Remember last Saturday? I was hyped for our Destiny 2 raid night. Booted up the console, joined the party chat... and couldn't hear anyone. NAT Type: Strict. Suddenly my expensive gaming setup felt like a brick. That frustrating moment made me dedicate weeks to solving this properly. If you're searching how to change NAT type, you're probably in that same boat right now. Let's fix it together.
NAT stands for Network Address Translation - your router's traffic management system. Think of it as a bouncer deciding which devices get VIP access. Open NAT gives full privileges, Moderate adds restrictions, and Strict? You're stuck waiting outside in the rain. For gamers, that means laggy matches, failed voice chats, and endless "connection timed out" errors.
Why Should You Care?
When I finally changed my NAT type from Strict to Open, my Rocket League ping dropped from 180ms to 28ms. Suddenly I wasn't missing easy saves anymore. Voice chat worked seamlessly. That "waiting for other players" lobby torture disappeared. It's not magic - it's proper network configuration.
First Things First: Check Your Current NAT Type
Before trying to change NAT type, see what you're working with. Different platforms have different check methods:
PlayStation Network
Navigate to Settings > Network > Test Internet Connection. After the test, check NAT Type under results. Easy.
Xbox Series X/S & Xbox One
Press the Xbox button > Profile & system > Settings > General > Network settings. NAT Type shows right there.
Nintendo Switch
Go to System Settings > Internet > Test Connection. Scroll down to NAT Type.
Windows PC
Search for "Command Prompt" > Type netsh interface teredo show state > Look for "NAT" line.
Honestly, I prefer console checks. The PC method requires interpretation like reading tea leaves. If it says "restricted" or "port restricted", you've got Moderate NAT. "Symmetric" means Strict - the worst for gaming.
Proven Methods to Change NAT Type
After helping 50+ clan members with this, I've ranked solutions by effectiveness:
| Method | Success Rate | Difficulty | Security Risk | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Enable UPnP | 85% | Beginner | Low | Most home networks |
| Port Forwarding | 95% | Intermediate | Moderate | Persistent NAT issues |
| DMZ Host | 99% | Advanced | High | Last resort solutions |
| Router Reboot | 40% | Beginner | None | Temporary fixes |
Method 1: Enable UPnP (My Recommended First Step)
Universal Plug and Play automatically opens ports when requested. It's like giving your console a master key.
Step-by-step guide to changing NAT type via UPnP:
- Open browser → Type router IP (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1)
- Log in (check router bottom for credentials)
- Find "Advanced Settings" or "NAT Forwarding"
- Locate UPnP setting → Toggle ON
- Save changes → Reboot router and device
Last month my cousin called panicking about Warzone matchmaking. This UPnP trick fixed it in 4 minutes. But warning: some older routers implement UPnP poorly. If it doesn't work after 10 minutes, move to port forwarding.
Method 2: Port Forwarding (The Reliable Standard)
Manually creating pathways for gaming traffic. Requires your device's IP address - write this down!
| Platform | TCP Ports | UDP Ports |
|---|---|---|
| PlayStation 5 | 1935, 3478-3480 | 3074, 3478-3479 |
| Xbox Series X | 53, 80, 3074 | 53, 88, 500, 3074-3075, 3544 |
| PC (Call of Duty) | 3074, 27014-27050 | 3074, 3478, 4379-4380, 27000-27031 |
Access your router settings again:
- Navigate to Port Forwarding section
- Create new rule → Name it "Xbox" or "PS5"
- Enter device's IP address
- Input ports from table above
- Protocol: TCP/UDP or BOTH
- Save → Reboot everything
My first port forwarding attempt took 25 minutes because I mistyped an IP. Double-check those numbers! If you're modifying NAT type for multiple devices, create separate rules. Done right, this should get you Open NAT in most cases.
DMZ Warning!
Setting your device as DMZ host disables all firewall protections. I used this for my Xbox One during the Halo 5 days... and got hit with a brute force attack two weeks later. Only use DMZ if nothing else works, and never on your primary PC.
Router-Specific Guidance
Manufacturers love hiding settings in weird places. Save hours with these cheat sheets:
| Router Brand | UPnP Location | Port Forwarding Path |
|---|---|---|
| Netgear Nighthawk | Advanced > Advanced Setup > UPnP | Advanced > Advanced Setup > Port Forwarding |
| TP-Link Archer | Advanced > NAT Forwarding > UPnP | Advanced > NAT Forwarding > Virtual Servers |
| ASUS RT Series | Advanced Settings > WAN > UPnP | Advanced Settings > WAN > Virtual Server |
| Linksys Velop | Connectivity > Advanced > UPnP | Connectivity > Security > Single Port Forwarding |
Pro tip: Always update firmware first! Last year I spent 3 hours troubleshooting before realizing my TP-Link needed a firmware update to access new UPnP options.
Why Is Changing NAT Type So Tricky Sometimes?
Many factors can block your NAT type modification:
- Double NAT situations - When your ISP modem also acts as router
- CGNAT networks - Common with cellular hotspots and some ISPs
- Strict ISP firewall policies - Especially on university networks
- Multiple connected routers - Creates network confusion
For double NAT issues, enable bridge mode on your ISP modem. Log into modem settings → Disable router functionality → Let your personal router handle everything. Works 80% of time.
CGNAT is tougher. My friend in Australia solved this by calling his ISP and requesting a public IP ($5/month extra). If they refuse, VPN services like NordVPN might work, though ping increases.
FAQs From Real Gamers
Does changing NAT type reduce lag?
Indirectly. Open NAT prioritizes gaming traffic, reducing packet loss. My Apex Legends ping dropped 60% after fixing NAT.
How to change NAT type without router access?
On campus or shared networks? Try mobile hotspot (check NAT first). PC users can experiment with Windows network reset: Settings > Network & Internet > Network reset.
Why does my NAT type keep reverting?
Your IP address probably changed. Set static IP for your console/PC. If using port forwarding, update the IP in rules.
Is Open NAT dangerous?
Proper port forwarding poses minimal risk. DMZ is significantly less secure. Always use complex router passwords!
Can I change NAT type on mobile?
Mobile networks use restrictive CGNAT. For remote play, connect your phone to home Wi-Fi instead of cellular.
Advanced Tweaks for Stubborn Cases
When standard methods fail, these nuclear options work:
MAC Address Cloning
Router settings → Internet Setup → MAC Address Clone → Enter your console's MAC address. Forces consistent identification.
Custom DNS Settings
Try Google DNS (8.8.8.8 / 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1). On PS5: Settings > Network > Set Up Internet Connection > Custom → Manual DNS entry.
Factory Reset + Manual Setup
My last resort when upgrading to ASUS RT-AX86U. Hold reset button 10 seconds → Configure manually instead of using wizard → Disable SIP ALG firewall feature.
Remember when changing NAT type, patience beats brute force. Document every change so you can backtrack. Take photos of settings screens - saved me twice during router replacements.
Final Reality Check
Will learning how to change NAT type solve all connectivity issues? No. If your ISP provides garbage service, even Open NAT can't perform miracles. But for most gamers, these steps transform multiplayer experiences. That raid team that couldn't hear me? We completed Last Wish two nights after I fixed my NAT. Worth every minute of configuration.
Start simple: reboot router → enable UPnP → test. Move to port forwarding if needed. Avoid DMZ unless desperate. And please - update your router firmware! You wouldn't believe how many NAT problems disappear with current software. Now go fix that Strict NAT and actually enjoy your gaming sessions.
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