How to Improve NAT Type After a Bad Test: Router, VPN, and FRP Options
After a bad NAT type test, choose the right fix: router settings for real NAT changes, VPN for the quickest workaround, or FRP for specific ports.
Which NAT Fix Should You Try First?
1. Change router settings
Free if you control the router, but it will not work when CGNAT or double NAT blocks inbound access. In that case, choose the VPN or FRP path instead.
2. Use a VPN workaround
Simple and convenient, almost like installing an app. It has a small cost, but it is the best fit for users who do not want to wrestle with network configuration.
3. Use FRP port tunneling
Usually cheaper than a VPN, but it requires programmer-level technical setup. Regular users are strongly advised to choose the VPN path instead.
Method 1: Change Router Settings
Start here if you can log in to your router. This path is most likely to produce a real local NAT improvement, but it only works when your router is the final NAT device and has usable public reachability. CGNAT at the ISP or double NAT from another router can prevent local rules from receiving unsolicited inbound traffic.
Try UPnP first
UPnP lets games and consoles request temporary port mappings automatically. It is convenient on a trusted home network, but keep router firmware updated and avoid enabling it on untrusted shared networks.
Use port forwarding for known ports
If the game or app documents its TCP or UDP ports, reserve a stable LAN IP for your device and forward only the required ports. Wrong protocol, wrong local IP, or a second NAT layer will make the rule fail.
Use DMZ only as a fallback
DMZ can expose one device more broadly. It may help a dedicated console, but it is risky for a general-purpose PC. Prefer UPnP or narrow port forwarding first.
Check CGNAT and Double NAT
If the router WAN address is private, shared, or different from your public IPv4, your ISP may be using CGNAT. If an ISP gateway, mesh router, or another router sits in front of your main router, you may have Double NAT. Ask your ISP for a public IPv4, or use bridge or AP mode so only one device routes, then retry UPnP or port forwarding.
Not sure whether CGNAT or double NAT is blocking your router changes? Check both before you keep tuning local settings.
Method 2: Use a VPN Workaround
A VPN does not change your home router's NAT. The Moderate NAT feature can make it easier to join or host multiplayer games by allowing direct peer-to-peer connections. Port forwarding lets other players reach a game or self-hosted service through a configured inbound port.
Choose a VPN That Fits Your NAT Setup
Not every VPN supports a Moderate NAT feature or port forwarding. Our research confirmed that the options below clearly document at least one of these features and include a refund window, so you can test your setup with less risk.
Proton VPN
Best for everyday players who want the simplest NAT-friendly option.
- Moderate NAT feature
- Port Forwarding
- Proton's ecosystem has more than 100 million users.
- 30-day money-back guarantee.
PureVPN
Best for hosting games or services that need up to 15 forwarded ports.
- Improve NAT via port forwarding
- Port Forwarding
- PureVPN has more than 3 million users.
- 31-day money-back guarantee.
Private Internet Access
Best for privacy-focused users who only need one inbound port.
- Improve NAT via port forwarding
- Port Forwarding
- More than 10 years in operation.
- 30-day money-back guarantee.
Some links on this page are affiliate links, meaning we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This helps keep NAT Checker free, but never determines what we recommend.
Method 3: Use FRP Port Tunneling
FRP forwards a port on a public server to a game or service on your home network. Other people can then connect through the public server, even when CGNAT or double NAT blocks router port forwarding. It works best for self-hosted games and services with known TCP or UDP ports. You need a public-IP server and basic networking skills, and it may not help games that rely on platform relays or dynamic matchmaking.
Vultr
Best for broad global coverage and a straightforward first FRP server.
- 32+ data center locations make it easier to place the server close to users.
- $300 promotional credit for eligible new accounts, usable during the first 30 days.
- Hourly billing keeps short FRP tests easy to control.
DMIT
Best for premium Asia-Pacific routes and latency-sensitive services.
- Optimized routes across Hong Kong, Tokyo, and Los Angeles.
- Premium network options for China and wider Asia-Pacific traffic.
- Eligible orders can receive a full refund within 3 days with usage under 30GB, or a partial refund within 30 days.
Which Method Should You Choose?
| Goal | Best method | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Actually improve your local NAT type | Router settings | UPnP, port forwarding, and DMZ change how your own router handles inbound traffic. |
| Improve everyday multiplayer without router changes | Proton VPN Moderate NAT | It is designed for direct peer-to-peer connections; switch to port forwarding only when hosting needs inbound traffic. |
| Expose a known local service through a public IP | FRP tunnel | A public server can forward a specific external port back to your local program. |
NAT Type Improvement FAQ
Can I actually change my NAT type?
Yes, if you control the router and have a usable public IP address. UPnP, port forwarding, or other router settings can change how your local network handles inbound traffic. If CGNAT or another upstream router controls the connection, changing your home router alone may not change the result.
Which VPN should I use for gaming or hosting?
Use Proton VPN's Moderate NAT for ordinary multiplayer and peer-to-peer rooms. If your game or app accepts one configurable inbound port, use Proton port forwarding instead. Choose PureVPN's port-forwarding add-on when a self-hosted server needs several selected ports. Moderate NAT and port forwarding cannot be active together.
What should I do if I am behind CGNAT?
First, ask your ISP for a public IPv4 address or use native IPv6 when the application supports it. If neither is available, use a VPN with port forwarding for a simpler workaround or FRP for a specific inbound port. Repeating local port-forwarding rules will not bypass ISP-side CGNAT.
Test Again After Each Change
Change one thing at a time, restart the game or device when needed, then run the NAT test again. If router settings do not work and CGNAT is present, stop repeating the same local rules and choose either a VPN-style workaround or a public-server tunnel.
Check NAT Type Now →Official feature sources
These official pages were used to verify the Moderate NAT, port-forwarding, refund, and FRP details above. Features and policies can change, so check the latest information before choosing a service.
- Proton VPN: Moderate NAT featurePort Forwarding30-day money-back guarantee.
- PureVPN: Port Forwarding31-day money-back guarantee.
- Private Internet Access: Port Forwarding30-day money-back guarantee.
- FRP: Official project documentation