How do I test NAT type on PS5?

Open Settings > Network > Connection Status > Test Internet Connection. Use this console test when you need the PlayStation Type 1, Type 2, Type 3, or NAT Type Failed label.

Can I manually change NAT type on PS5?

You cannot switch NAT types from a PS5 menu. Restart the PS5 and router, try UPnP, reserve the PS5 address, and forward ports only if needed. If nothing changes, fix Double NAT or ask your provider about CGNAT.

Does this guide also explain how to change NAT type on PS4 or PS3?

Yes. Method 1 and Method 2 also apply to PS4 and PS3 because they change your router or internet connection, not a PS5-only setting. Use Method 1 if you can change your home router or ask your ISP for help. Use Method 2 if you cannot or do not want to change the router, or if your ISP cannot remove the restriction. Check the result with your console's own Internet Connection Test. If you manually forward ports, use the ports required by your console or game.

Why is my wired PS5 still NAT Type 2?

Ethernet can make the connection more stable, but it does not bypass the router. A wired PS5 will normally remain Type 2. That is a good result and does not need fixing.

How do I fix NAT Type Failed when the internet still works?

Check PSN status, restart the PS5 and router, and try Ethernet or strong Wi-Fi. Make sure you can sign in to PSN. If the test still fails, follow Method 1 and check Double NAT or CGNAT.

Does port forwarding lower ping on PS5?

Yes for in-game lag in peer-to-peer play. Port forwarding doesn't make your internet faster, and ping to game servers stays the same. What it changes is how other players reach you: with the right ports open, PS5 games and parties connect directly instead of relaying traffic through extra servers, and skipping that relay is what makes matches and voice chat feel smoother. If ping to a game server stays high, look at distance, ISP routing, or Wi-Fi instead.

Does PlayStation Portal need a different NAT fix?

Usually no. PlayStation Portal uses your PS5 and home internet connection for Remote Play. Fix the PS5 connection first, then check Wi-Fi quality, UPnP, Double NAT, and CGNAT.

Can a mobile hotspot fix PS5 NAT Type 3?

It can produce a different result, but many mobile networks use CGNAT, so port forwarding will not work. Use a hotspot only for a quick comparison, not as a permanent fix.

How do I switch PS5 from NAT Type 2 to Type 1?

Switch only when Type 2 keeps giving you connection problems — then moving to Type 1 is justified. Type 1 puts the PS5 on a direct internet connection with no router NAT in the path, the most open setup a console can have, and it can clear Strict-NAT warnings, join failures, or party errors that a working Type 2 did not fix. You get it by connecting the PS5 straight to the modem and signing in with your PPPoE details. Two trade-offs: Type 1 does not lower ping by itself, and the console sits directly on the public internet, so keep its system software current. If games and parties already work on Type 2, stay there.

Will I pay more if I buy through an affiliate link?

No. Using an affiliate link does not increase the price you pay. We may receive a commission from the provider, which helps us keep NAT Checker free.

Back to Blog

Guide

11 min readAug 20, 2026

How to Change NAT Type on PS5: Fix Type 3, Strict NAT, or NAT Type Failed

Fix PS5 NAT Type 3 or NAT Type Failed, then troubleshoot Strict NAT in games, party chat, invitations, and multiplayer.

Hi there! If your PS5 just showed NAT Type 3 or NAT Type Failed, I know how frustrating that is — party chat drops, invitations never arrive, and some games won’t let you join friends at all. I’ve run into the same problems on my own setup, and figuring them out is a big part of why I built NAT Checker. This guide walks through the fixes in the order I’d try them, so you can get back to NAT Type 2 without changing settings at random.

PlayStation NAT Types: Meaning and What to Do Next

PlayStation labels are platform-specific. They describe whether the console can reach PlayStation Network and receive enough peer traffic for online features. A game may still show its own Open, Moderate, or Strict label because the game is testing a different service or port path.

PlayStation result	What it means	Best next action
NAT Type 1	Direct public connection. Works well, but is uncommon on normal home router setups.	No fix needed unless one specific game or service fails.
NAT Type 2	Behind a router, but reachable enough for most PlayStation online features.	Treat this as the normal target for PS5 and PS4.
NAT Type 3	Restricted connection. Parties, voice chat, invites, or some multiplayer sessions may fail.	Use Method 1 first. Use Method 2 if Method 1 fails or you cannot change the router.
NAT Type Failed	The network test could not classify NAT reliably or PlayStation Network reachability failed.	Check internet access, PlayStation Network, DNS, and Wi-Fi or Ethernet first. If the test still fails, use Method 1; use Method 2 if Method 1 fails or you cannot change the router.

Method 1 is free if you can change your router settings. Method 2 uses a paid VPN, but it is simpler and more convenient if you cannot—or do not want to—change the router.

Method 1: Change PS5 NAT Type 3 to Type 2 on Your Router

Start here if you can sign in to your home router. Change one setting at a time and test the PS5 after each change.

Test the NAT type shown by your PS5

Open Settings > Network > Connection Status > Test Internet Connection and note the result. If it says NAT Type Failed, check PSN status and make sure the PS5 is online before changing router settings.

