How To Change NAT Type In Xbox One?

You may want to change the NAT type in Xbox One to improve gaming performance and make the most out of its online features, like multiplayer gaming and voice chats. For uninterrupted performance, choose Open NAT.

Key Takeaways

• NAT allows your Xbox to connect with devices outside the LAN.
• Open NAT type is the most suitable for online gaming on Xbox since it places no restrictions on online features.
• Power cycle the Xbox or modify router settings to change the NAT type on Xbox One.

What Is NAT Type?

Network Address Translation (NAT) acts as a firewall between the devices connected to your local area network (LAN) and those outside it. It decides how these devices will communicate with the resources on the internet for a secure connection. Furthermore, the NAT type allows all the devices on a LAN to have a single public IP address to browse the internet.

In gaming consoles, such as Xbox One, the NAT type determines the console’s ability to communicate with the Xbox Live server and other consoles on the server.

Also Read: How To Fix Xbox Controller Blinks Twice And Turns Off

Different NAT Types

There are 3 NAT types you can use on your devices, including the Xbox One:

1. NAT Type 1 (Open): Any device or service outside the LAN can communicate directly with the devices within the LAN without any restrictions.
2. NAT Type 2 (Moderate): Devices within the LAN can connect to those outside but with certain hindrances and limitations.
3. NAT Type 3 (Strict): Devices with this NAT type can only connect to Open NAT, that too, with some restrictions.

Which NAT Type Is Ideal For Xbox One?

Open NAT is the most ideal for online gaming on Xbox One. It allows the console to coordinate freely with the Xbox Live servers and other Xbox devices for a smooth connection.

Also Read: How To Fix Xbox Series X Not Reading Disc 

Additionally, Moderate NAT can also work decently with the online features of your Xbox.

How To Change NAT Type In Xbox One?

Players usually resort to changing NAT types when it is configured to “Strict” or “Moderate” since these settings may hinder the online gaming experience. Therefore, the following methods help configure your console to an “Open NAT type.”

Power Cycle The Xbox

Power cycling the console is the quickest way to switch NAT types on your Xbox One. Wait at least 5 minutes before turning on the console for a successful hard restart.

Also Read: Explained: How To Link Xbox To Steam?

Using The Internet Router

Tweaking some configurations in your internet router’s settings effectively changes NAT types on Xbox One. However, make sure to follow the instructions diligently since a wrong move can hinder your internet’s performance.

Check The Current NAT Type

Here is the easy method to evaluate the current NAT type:

1. Navigate to the Xbox “Homescreen” and hit your controller’s “Guide” button.
2. Move to the last icon on the upper pane of this menu and choose “Settings.”
3. Highlight “General” on the left bar. Then, pick “Network Settings.”

   

4. Notice the “Current Network Status” section on the extreme right of the screen. 
5. Examine the current “NAT type.”
6. Click on “Advanced Settings” on the same screen.

   

7. Head to “IP Settings.” Note down the console’s IP address.

   

Also Read: How To Fix Xbox Controller Blinks Twice And Turns Off

Modify Router Settings

Follow all the steps thoroughly to avoid any mishaps:

1. Open your default browser on mobile or PC.
2. Type the IP address you noted above and hit “Enter.” This should take you to your internet router’s settings.
3. Log in with the credentials. The username and password are mostly printed on the back of a router. If not, you can ask your ISP for the login details.
4. Once signed in, enable the “UPnP” service. The location of this setting varies with each model of router. In our case, it is located in the “Advanced” menu.

   

5. Next, set “Static IP Address” for your Xbox One. The “Reserved IP” or “Manual IP” option may be in the “LAN Section.”
6. Find it and enter the “MAC Address” of your Xbox to set a static IP for it.
7. Next, perform “Port Forwarding.” You can read our extensive guide for the complete method.
8. Finally, place your Xbox One console in the “Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)” so devices outside the LAN can access it.

   

9. Make sure to “Apply” and “Save” all the changes.
10. Restart your internet router and Xbox One to put these configurations into effect.
11. Again, go to “Network Settings” and see if you have an “Open NAT Type” now.

Also Read: How To Update Xbox? [All Models]

Use Alternate Port Selection

Xbox allows you to choose alternate ports if the connection is unstable or you are facing errors on the console. This method is especially handy if port forwarding fails to switch the NAT types on Xbox.

These are the steps to change port selection on Xbox One:

1. Pick “Advanced Settings” in the “Network Settings” section.
2. Proceed to “Alternate Port Selection.”

   

3. Change it to “Manual” if it is set to “Automatic.”

   

4. Experiment with the different port numbers from the drop-down. See which one gets your desired “NAT Type” on Xbox One.

   

Also Read: How To Clean Xbox & Controller [One & Series X/S]

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