How to Change NAT Type on Xbox
Complete guide to fix limited internet and change NAT type on Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One for better online gaming.
Hey everyone, this guide will show you how to fix limited internet issues on Xbox. If you are experiencing connection problems or have a strict/moderate NAT type, these steps will help you achieve an Open NAT for the best Xbox Live gaming experience.
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 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
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, 4500Pro 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!