How to Change NAT Type on Xbox: Complete Guide for Xbox One & Series X/S

June 11, 2025

If you're experiencing connection issues or can't join friends' games on your Xbox, your NAT type might be the problem. Here's how to check and change your NAT type for a smoother gaming experience.

Why NAT Type Matters on Xbox

NAT type affects your ability to connect with other players, join parties, and enjoy lag-free gaming on Xbox Live.

How to Check Your NAT Type on Xbox

Xbox One & Xbox Series X/S

  1. Press the Xbox button to open the guide
  2. Go to Settings > Network > Network settings
  3. Select Test NAT type
  4. Wait for the test to complete and check your result

Understanding Xbox NAT Types

  • Open - Best for gaming, no restrictions
  • Moderate - Some limitations, but most games work fine
  • Strict - Most restrictive, may cause connection issues

Step-by-Step: Change NAT Type to Open

Method 1: Enable UPnP on Your Router

  1. Access Your Router:

    • Open a web browser and enter your router's IP (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1)
    • Log in with your admin credentials

  2. Enable UPnP:

    • Find UPnP settings (usually under Advanced or Network)
    • Enable UPnP/Universal Plug and Play
    • Save settings and restart your router

  3. Test Your NAT Type:

    • Go back to Xbox network settings
    • Run the NAT type test again

Method 2: Port Forwarding for Xbox

If UPnP doesn't work, manually forward these ports:

Xbox Live Ports:

  • TCP: 3074
  • UDP: 53, 88, 3074, 53, 500, 3544, 4500

Steps:

  1. Find your Xbox's IP address (Settings > Network > Advanced settings)
  2. Set a static IP for your Xbox
  3. Log into your router's admin panel
  4. Navigate to Port Forwarding settings
  5. Create rules for the ports above
  6. Point them to your Xbox's static IP
  7. Save and restart your router

Method 3: DMZ Configuration (Use with Caution)

  1. Access your router settings
  2. Find DMZ settings
  3. Enter your Xbox's IP address
  4. Enable DMZ for that device
  5. Save and restart

⚠️ Warning: DMZ exposes your Xbox directly to the internet. Only use temporarily.

Troubleshooting Common Xbox NAT Issues

Double NAT Detection

  • Problem: Two routers in your network creating conflicts
  • Solution: Put one router in bridge mode or connect Xbox directly to modem

ISP Restrictions

  • Problem: Your internet provider blocks certain ports
  • Solution: Contact your ISP or consider switching providers

Network Hardware Issues

  • Problem: Old router firmware or hardware limitations
  • Solution: Update router firmware or upgrade to a gaming router

Xbox-Specific Tips

  • Use Wired Connection: Ethernet provides more stable NAT behavior than Wi-Fi
  • Xbox Game Bar: On PC, ensure Windows Firewall isn't blocking Xbox services
  • Xbox Live Status: Check Xbox Live service status if issues persist

When to Contact Support

Contact Xbox Support if:

  • NAT type remains Strict after trying all methods
  • You're getting specific error codes
  • Issues started after a system update

Want to learn more about NAT types? Check our complete guide on NAT types and online gaming!