PlayStation NAT Type Guide: Type 1, Type 2, Type 3, and NAT Failed
Understand PS5 and PS4 NAT Type 1/2/3, check your PlayStation NAT type, fix Type 3, and know when Double NAT or CGNAT is the real issue.
PlayStation NAT Type affects matchmaking, voice chat, direct invites, and some player-hosted sessions. This guide explains what Type 1, Type 2, Type 3, and NAT Type Failed mean on PS5 and PS4, then shows the safest troubleshooting order before changing router or ISP settings.
Understanding PlayStation NAT Types
PlayStation uses its own NAT labels. Type 2 is usually the normal target for a home router; Type 3 or NAT Type Failed means you should check router mappings, double NAT, CGNAT, firewall rules, or the current PlayStation Network test result.
| NAT Type | Description | Connection Quality |
|---|---|---|
Type 1 (Open) | Direct connection to the internet, no router restrictions | Excellent |
Type 2 (Moderate) | Connected through a properly configured router | Good |
Type 3 (Strict) | Restrictive router settings, connection issues likely | Poor |
How to Read PS5 and PS4 NAT Results
Do not treat every non-Type 1 result as a failure. Most home networks sit behind a router, so the practical question is whether the console can join parties, receive invites, and connect to multiplayer sessions reliably.
Type 2 is usually acceptable
Type 2 means the PlayStation is behind a router but inbound paths are usable enough for most games and party chat. You usually do not need to chase Type 1.
Type 3 is the main warning
Type 3 means the connection is restricted. Start with UPnP, a stable console IP, and the correct PlayStation ports, then check for double NAT or CGNAT.
NAT Type Failed is not always your router
A failed test can come from PlayStation Network reachability, DNS, Wi-Fi instability, a captive portal, a VPN, or temporary network blocking. Test again after confirming normal internet access.
Router fixes cannot solve every upstream NAT
If your router does not have a real public IPv4 address, local port forwarding may not reach the internet. Check Double NAT and CGNAT before adding more rules.
How to Check Your Current NAT Type
Before making any changes, you need to know your current NAT type. Follow these simple steps to check:
Method 1: Check on Your Console
- 1Power on your PlayStation console
- 2Navigate to Settings from the home menu
- 3Select Network > View Connection Status
- 4Your NAT type will be displayed on the screen
Method 2: Use Our Online Tool
Steps to Change Your NAT Type
Follow these steps in order. The goal is usually to move Type 3 or NAT Type Failed toward Type 2, not to force Type 1 on a normal home router.
1Access Your Router Admin Page
Open a web browser and enter your router IP address. Common addresses are:
2Enable UPnP (Universal Plug and Play)
Find UPnP settings in your router (usually under Advanced or NAT settings) and enable it. This allows your PlayStation to automatically configure port forwarding.
3Set Up Port Forwarding (If UPnP Fails)
If UPnP does not work, manually forward these PlayStation Network ports:
TCP Ports
80, 443, 3478, 3479, 3480UDP Ports
3478, 34794Assign a Static IP to Your PlayStation
A static IP ensures your port forwarding rules always work. Configure this in your PlayStation network settings.
Path: Settings → Network → Set Up Internet Connection → Custom
5Test Your Connection
After making changes, go to Settings > Network > Test Internet Connection on your PlayStation to verify your new NAT type.
If PlayStation Still Shows Type 3 or NAT Failed
Stop adding router rules and verify the upstream path. If there are two routers, fix double NAT first. If the ISP is using CGNAT, PlayStation port forwarding from your router will not be enough.
Pro Tips for Best Results
- Use a wired Ethernet connection instead of Wi-Fi for more stable connectivity and better NAT results.
- Restart your router after making configuration changes to ensure they take effect.
- If you have a modem-router combo from your ISP, you may need to enable bridge mode or contact them for assistance.
Conclusion
For most home networks, a stable PlayStation NAT Type 2 is a good result. If Type 3 or NAT Type Failed remains after UPnP, port forwarding, and a static console IP, check double NAT and CGNAT before assuming the PlayStation itself is the problem.