You deserve good things, and that’s why you got yourself a PS5. It’s fancy, it has some great exclusive titles, and hey, it can play every major online title except, like, Halo. So why, then, do you sometimes have to wait ages for a match in games that are popular, and well-populated?

Or worse, why are you getting the dreaded NAT type error? What the heck is a NAT? You bought a console because they’re supposed to be easier, so… just why?

Well, I’ll tell you. NAT, also known as Network Address Translation, is the thing going on in your router that lets you access the internet. There are multiple “NAT types,” or configurations, and the wrong settings can essentially block you from connecting to some players or game servers. This results in long wait times, and sometimes completely broken games.

Fortunately for you, we can tell you how to fix all of that, and which NAT type will help you get the most out of your gaming time on the PS5. Also, we’ll tell you how to protect yourself as you game, with PIA VPN.

Whichever NAT type you choose, you’re going to need a VPN. Open NAT in particular can be a little less secure, and a VPN can help you add a bit of extra security to your connection. VPNs do this by hiding your IP address and encrypting all traffic between you and your VPN server. They can also help you get more stable connections.

Table of Contents

What Is NAT Type on PS5 and Why Is It Important?

Alright, it’s time for a little more detail. Network Address Translation is what allows multiple devices on a network – like almost every home or office network – to use the same IP address on the internet. It’s the routing function in the router, deciding where data goes on your network, and if it’s allowed to be on your network in the first place.

Without going into the more complicated details, NAT can be configured to operate in one of three ways. These are called “NAT types,” and they define which other servers and computers your home devices are allowed to connect to.

Open NAT

This is the most permissive type of NAT, and that means it’s great for easy, fast connections to other players and to game servers. However, that permissiveness makes it vulnerable, and it often won’t block traffic from people trying to break into your system. Your PS5 is essentially left to fend for itself.

Open NAT connections can connect to any other type of NAT.
The PlayStation calls this “NAT type 1,” for some reason.

Moderate NAT

Moderate NAT is more secure, but requires more manual configuration, and you’ll need to be comfortable with changing your router’s settings. It can also break things in some games. However, its security makes it our recommended NAT type.

Moderate NAT connections can connect to other Moderate connections, and to Open NAT as well.
The PlayStation calls this “NAT type 2.”

Strict NAT

Strict NAT is just a little bit too secure, in that it’ll basically break your gaming experience, and you really shouldn’t use it for your PS5. When matchmaking never ends, when you get NAT type error messages, Strict NAT is usually to blame.

Strict NAT connections can only connect to Open NAT connections, and no others. Not even other Strict type connections.
The PlayStation calls this “NAT type 3.”

Officially, NAT type 1 (Open NAT) is PlayStation’s recommended configuration to get the most out of your console. However, it bypasses a lot of the protection your router’s firewall can give you, and that’s why we recommend dedicating a little time to setting up Moderate NAT.

How to Find Your NAT Type on PS5

This is easy, but will take a few button presses:

Go to Settings, and select the Network option.
Under the Connection Status tab, you’ll find the Test Internet Connection option. Select it.
Wait for the test to complete, and you’ll be able to see your NAT type.

Now, if you’re planning to change your NAT type, go back up to the Connection Status tab, and select View Connection Status. This will list a whole bunch of details about your connection, and you’re looking for your IP address. Specifically, you want IPv4. Write that down, and save it for later.

How to Change Your Nat Type on PS5

There are three main methods for changing your NAT type. If you choose to go with Open NAT, depending on your PS5 and maybe a VPN to protect you, then you can use UPnP, or a DMZ. If you want to set up Moderate NAT, then the Port Forwarding method is for you. I’ll explain all of this below, but you’ll need to know how to get to your router’s settings page.

This usually means opening up a browser on your PC or phone, and typing in an IP address like 192.0.0.1. The actual address, as well as the settings page layout, will depend on your router. Make sure you have your router manual ready, and the username and password provided by your ISP.

How to Set Up UPnP

Universal Plug and Play is the easiest method to enable Open NAT by far. It works by analyzing incoming and outgoing internet traffic, and opening up the correct ports as necessary. This is the recommended method, as it’s a little more secure, and keeps the router’s firewall involved in the process.

