How to Change the NAT Type on an Xbox Series X

If you’re having connectivity problems playing online on your Xbox Series X console, the most likely culprit is the NAT (Network Address Translation) type. The NAT type determines how your Xbox connects to the internet. So, if you’re experiencing things like lag, being removed from games, or if you’re unable to host a multiplayer game, you might want to change the NAT type.

Read on to learn how you can resolve the problem with various available troubleshooting options.

NAT Type on Xbox Series X

If you’ve never configured the NAT type before or don’t know what it is, you’re not alone. Xbox uses Universal Plug ‘n’ Play (UPnP) to communicate with your router, so you never have to configure this when you set it up.

So, the first thing you should do is check your NAT type to check the connection. It’ll also be helpful to you in the future should you experience the issue again. If there’s a connectivity error that is not attributable to the NAT type, following the steps below will reveal it.

Check Your NAT Type

1. Press the Xbox button on the controller to pull up a “Guide” menu.
   
2. Go to the “Profile & System” section.
   
3. Select “Settings” and then go to “Network Settings.”
   
4. Go to “Current Network Status” to see the NAT Type.
   

Your NAT type will likely be “Moderate” or “Strict” since you’re experiencing connectivity problems.

• With moderate NAT, connectivity is slow, and you’ll likely experience more lag. It’s also difficult to host games.
• Strict NAT is the worst type. You’ll likely be frequently kicked from games and experience even more lag.
• With Open NAT, you can connect to games, play without interruption, and host multiplayer games.

So, yes, you have to change this setting.

But first, make sure you don’t see any errors such as the following after your check:

• “NAT Type Unavailable”
• “Double NAT Detected”
• “Can’t get a Teredo IP address”
• “Error code 0x89231906”

If you see one of these errors, you can’t immediately change your NAT. Instead, you’ll have to follow the steps in the Microsoft guide to fix your problem.

Change Your NAT Type

The steps below will help you switch from Moderate or Strict to Open NAT types.

Perform a Hard Reset

1. Turn off your Xbox Series X console.
   
2. Unplug the power cable.
   
3. Turn off the router. You can do this by unplugging the power cable.
   
4. Wait 30 seconds.
5. Plug in the router and wait until it boots.
   
6. Turn on the Xbox Series X.
   
7. Press the X button on your controller. It’ll open the guide.
   
8. Go to “Settings” and then select “Network Settings”. You can “Test NAT Type.”
   
9. If it doesn’t show “Test NAT Type,” you can try ” ‘Test multiplayer connection.”
10. Reset your console by pressing and holding the power button.
    

After your Xbox Series X reboots, you should be able to change your NAT type to Open NAT.

Turn UPnP On and Off Again

You might want to try turning UPnP off and back on. You’ll need to do this through your router. Here’s what to do:

1. Log into the web configuration page for your router. Check if UPnP is on.
   
2. Turn the UPnP setting off. Be sure to save changes.
   
3. Restart your console through a full shutdown.
4. Reboot your network hardware (modem and router included).
   
5. Remove the power cords and wait about 30 seconds.
6. Plug everything back in and turn it on.
   
7. Login to the web configuration page on your router to check if the UPnP is off.
   
8. Turn it back on and save your changes. If you see a “Zero Config” setting, turn it on.
   
9. Restart your network hardware again.

Now, you can load up your Xbox Series X to check your NAT Type. Simply follow these steps:

1. “Profile & System.”
   
2. Choose “Settings.”
   
3. Go to “General,” and under “Network Settings,” select “Test NAT Type.”
   

 You’re all set if the NAT Type is open and there are no errors.

Upgrade Your Firmware

You might need to update your firmware. Updating your router’s firmware can solve problems related to performance and dropped connections.

In order to do this, make sure your computer is connected to the router. If you need help, refer to the manual that came with the router or go to the manufacturer’s website to learn how to configure and update it.

Once you do that, you can check your NAT type by following the steps in the first section. If you don’t get any errors and your NAT Type is set to “Open, ” you’re all set.

Choose the Energy Saving Mode

Another neat trick is to turn on the Energy Saver mode. When you turn on this mode, your Xbox will renew the UPnP every time you power it up. So, although it might take a few more seconds to boot up, you’re more likely to secure an Open NAT Type when you log in.

1. Go to the “Settings” menu.
   
2. Select “General.”
   
3. Press “Power Mode and Startups.”
   
4. Enable “Energy Saving” and switch off “Instant On.”
   

FAQs

What do I do if I’m still experiencing connection problems?

There may be other problems than the NAT Type. You might have a firewall or other hardware blocking the connection. In that case, you’ll need to open the network posts. Refer to the guide here if you think this is the case.

Change Your Nat Type to Avoid Connectivity Issues

Changing your NAT Type can be helpful if you’re experiencing connectivity problems. With the Xbox Series X, all you have to do is change it through your network settings, perform a hard reset, or try the power-saving option. The NAT type best for gaming is “Open,” so make sure it’s set to that before you launch your next game. Doing so will ensure a smooth, uninterrupted gaming experience.

Have you experienced internet connectivity problems? What tips and tricks in this article did you use? Please share with us in the comments section below.