Fix Strict NAT on Xbox

Complete guide to resolving Strict NAT issues on Xbox One and Series X/S

Quick Fixes to Try First

Start with these simple solutions before moving to advanced methods

Restart Network Equipment

Easy5 minutes30%
  1. 1Power off Xbox completely
  2. 2Unplug router and modem for 30 seconds
  3. 3Plug in modem first, wait for lights
  4. 4Plug in router, wait for full connection
  5. 5Turn on Xbox and test NAT type

Clear Xbox Network Cache

Easy3 minutes25%
  1. 1Go to Settings → Network → Network Settings
  2. 2Select Advanced Settings
  3. 3Choose Alternate MAC Address → Clear
  4. 4Restart Xbox when prompted
  5. 5Test NAT type after restart

Enable UPnP on Router

Medium10 minutes60%
  1. 1Access router admin panel (192.168.1.1)
  2. 2Find UPnP or Universal Plug & Play settings
  3. 3Enable UPnP if disabled
  4. 4Save settings and reboot router
  5. 5Test Xbox connection

Advanced Solutions

If quick fixes don't work, try these more comprehensive solutions

Port Forwarding Setup

Advanced

Forward specific Xbox Live ports to your console

Required Ports:

TCP: 3074 |UDP: 88, 500, 3074, 3544, 4500
  1. 1.Find Xbox IP address in Network Settings
  2. 2.Set up static IP for Xbox
  3. 3.Access router port forwarding section
  4. 4.Create rules for each required port
  5. 5.Apply settings and restart router

DMZ Configuration

Advanced

Place Xbox in DMZ for unrestricted access

  1. 1.Note Xbox IP address from console settings
  2. 2.Access router DMZ settings
  3. 3.Add Xbox IP to DMZ
  4. 4.Enable DMZ for that IP
  5. 5.Save and restart router

Troubleshooting Checklist

Double NAT Detection

Check if you have two routers creating double NAT

Solution: Enable bridge mode on ISP modem or remove secondary router

IPv6 Connectivity

Some ISPs use IPv6 which can bypass NAT issues

Solution: Enable IPv6 on both router and Xbox if supported

Firewall Interference

Router or ISP firewall blocking Xbox traffic

Solution: Disable advanced security features or whitelist Xbox

ISP Restrictions

Some ISPs block ports required for gaming

Solution: Contact ISP or consider VPN/gaming VPN service

Console-Specific Issues

Xbox Series X/S

Issue: Quick Resume interfering with network

Solution: Disable Quick Resume for online games experiencing issues

Xbox One

Issue: Instant-On mode causing network conflicts

Solution: Try Energy-saving mode temporarily to test

All Xbox Consoles

Issue: Windows 10 Xbox app interference

Solution: Sign out of Xbox app on PC or disable Xbox Networking Service

Common Xbox Error Codes

Can't get a Teredo IP address

Cause: NAT blocking IPv6 over IPv4 tunneling

Fix: Enable UPnP and forward UDP 3544

UPnP not available

Cause: Router doesn't support UPnP or it's disabled

Fix: Enable UPnP in router settings or use port forwarding

Network issues detected

Cause: General connectivity problems

Fix: Run network troubleshooter and check connection

Success Verification

How to Test Your NAT Type:

  1. 1. Go to Settings → Network → Network Settings
  2. 2. Select "Test NAT Type"
  3. 3. Wait for test to complete
  4. 4. Look for "Open" or "Moderate" result

Signs Your NAT is Fixed:

  • Faster matchmaking in games
  • Can join party chat without issues
  • No connection errors in multiplayer
  • Able to host multiplayer games

Still Need Help?