How to Change NAT Type on Xbox: Fix Strict NAT and Double NAT
Fix Strict or Moderate NAT on Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One. Learn when to change the home network and when a VPN is the simpler workaround.
Hi there! Few things kill the mood faster than your Xbox flagging Strict NAT right when you’re about to play online. I’ve hit the same wall on my own console — multiplayer blocked, parties that won’t connect, and a Double NAT warning for good measure. I built NAT Checker while learning my way around these problems, and this guide collects the steps that actually worked. Let’s read your test result and fix things from there.
What Your Xbox Network Result Means
Do not treat every Xbox network message as the same NAT problem. Match your result to the next action before changing router settings.
| Xbox result | What it means | What to do next |
|---|---|---|
| Open NAT | Your Xbox can connect to players using any NAT type and can host player-run matches. | Make no changes unless one specific game still has a problem. |
| Moderate NAT | Most multiplayer, parties, and invites work, but hosting or connecting to Strict players can be limited. | If everything you need works, stop. Otherwise, use Method 1; use Method 2 if Method 1 fails. |
| Strict NAT | Your Xbox can usually connect only to players with Open NAT and cannot reliably host. | Use Method 1 first. Use Method 2 if Method 1 fails. |
| UPnP not successful | The router did not create the automatic port mapping the Xbox requested. | Enable UPnP, remove conflicting manual rules, and restart the router and Xbox. Use Method 2 if UPnP still fails. |
| Double NAT detected | Two routers are translating the Xbox connection. | Remove the extra router layer before changing ports. Use Method 2 if you cannot remove it. |
| NAT Type Unavailable | Xbox could not complete its NAT or Teredo test. | Restart and check Xbox Network, Teredo, and firewall access first; do not start with port forwarding. |
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: Get Open NAT Through Your Home Network
Use this method when Xbox shows Moderate or Strict NAT and you can change the router or contact your internet provider. Follow the steps in order and run Test NAT type after each change.
Test NAT type on the Xbox
Go to Settings > General > Network settings and run Test NAT type. Write down whether the console shows Open, Moderate, Strict, UPnP not successful, Double NAT detected, or NAT Type Unavailable.
Enable UPnP on the router
UPnP is usually the first router-side fix for a trusted home network because the Xbox can request the mappings it needs automatically.
Try Alternate Port Selection
If you have more than one Xbox on the same network, choose a different alternate port on each console to avoid port conflicts. There is no single best port for every network.
Reserve a stable Xbox IP
Use DHCP reservation on the router so UPnP leases or manual forwarding rules keep pointing to the same console.
Forward Xbox ports only if needed
If UPnP does not work, forward TCP 3074 and UDP 88, 500, 3074, 3544, and 4500 to the Xbox IP. Do not mix broad DMZ exposure with random forwarding rules.
TCP
3074UDP
88, 500, 3074, 3544, 4500If Router Changes Do Nothing, Look Upstream
An extra router at home or a shared address from your provider can block the changes you made. Remove the extra routing layer, or ask your provider for a public IPv4 address or removal from CGNAT.
Fix Double NAT before adding rules
If Xbox reports Double NAT detected, fix the extra router layer first by using bridge mode, AP mode, or a single main router.
Check for Double NATCheck for CGNAT
If your router WAN IP is private or shared, local port forwarding may never reach the public internet. Ask the ISP for public IPv4 or use a workaround.
Check for CGNATDo not combine every router fix
Method 2: Use a VPN When Router or ISP Fixes Are Unavailable
Use this method when Strict NAT remains after Method 1, or when CGNAT, a locked router, hotspot, hotel, dorm, campus, or another network prevents the required changes. A suitable VPN gives your Xbox another way to connect with other players.
Choose a VPN That Fits Your Xbox NAT Setup
Proton VPN
- Moderate NAT feature (Xbox Moderate NAT).
- Share it from a Windows or Linux PC, or set it up on a compatible VPN router.
- Proton's ecosystem has more than 100 million users.
- 30-day money-back guarantee.
PureVPN
- Paid All-Port Forwarding opens the Xbox ports used for incoming game connections.
- Share it from a PC, or use a compatible VPN router for All-Port Forwarding.
- PureVPN has more than 3 million users.
- 31-day money-back guarantee.
Which Fix Fits Your Xbox?
| Your result or situation | Best method | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Open or Moderate NAT and everything works | Make no changes | NAT settings do not fix ping or server outages. Stop when the Xbox features you use already work. |
| Strict NAT and you can change the home router | Method 1 | UPnP or targeted port rules change how your own router handles Xbox connections. |
| Xbox says UPnP not successful | Method 1: Fix UPnP | The router did not create the automatic mapping the Xbox requested. |
| Double NAT detected, or router changes have no effect | Method 1: Fix Double NAT or CGNAT | An extra router or your internet provider controls the connection before it reaches your router. |
| Xbox says NAT Type Unavailable | Fix Xbox Network or Teredo first | This is a failed connectivity test, so opening ports at random is not the right first step. |
| You mainly join games hosted by other players | Proton VPN Moderate NAT | It is the simpler VPN option for everyday Xbox multiplayer. |
| You create lobbies or host player-run matches | PureVPN All-Port Forwarding | Its paid add-on lets incoming Xbox game traffic pass without entering ports one by one. A compatible VPN router is required. |
Why does a game show Moderate NAT when Xbox shows Open NAT?
The Xbox network screen and an individual game may test different servers, ports, voice systems, or peer-hosting behavior. Treat Open NAT on Xbox as a good platform result, then troubleshoot that game's own network requirements if only one title reports Moderate or Strict NAT.
- Confirm that the Xbox Network screen still shows Open NAT.
- Restart the affected game after changing network settings.
- Check that game's own crossplay, voice-chat, and privacy settings.
- Ask the friend you cannot join to check their NAT type too.
- If every other game works, troubleshoot that title instead of rebuilding the whole home network.
FAQ
Test Again and Stop When Xbox Works
After each change, run Test NAT type on the Xbox. Stop when it shows Open, or when Moderate NAT still lets you use the games, parties, invites, and hosting features you need. NATChecker can help locate router, Double NAT, or ISP restrictions from another device on the same network, but it cannot show the Xbox console's own Open, Moderate, or Strict label.
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