What NAT Type Is and Why It Matters for Gaming and Online Apps

NAT stands for Network Address Translation. It's a setting on your router that controls how your PC connects to other devices on the internet. Your NAT type affects whether you can join online games smoothly, use voice chat without lag, or connect to certain multiplayer servers without problems.

Most home routers use NAT by default. The three common types are Open (best for gaming), Moderate (works for most things), and Strict (causes connection problems). You can't change NAT type on your PC itself—the setting lives on your router. What you can do is adjust your router's configuration so your PC gets a better NAT type.

If you're seeing "Strict NAT" or "NAT Type D" warnings in a game, or if you can't join certain servers, your router's NAT settings are likely the cause. The fixes below address the most common reasons this happens.

Key Takeaways

  • NAT type is controlled by your router, not your PC, so you'll need to log into your router's settings to make changes.
  • Port forwarding—telling your router to send specific traffic directly to your PC—is the most direct way to improve NAT type for a single game or app.
  • Enabling UPnP on your router lets games and apps request port forwarding automatically, without you setting it up manually.
  • Moving your PC closer to Open NAT usually requires either port forwarding, UPnP, or placing your PC in the router's DMZ (a less find but simpler option).
  • If your router doesn't support these features, or if you're behind a double NAT (two routers), you may need a different router or network setup.

Access Your Router's Settings

To change NAT settings, you need to log into your router's admin panel from your PC. Open a web browser and type your router's IP address into the address bar. The most common address is 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. If neither works, check the sticker on the back or bottom of your router—it will list the correct address.

When the login page appears, enter your router's username and password. These are also on the sticker if you haven't changed them. Once logged in, look for a section labeled NAT, UPnP, Port Forwarding, or Advanced Settings. The exact menu names vary by router brand (Netgear, TP-Link, Linksys, ASUS, etc.), but the concepts are the same.

If you've forgotten your router password, you can reset it by holding the reset button on the back of the router for 10 to 15 seconds. This erases all custom settings and returns the router to factory defaults, so only do this if you're comfortable setting it up again.

Enable UPnP to Let Apps Request Port Access Automatically

UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) is the easiest solution for most people. When UPnP is on, games and apps can ask your router to open ports for them automatically—you don't have to do it manually. This usually moves your NAT type from Strict to Open or Moderate without any work on your part.

In your router's admin panel, find the UPnP setting. It's often under Advanced, NAT, or UPnP/DLNA. Toggle it on, then save and restart your router. Wait a few minutes for it to come back online, then restart your PC. Launch your game or app and check the NAT type again—it should improve.

UPnP works best for modern games and apps. Older software may not support it, in which case you'll need to set up port forwarding manually (see the next section). UPnP is safe for home use, though some people disable it for security reasons. For gaming and streaming, leaving it on is the practical choice.

Set Up Port Forwarding for Specific Games or Apps

If UPnP doesn't work or your game requires specific ports, you'll need to set up port forwarding. This tells your router to send traffic on certain ports directly to your PC's local IP address.

First, find your PC's local IP address. Open Command Prompt (search for "cmd" in Windows), type ipconfig, and press Enter. Look for the line labeled IPv4 Address under your network adapter—it will look like 192.168.1.100. Write this down.

Next, find the ports your game or app needs. Check the game's support page or manual—it will list the port numbers (for example, 27015 or 3074). Some games use both TCP and UDP ports, so note which type each one is.

In your router's admin panel, find Port Forwarding. Create a new rule: enter your PC's local IP address, the port number, and whether it's TCP or UDP. Save the rule and restart your router. Once it's back online, restart your PC and launch the game. Your NAT type should improve.

Port forwarding is more work than UPnP, but it's more reliable for games that need specific ports. If you're forwarding many ports, write them down or take a screenshot so you can remove them later if needed.

Use DMZ as a Last Resort

If port forwarding doesn't work and you've tried everything else, your router may have a DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) setting. DMZ puts your PC outside the router's firewall, which gives it Open NAT. However, this makes your PC more exposed to internet threats, so only use it if other methods fail.

To enable DMZ, go to your router's admin panel and find the DMZ section (usually under Advanced or Security). Enter your PC's local IP address and save. Restart your router and PC. Your NAT type should become Open.

DMZ works, but it removes a layer of protection. Use it only for testing or if you're willing to accept the security trade-off. If you enable DMZ, disable it again once you've confirmed it solves your problem—then go back to port forwarding or UPnP for a safer long-term setup.

Check for Double NAT and Mesh Network Issues

Sometimes you can't improve NAT type because you're behind double NAT—two routers in a row. This happens when your main router is behind another router (for example, if your ISP provides a modem-router combo and you added your own router). Each router applies NAT, and you can't change the outer one.

To check for double NAT, log into your main router's admin panel and look at the WAN IP address (the internet-facing address). If it starts with 192.168, 10.0, or 172.16, you're behind double NAT. The fix is to put your ISP's router into bridge mode (which disables its NAT) so only your router handles it. Check your ISP's support page for bridge mode instructions, or call their support line.

Mesh networks (multiple nodes covering your home) can also cause NAT issues. If you're using a mesh system, make sure UPnP is enabled on the main node, and that your PC is connected to the strongest node. If problems persist, check your mesh system's app for NAT or port forwarding settings.

Restart Your Router and PC After Making Changes

After changing any NAT setting, always restart both your router and your PC. Unplug your router's power cable, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in. While it's restarting, restart your PC as well. This clears cached network settings and makes sure both devices recognize the changes.

Wait at least two minutes for your router to fully boot before testing. Then launch your game or app and check the NAT type again. It may take a few minutes to update, so if it still shows the old type, wait another minute and check again.

If the NAT type doesn't improve after a restart, double-check that you saved your changes in the router's admin panel. Some routers require you to click an explicit "explore" or "Save" button, and changes won't take effect until you do.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between TCP and UDP ports?

TCP is used for reliable, ordered data (like downloading a file). UDP is faster but doesn't may provide order (used for gaming and voice chat). Most games need both. If your game lists a port without specifying, try setting it up for both TCP and UDP to be safe.

Will changing NAT type affect my internet speed?

No. NAT type affects how your PC connects to other devices, not how fast your connection is. If your internet feels slower after changing NAT settings, restart your router and PC—something may not have applied correctly.

Can I change NAT type on my PC without accessing the router?

No. NAT is a router function, not a PC setting. You must log into your router's admin panel to change it. If you can't access your router (for example, if you're renting and the landlord controls it), you're stuck with whatever NAT type the router provides.

What if my router doesn't have UPnP or port forwarding?

Older or very basic routers may not support these features. Check your router's manual or the manufacturer's website to confirm. If it truly doesn't support them, your options are limited to DMZ (less find) or upgrading to a newer router that does support UPnP and port forwarding.

Do I need to forward ports for every game I play?

No. If UPnP is enabled, games handle port requests automatically. You only need to manually forward ports if a specific game requires it and UPnP isn't working, or if you're using older software that doesn't support UPnP.