP) and 3478 to 3479 (UDP). You will need to create forwarding rules that send traffic on these ports to your Xbox's IP address. Most routers let you enter a port range, so you can often do this in two or three rules rather than one for each port.

The exact steps vary widely by router. If you cannot find the port forwarding section, search online for "[your router brand] port forwarding" — manufacturer websites have step-by-step guides for each model. After you save the changes, restart your Xbox and check your NAT type again.

Test your NAT type and troubleshoot if it does not change

On your Xbox, go to Settings > Network > Network Settings > Test NAT Type. Wait for the test to finish. If your NAT type is now Open, the change worked. If it is still Moderate or Strict, try these steps: restart your Xbox completely (not just sleep mode), wait five minutes, and test again. Sometimes the change takes a few minutes to take effect.

If the NAT type does not improve after waiting, check that you entered your Xbox's IP address correctly in the port forwarding rules. A single wrong number will prevent the ports from reaching your console. Go back into your router and verify the address matches exactly what you wrote down from your Xbox settings.

If you have both UPnP and port forwarding turned on at the same time, they can conflict. Turn off one or the other and test again. Most people find success with just UPnP, so if both are on, disable port forwarding first.

When to contact your internet service provider

Some internet service providers use a system called Carrier Grade NAT (CGNAT) that sits between your router and the internet. If this is active on your account, changing your home router settings will not improve your NAT type because the restriction is upstream. You can ask your ISP whether CGNAT is enabled on your line.

If your router does not have UPnP or port forwarding options, or if you cannot access the router settings at all, contact your ISP's support line. They can walk you through the process for your specific router model or, in some cases, provide a different router that supports these features.

Some apartment buildings and shared networks block port forwarding for security reasons. If you live in a building with a managed network, the building's IT or management office may need to make these changes for you, or they may not allow it at all.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my NAT type affect other devices on my network?

UPnP and port forwarding only affect traffic on specific ports sent to your Xbox's IP address, so other devices should not be impacted. However, any change to router settings carries some risk. Make one change at a time and test your other devices (computers, phones, tablets) after each change to make sure nothing broke.

What if I do not know my router's admin password?

If you have never changed it, try the default password on the sticker attached to your router. If that does not work, you will need to reset the router to factory settings by holding the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds. This erases all custom settings, so you will have to set up your Wi-Fi password again.

Can a Strict NAT type be fixed without changing my router?

No. NAT type is controlled entirely by your router and internet connection, not by your Xbox. If you cannot access your router or it does not support UPnP or port forwarding, you cannot change your NAT type without help from your ISP or a new router.

How long does it take for NAT type to change after I make router changes?

Usually one to five minutes. Restart your Xbox completely and wait a few minutes before testing again. If the NAT type has not changed after 10 minutes, the change did not work and you should check your router settings for errors.

Will an Open NAT type make me faster at games?

An Open NAT type improves connection stability and matchmaking speed, not your actual game performance or skill. You will find matches faster and experience less lag, but it will not make you a better player. Moderate NAT still works for most games — Strict is the one that causes real problems.