How to Change NAT Type on PlayStation Network
Complete guide to checking and improving your NAT type on PS4 and PS5 for better online gaming experience.
Changing your NAT (Network Address Translation) type on PlayStation Network can significantly enhance your online gaming experience. NAT types affect matchmaking, voice chat, and peer-to-peer connections. This comprehensive guide will help you understand NAT types and show you how to optimize your PlayStation network settings.
Understanding PlayStation NAT Types
PlayStation uses three NAT type classifications. Understanding these types is crucial for diagnosing and improving your network connectivity.
| 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 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 to improve your NAT type. The process involves configuring your router settings.
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.
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
Improving your NAT type can significantly enhance your PlayStation online gaming experience. By following the steps in this guide—enabling UPnP, setting up port forwarding, and configuring a static IP—you should be able to achieve NAT Type 1 or Type 2. If you still experience issues after trying these solutions, contact your ISP as they may have additional restrictions.