NAT Type Strict: What It Means and How to Fix It

NAT type describes how easily your console or PC can connect directly with other players. Strict NAT can break parties, voice chat, and matchmaking because the router blocks too many incoming connections.

These steps apply to Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PS5, PS4, and PC games that report NAT type.

Does this affect you?

Use this if your console shows Strict or Type 3 NAT and online parties, chat, or matchmaking fail.

Enable UPnP on the router

1. Find your router gateway IP in console network settings.
2. On Xbox, open Settings > General > Network settings.
3. On PlayStation, open Settings > Network > View Connection Status.
4. Type the gateway IP into a browser on the same network.
5. Log into the router admin page.
6. Find UPnP under Advanced, NAT, or Forwarding.
7. Turn UPnP on.
8. Restart the router and console, then test NAT again.

UPnP lets the console request the ports it needs automatically and is the easiest fix for most home networks.

Forward ports manually

1. In the router, create a DHCP reservation or static local IP for the console.
2. Open Port Forwarding, NAT, or Virtual Server settings.
3. For Xbox, forward UDP 88, UDP/TCP 3074, UDP 53, TCP 53, UDP 500, UDP 3544, and UDP 4500.
4. For PlayStation, forward TCP 80, 443, and 3478-3480, plus UDP 3478-3479.
5. Save, restart the router, and retest NAT.

Manual forwarding works best when the console keeps the same local IP address.

Use DMZ only carefully

Putting a console in the router DMZ can bypass many NAT problems, but it exposes far more ports than normal forwarding. Use it for testing or as a last resort, and only for a console IP, not a general PC if you can avoid it.

Double NAT and ISP limits

If you have an ISP modem/router plus your own router, you may have double NAT. Put the ISP box in bridge mode or apply forwarding on the device that is actually routing internet traffic.

Some mobile, satellite, and apartment internet services use carrier-grade NAT that customers cannot change. If router changes do nothing, ask the ISP whether your connection is behind carrier-grade NAT.

Moderate NAT is playable for most people. Chase Open NAT only if you actually have party, voice, or matchmaking problems.

Sources

• Xbox Support – NAT Error Troubleshooting (2025)
• PlayStation Support – Understanding NAT Types (2025)
• Xbox Support – Open Your NAT Type (2025)

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