How to Change NAT Type on Xbox One & Series X|S (Open NAT Guide 2025)

Last updated: October 31, 2025

Stuck with Strict or Moderate NAT? It kills multiplayer lobbies, party chat, and the ability to host games in competitive titles like Call of Duty or Fortnite. An Open NAT fixes these issues by letting you connect to everyone seamlessly and without restriction.

Quick Check	Goal
Xbox Path: Settings → General → Network Settings	Open (best)
Test: Select Test NAT Type	Moderate (OK)
	Strict (avoid)

We tested these methods on the Xbox One X and Xbox Series X using the latest firmware (Oct 2025) — the steps are identical for both console generations.

What is NAT? (Quick Explainer)

NAT (Network Address Translation) is your router’s security feature that manages how external traffic reaches your Xbox. It maps your console’s private IP address to your router’s public one.

• Open: Connects to all players (ideal for gaming).
• Moderate: Joins most games, but can’t host or connect easily with Strict players.
• Strict: Only connects to players with an Open NAT; frequently causes disconnects, lag, and party chat failure.

Common Causes for Strict NAT: UPnP is disabled, network ports are blocked by your router/firewall, or your ISP has complex restrictions (CGNAT).

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Best Methods to Achieve Open NAT (Easiest First)

Method 1: Enable UPnP (The Official Microsoft Recommendation)

Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) is the safest and fastest way to get an Open NAT, as it allows your Xbox to automatically ask your router to open the necessary ports.

1. Power Cycle Everything

This clears old NAT table entries and is often all you need.

1. Turn off your Xbox console.
2. Unplug the power from your router and modem (if separate).
3. Wait for 30 seconds.
4. Plug in the modem/router first and wait 2 minutes for them to fully reboot.
5. Power on your Xbox.

2. Router Setup Verification

1. Log into your router’s web interface (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1; credentials are often printed on a sticker).
2. Find the UPnP setting, typically located under Advanced or NAT/Port Forwarding.
3. Ensure UPnP is Enabled.
4. Save your changes and restart the router.

3. Test on Xbox

Go to Settings → General → Network Settings and select Test NAT Type. It should now say Open.

Pro Tip: If you are using a 5G or mobile hotspot router (e.g., from Verizon or AT&T), they often use CGNAT (Carrier-Grade NAT) which prevents an Open NAT. You may need to enable Bridge Mode on the device or contact your ISP to request a public IP address.

Method 2: Manual Port Forwarding (If UPnP Fails)

If UPnP is not supported or does not work, you must manually open the required Xbox ports. This requires setting a static IP address for your console first.

Step A: Reserve a Static IP Address

To ensure the port forwarding rules always point to your console, you must assign it a permanent local IP.

1. On Xbox: Go to Network Settings → Advanced Settings and note down your console’s current IP Address, Subnet Mask, and Gateway.
2. Recommended (Router Method): Log into your router and find the DHCP Reservation or Static Lease section. Use the Xbox’s MAC address to reserve its current IP address. This is the best practice for stability.
3. Alternative (Console Method): On the Xbox, go to IP Settings → Manual. Enter the noted IP, Subnet, and Gateway.
   • DNS: Set the Primary to 8.8.8.8 (Google) and Secondary to 8.8.4.4.
4. Save changes and Test Connection on the Xbox.

Step B: Port Forwarding Rules (Critical Step)

In your router settings, navigate to the Port Forwarding or Virtual Servers section and create separate rules for the following official Xbox network ports, directing them to the static IP you reserved for your console:

Protocol	Port Number	Description
UDP	88	Authentication
TCP & UDP	3074	Primary Xbox Live/Multiplayer Port
TCP & UDP	53	DNS Services
TCP	80	Web Access
UDP	500	IPsec Key Exchange
UDP	3544	Teredo Tunneling
UDP	4500	IPsec NAT Traversal

Save your rules, then restart your router and Xbox. Test your NAT type again.

Warning: Use only these official Xbox ports. Forwarding incorrect ports can pose a security risk.

Method 3: Alternate MAC Address (Quick Conflict Reset)

This non-destructive method can resolve minor IP or router conflicts without touching complex port settings.

1. On Xbox: Navigate to Network Settings → Advanced Settings.
2. Select Alternate MAC Address → Clear.
3. Restart your Xbox.
4. Test NAT. If it’s still Strict, go back to this menu, select Manual, and choose an Alternate Address from the dropdown. Restart and test again.

Method 4: VPN or DMZ (Last Resort)

• DMZ (Demilitarized Zone): In your router settings, set the Xbox’s static IP address into the DMZ. This is a high-risk action as it bypasses your router’s firewall completely, exposing your console directly to the internet. Only use this temporarily for testing or as a true last resort.
• VPN: Using an Xbox-compatible VPN (installed on the router) can sometimes force an Open NAT by tunneling traffic, but it often adds latency (lag), making it unsuitable for competitive play.

NAT Compatibility Grid

Your NAT	Open	Moderate	Strict
Open	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Moderate	✅ Yes	✅ Sometimes	❌ No
Strict	✅ Yes	❌ No	❌ No

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Conclusion

The vast majority of NAT issues are resolved by simply enabling UPnP and performing a full power cycle. For stubborn networks, manually port forwarding the correct official ports is the guaranteed solution.

Pro Tip: Always use an Ethernet cable over Wi-Fi for the most stable connection and the best chance of maintaining a consistent Open NAT. Enjoy lag-free lobbies!

See also: 7 Best Safe Sites to Download PS3 Game Files & Emulators (2025 Updated)