Restart the PS5, modem, and router

Restart the modem and router, wait for the internet to return, then restart the PS5. Use Ethernet or strong same-room Wi-Fi while testing. A cable can improve stability, but it does not change NAT type.

Enable UPnP on the router

Turn on UPnP so the router can automatically open the connections your PS5 needs. Restart the router and PS5, then test again.

Reserve a stable IP address for the PS5

In the router settings, look for DHCP Reservation, Address Reservation, or Static Lease. Reserve the PS5 address so port-forwarding rules keep pointing to the right console.

Forward PlayStation ports only if UPnP fails

If UPnP still fails, forward these official ports to the PS5 address you reserved: TCP 80, 443, 3478, 3479, 3480; UDP 3478, 3479, 49152-65535. Never forward the same ports to two consoles. Port forwarding does not lower ping or increase speed.

Router Changes Did Nothing? Look Upstream

If the right settings make no difference, the problem may be on a second router or your internet provider's network.

Remove an extra router at home

Double NAT usually means both your internet provider's box and your own router are creating a private network. Put one in bridge or access-point mode so only one acts as the router, then test again.

Check for Double NAT

Ask the ISP about CGNAT or public IPv4

CGNAT means your internet provider is sharing one public address among several customers. Ask them to remove CGNAT or give your connection its own public IPv4 address.

Check for CGNAT

Before you forward ports

If you have more than one PlayStation, use UPnP instead of forwarding the same ports to both. Port forwarding may help connections, but it will not lower ping or make your internet faster.

Method 2: Use a VPN When Router or ISP Fixes Are Unavailable

Use this method when NAT Type 3 or Strict NAT remains after Method 1, or when CGNAT or a locked router prevents the required changes. A VPN gives your PS5 another way to connect with other players.

Choose a VPN That Fits Your NAT Setup

Not every VPN has features that can improve PS5 NAT Type. We included only VPNs whose official documentation describes a relevant NAT-improvement feature and whose refund terms are publicly available, so you can compare them before buying.

Need a 2-minute VPN setup specifically for PS5 console gaming?

Learn how Proton VPN's Moderate NAT feature transforms Strict NAT 3 into NAT 2 via simple PC hotspot sharing without purchasing a new router.

Read PS5 VPN Guide

Proton VPN

Best value for everyday players who want easier multiplayer with minimal setup.

Moderate NAT feature (PS5 NAT Type 2)
Share the VPN through a PC hotspot, or set it up on a compatible VPN router.
Proton's ecosystem has more than 100 million users.
30-day money-back guarantee.

Choose Proton VPN

PureVPN

Best for PS5 players who create game rooms, host matches, or have trouble with party chat.

Paid All-Port Forwarding for PS5 NAT Type 2.
Share the VPN through a PC hotspot, or set it up on a compatible VPN router.
PureVPN has more than 3 million users.
31-day money-back guarantee.

Choose PureVPN

Which Fix Fits Your Situation?

Your result or goal	Best method	Why
NAT Type 3 and you control the router	Method 1: UPnP, then reserve the PS5 address and forward ports if needed	These settings fix NAT on your own router.
Router settings have no effect	Check Double NAT or CGNAT	The problem may be on a second router or your internet provider's network.
You mainly need to join game rooms or parties	Proton VPN Moderate NAT	It is the simplest VPN option here for joining games and parties.
You create game rooms, host matches, or have trouble with party chat	PureVPN All-Port Forwarding	Its paid add-on lets game and party connections reach your PS5 without entering PlayStation port numbers one by one. A compatible VPN router is required.
You use a hotspot, hotel, campus, or shared network	Ask the network owner or use Method 2	You cannot change settings on a router you do not control.
NAT Type 2 and everything works	Make no changes	Type 2 is the normal good target for a PS5 behind a home router.
NAT Type Failed	Check PSN and the basic connection first	Failed can mean the PS5 is offline or cannot reach PSN, not that ports are blocked.

Why does a game say Strict when PS5 shows NAT Type 2?

The PS5 and the game run different connection checks. Keep the good Type 2 result, then check the game's server status and official network guide.

Check the affected game's service status before changing the router again.
Restart the game after any UPnP or port change so it creates a new connection.
Use a port list published by the game or publisher instead of copying an unrelated list.
Try another game or a PlayStation party to see whether the problem is game-specific.
The other player's NAT can also block a direct game connection.
Do not chase Type 1 when the PS5 already has a working Type 2 result.

PS5 NAT Type FAQ

NAT Type 2 is normally the best practical result for a PS5 on a home network. It keeps the console behind the router while supporting most parties, invitations, voice chat, matchmaking, and online games.

Retest and stop when Type 2 works

Run Test Internet Connection after each change, then retry the feature that failed: party, invitation, voice chat, game room, or Remote Play. Stop when Type 2 works.

Use the PS5's own test for its PlayStation NAT Type. NATChecker can help find router or provider problems from another device on the same network, but it cannot show the PS5's Type 1, Type 2, or Type 3 result.

Check NAT Type Now →

Sources checked

DMZ Router Setup & PS5 NAT Guide PlayStation Network status Official PS5 connection ports PlayStation guidance on multiple NAT routers

Share this article