Xbox Series X/S NAT Type Guide
Get Open NAT on your Xbox Series X or Series S for the best online gaming experience
Quick Tip: Xbox Series consoles support IPv6. If your ISP provides IPv6, enabling it can bypass many NAT issues entirely.
Xbox NAT Types Explained
Understanding how NAT affects your Xbox Live experience
Open NAT
Can connect to all players and host games
- Play with anyone
- Host multiplayer games
- No chat restrictions
- Best gaming experience
Moderate NAT
Can connect to Open and Moderate NAT players
- Play with most players
- May not host all games
- Occasional chat issues
- Generally acceptable
Strict NAT
Limited connectivity, can only connect to Open NAT
- Limited matchmaking
- Cannot host games
- Frequent chat problems
- Poor experience
Quick Fixes - Try These First
Test NAT Type
- 1.Press Xbox button to open guide
- 2.Go to Profile & system > Settings > Network
- 3.Select Network settings
- 4.Check current NAT Type under "Current network status"
Enable Instant-On Mode
- 1.Go to Settings > General > Power options
- 2.Select Instant-on power mode
- 3.This helps maintain network connectivity
- 4.Restart Xbox after changing
Clear Alternate MAC Address
- 1.Go to Settings > Network > Network settings
- 2.Select Advanced settings
- 3.Choose Alternate MAC address > Clear
- 4.Restart your Xbox when prompted
Test Multiplayer Connection
- 1.In Network settings, select "Test NAT type"
- 2.Wait for test to complete
- 3.If still Strict/Moderate, continue to advanced fixes
- 4.Note any error messages shown
Advanced Router Configuration
Port Forwarding for Xbox
Most reliable method for Open NAT
TCP Ports:
3074UDP Ports:
88, 500, 3074, 3544, 4500Enable UPnP
Automatic port management
- 1.Access router settings (192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1)
- 2.Find UPnP settings (usually under Advanced)
- 3.Enable UPnP
- 4.Save and reboot router
DMZ Setup
Last resort - opens all ports to Xbox
Less secure but effective for stubborn NAT issues
Game-Specific Port Requirements
Additional ports needed for specific Xbox games
| Game | TCP Ports | UDP Ports |
|---|---|---|
| Call of Duty: Warzone | 3074 | 3074-3079 |
| Fortnite | 5222 | 5060-5062 |
| Apex Legends | 9960-9969 | 1024-1124, 18000 |
| FIFA/EA FC 24 | 3659 | 30000-30009 |
| Halo Infinite | 3074 | 3074, 88, 500 |
| Minecraft | 25565 | 19132-19133, 25565 |
Xbox Network Optimization Tips
Use Ethernet Connection
Wired connections provide lower latency and more stable NAT
Enable QoS for Xbox
Prioritize Xbox traffic in router settings
Update Router Firmware
Latest firmware often improves Xbox compatibility
Avoid Double NAT
Connect Xbox directly to main router, not through secondary routers