Xbox NAT Type Guide: Open, Moderate, Strict, and Double NAT
Check NAT type on Xbox Series X/S or Xbox One, understand Open/Moderate/Strict and Double NAT detected, and fix Strict NAT with UPnP, alternate port selection, port forwarding, and upstream checks.
Xbox uses Open, Moderate, Strict, and Double NAT detected messages to describe multiplayer reachability. This guide shows how to check NAT type on Xbox, what each result means, and the safest order to fix Strict NAT without changing unrelated settings.
Understanding Xbox NAT Types
Xbox uses three NAT type classifications: Open, Moderate, and Strict. An Open NAT provides the best connectivity for multiplayer gaming, while Strict NAT can cause matchmaking issues and connection problems.
| NAT Type | Description | Connection Quality |
|---|---|---|
Open | Best connectivity, can connect with all players | Excellent |
Moderate | Can connect with Open and Moderate players | Good |
Strict | Limited connectivity, can only connect with Open players | Poor |
How to Read Xbox NAT Results
The Xbox network screen is useful, but the next step depends on the exact message. Open is usually fine; Strict and Double NAT detected need different checks.
Open NAT
Best compatibility for parties, invites, multiplayer, and player-hosted sessions. Do not change router settings unless one specific game still fails.
Moderate NAT
Often playable, but you may have trouble with strict peers or hosting. Check UPnP and game-specific ports before using DMZ.
Strict NAT
The Xbox cannot receive enough inbound peer traffic. Start with UPnP, alternate port selection, router mappings, and upstream NAT checks.
Double NAT detected
Xbox sees more than one NAT layer. Fix the extra router layer or ISP gateway setup before adding more port rules.
How to Check Your Current NAT Type
First, let us check your current NAT type on Xbox:
- 1Press the Xbox button and go to Settings at the top of the screen
- 2Navigate to General → Network Settings
- 3Your NAT type will be displayed on the main network settings page
Best Order to Fix Strict NAT on Xbox
1Test from Xbox Network Settings
Use Settings > General > Network Settings so you know whether Xbox reports Strict, Moderate, UPnP not successful, or Double NAT detected.
2Enable UPnP on the router
UPnP is usually the simplest Xbox fix on a trusted home network. Restart the Xbox and router after changing it.
3Try Alternate Port Selection
If multiple Xbox consoles are on the same network, a different alternate port can avoid mapping conflicts.
4Reserve a stable Xbox IP
Use DHCP reservation on the router so any forwarding rule keeps pointing to the same console.
5Forward Xbox ports only if needed
Forward the required TCP/UDP ports to the Xbox IP. Avoid broad DMZ exposure unless you understand the tradeoff.
6Rule out Double NAT and CGNAT
If the router WAN IP is private, shared, or not the public IPv4, local Xbox port forwarding may not reach the internet.
Steps to Fix Limited Internet and Change NAT Type
Follow these steps from your Xbox Network Settings. Go to Advanced Settings to access these options:
1Change DNS Settings
Go to DNS Settings and select Manual. Enter Google DNS for faster and more reliable connections:
Primary IPv4 DNS
8.8.8.8Secondary IPv4 DNS
8.8.4.42Clear Alternate MAC Address
Go back to the previous menu, scroll down to Alternate MAC Address and select Clear. The system will prompt you to restart your Xbox - confirm the restart.
3Use Alternate Port Selection
After restart, go back to this screen and scroll down to Alternate Port Selection. Select Manual and try different ports. Choose one and select Continue.
4Power Cycle Your Network Equipment
Unplug your router, modem, and Xbox. Keep everything unplugged for at least one minute. This step is crucial and helps reset your network connection completely.
5Test Your Connection
After powering everything back on, go to Network Settings and test your connection. Your NAT type should now show as Open or Moderate.
Xbox Live Port Forwarding (Advanced)
If the above steps do not work, you may need to manually forward these Xbox Live ports on your router:
TCP Ports
3074UDP Ports
88, 500, 3074, 3544, 4500If Xbox Still Shows Strict NAT
Stop repeating console-only changes and verify the upstream path. Strict NAT often remains when another router or ISP CGNAT blocks inbound traffic.
Pro Tips for Best Results
- Always restart your Xbox after making network changes.
- Use a wired ethernet connection instead of Wi-Fi for best results.
- If you still have issues, contact your ISP as they may have additional restrictions.
Conclusion
These are the things you can try on your Xbox to fix limited internet and improve your NAT type. The combination of changing DNS, clearing MAC address, using alternate ports, and power cycling your network should help achieve Open or Moderate NAT. If you found this guide helpful, check out our other platform guides!