How to Change NAT Type on Xbox: Fix Strict NAT and Double NAT
Quick Answer
To change NAT type on Xbox, first check the exact Xbox network message, including Strict NAT, UPnP not successful, Double NAT detected, or NAT Type Unavailable. Then fix the network path in order: enable UPnP, try alternate port selection, reserve a stable Xbox IP, forward Xbox ports only if needed, and check for Double NAT or CGNAT if the result stays Strict.
Best target: Open NAT. Moderate NAT is often playable. Strict NAT or Double NAT detected means the Xbox may have trouble with parties, invites, matchmaking, or player-hosted sessions.
How to Change NAT Type on Xbox
Use this order on Xbox Series X/S or Xbox One. Change one layer at a time and retest after each step so you know which setting actually changed the result.
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 the console to avoid port mapping conflicts.
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.
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 CGNAT if router changes do nothing
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.
Xbox NAT Types: Meaning and What to Do Next
Xbox labels are platform-specific. They describe whether your console can receive enough peer traffic for Xbox Network parties, matchmaking, and multiplayer sessions. A single game can still show its own Open, Moderate, or Strict result because it tests a different service or port path.
| Xbox result | What it means | Best next action |
|---|---|---|
| Open NAT | Best Xbox NAT type for parties, invites, matchmaking, and player-hosted sessions. | Stop changing router settings unless one specific game still fails. |
| Moderate NAT | Usually playable, but you may have trouble connecting to Strict peers or hosting. | Enable UPnP, try alternate port selection, and retest. |
| Strict NAT | The Xbox cannot receive enough inbound peer traffic. | Follow the full fix path, then check Double NAT or CGNAT. |
| Double NAT detected | There is more than one NAT router between the Xbox and the internet. | Fix the upstream topology before port forwarding. |
How to Check NAT Type on Xbox
Open Settings > General > Network settings. The main screen shows NAT type and may also show UPnP not successful or Double NAT detected. You can run Test NAT type after each change.
Run NATChecker on a device using the same home network to compare the Xbox label with the underlying NAT behavior. This helps separate console labels from router or ISP problems.
Check NAT Type Now →Best Alternate Port Selection for Xbox
There is no single best alternate port for every Xbox. The best choice is one that is not already mapped by another Xbox or app on the same router. If one port stays Moderate or Strict, select a different manual alternate port, restart the console, and test again.
If Xbox Says UPnP Not Successful
UPnP not successful usually means the router did not create the mapping the Xbox requested. Update the router firmware, enable UPnP, remove conflicting manual rules, restart the router and Xbox, then retest. If it still fails, use a stable Xbox IP and manual forwarding.
Xbox Port Forwarding
Use port forwarding only after UPnP and alternate port selection fail, or when your router handles UPnP poorly. Forward the ports to the Xbox IP address, not to a PC or a different console. Microsoft also lists service ports such as TCP/UDP 53 and TCP 80 for Xbox network access; those are usually outbound or general service ports, while the rules below are the practical inbound NAT mappings most home routers need.
TCP
3074UDP
88, 500, 3074, 3544, 4500Before You Change Router Settings
Use the Xbox network screen, the affected game, and the router WAN/public IP check together. This prevents a common mistake: changing port rules when the real blocker is UPnP failure, Teredo reachability, Double NAT, or ISP-side CGNAT.
NAT Type Unavailable and Teredo
If Xbox says NAT Type Unavailable, the console may not be able to get Teredo or Xbox network connectivity working cleanly. Restart the console and router, remove VPN or strict firewall rules, confirm IPv6/IPv4 settings, then retest before forwarding ports.
Xbox NAT vs in-game NAT
Open NAT on the Xbox screen is the platform target. If only one game still shows Moderate or Strict, check that game's own servers, crossplay, voice, or hosting ports instead of rebuilding the whole home network.
Why port lists differ
Official Xbox documentation includes ports for Xbox network services, DNS, HTTP, IPsec, and Teredo. Home NAT fixes usually focus on the ports that need a reliable mapping to the console.
Double NAT and CGNAT Are Different Problems
Double NAT is usually caused by two routers at home, such as an ISP gateway plus your own router. CGNAT is upstream at the ISP. Both can keep Xbox NAT Strict even when your local router settings look correct.
Official Xbox References
Use Xbox Support for platform-specific error wording, then use NATChecker and your router page to find where the actual NAT restriction is happening.
FAQ
How do I change NAT type on Xbox?
To change NAT type on Xbox, test NAT type first, enable UPnP on the router, try alternate port selection, reserve a stable Xbox IP, forward Xbox ports if needed, and check for Double NAT or CGNAT if the result stays Strict.
How do I fix Strict NAT on Xbox Series X or Xbox One?
Start with UPnP, then try alternate port selection and restart the Xbox. If Strict NAT remains, reserve the Xbox IP and forward TCP 3074 plus UDP 88, 500, 3074, 3544, and 4500. If nothing changes, check Double NAT and CGNAT.
What NAT type is best for Xbox?
Open NAT is the best NAT type for Xbox. Moderate NAT is often usable for normal multiplayer. Strict NAT is the warning state because it can block parties, invites, matchmaking, or hosting.
What is the best alternate port selection for Xbox?
The best alternate port is the one that avoids conflicts on your router. If multiple Xbox consoles or apps are trying to use the same mapping, choose a different manual alternate port, restart, and test again.
Why does Xbox say UPnP not successful?
Xbox shows UPnP not successful when the router does not create the automatic port mapping the console requested. Router firmware, disabled UPnP, conflicting rules, Double NAT, or ISP-side NAT can cause it.
What does Double NAT detected mean on Xbox?
Double NAT detected means the Xbox is behind more than one NAT router. Fix the network layout first, usually by putting the ISP gateway in bridge mode, setting your second router to AP mode, or using only one main router.
What ports should I forward for Xbox?
Forward TCP 3074 and UDP 88, 500, 3074, 3544, and 4500 to the reserved Xbox IP address. Microsoft may list additional service ports such as 53 and 80, but the core NAT mapping problem is usually solved by the Xbox ports that must reach the console. Port forwarding only works if your router has a real public internet path.
What does NAT Type Unavailable mean on Xbox?
NAT Type Unavailable means Xbox cannot determine the NAT state cleanly, often because Xbox network connectivity, Teredo, IPv4/IPv6 settings, firewall rules, VPNs, or router behavior are blocking the test. Restart the network, remove VPN or strict firewall rules, confirm UPnP, then retest.
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.
Is Moderate NAT bad on Xbox?
Moderate NAT is not always bad. Many games work with Moderate NAT, but Open NAT is better for parties, direct invites, hosting, and connecting to players who also have restricted networks.