For beginners: ports are virtual lanes, or channels through which information can be transmitted or received. Your console, computer, and phone have a tonne of them, and they can all be opened or closed as needed to let different types of data through.

UPnP does this automatically, opening only those ports necessary to send or receive data, and leaving the rest closed. This makes it the safest way to enable Open NAT.

Here’s how to enable it:

Go into your router’s settings page, find UPnP, and make sure it’s enabled.
Restart the router to make sure the changes are saved.
Go check your PS5’s network settings again, and make sure it says NAT type 1.

How to Set Up a DMZ

Here’s the method we don’t recommend, unless nothing else is working. A Demilitarized Zone is basically an unprotected part of your network. Any devices placed in that virtual Zone will be unaffected by your router’s firewall. This makes the connection a little faster, and a lot more unsafe. But it’ll definitely work in a pinch.

Go to your router’s settings page.
Find the option to create a DMZ, and enable it.
Remember that IP address you wrote down? Use it to add your PS5 to the DMZ.
Restart your router, and check your PS5 settings for NAT type 1.

How to Set Up Port Forwarding on Your PS5

This is what we recommend: port forwarding allows you to pick and choose the specific ports you want to open, and leave the rest closed. This should work fine for most games, and let you play as normal, while keeping non-essential traffic out. Now here’s how you do it:

Go into your router settings page.
Look for the port forwarding options, and use your PS5’s IP address to specify which device to open ports for.
Open these ports specifically, choosing the relevant protocols:
1. TCP: 80, 443, 465, 993, 3478, 3479, 3480
2. UDP: 3478, 3479
Look up any extra ports that your favorite online games might need, and open them.
Restart your router, and check the settings.

Remember, every time you get a new online game, look it up to see if it needs extra ports open for VOIP, game servers, or other functionality, and open those in your router. Don’t forget to close ports you’re not using anymore. It’s more work, but it’s also more safe.

Why PIA Is the Best VPN for PS5

PIA is a fantastic VPN for the PS5 in several ways: first, it supports consoles. Now, you can’t run VPN apps on consoles, so you’ll need to configure your router to use the VPN server of your choice. If you need assistance, PIA actually has 24/7 customer support via live chat and email to help you get started.

That’s not to mention the worldwide network of super fast VPN servers, the unlimited bandwidth, the proven no-logs policy, the 256-bit AES encryption, and a number of other handy features designed to keep you safe and get you the fastest connection possible.

All of that is paired with the usual hiding your IP address and DDoS mitigation benefits that you’d expect from a VPN, and it’s all backed up by a 30-day money-back guarantee.

FAQ

How do I change my NAT type to open on PS5?

If you absolutely, positively need Open NAT to play your favorite PS5 games, there are two ways to do it. Enabling UPnP will let your router automatically forward traffic to and from your PS5 while still keeping the firewall somewhat involved in the process. The less recommended, less secure, but more performant method is to put your PS5 in a DMZ

What NAT type is best for PS5?

Officially, NAT type 1 (Open NAT) is the best, because it offers the fastest and most unrestricted connections to game servers and other players. However, this can take your router’s firewall out of play, and leaves the PS5 to defend itself. Given how often Sony and PlayStation have been hacked, we recommend type 2 (Moderate NAT).

Why is my NAT type failing on PS5?

The NAT type error is caused when your PlayStation can’t access the PSN servers through the usual ports. This can sometimes be caused by having an outdated router, or just overly strict settings. You want to make sure that your NAT type is set to NAT type 2 (Moderate NAT at the highest), and you’ll need to configure your router to make that happen.

How do I fix the NAT type error on PS5?

Changing your NAT type by following any of the guides on this page should fix it, whether you choose UPnP, a DMZ, or manual port forwarding. It really shouldn’t take more than a few minutes, though you might want to have your router’s manual on hand to help you figure it out. Failing that, you might contact your ISP for help, though that will take a little longer.

Why won’t my NAT type stay open?

This can happen for a variety of reasons, including but not limited to: accidental router reset, router updates forcing your ISP’s own configuration, and yes, your ISP can sometimes just have your router set to Strict NAT by default. If you can’t make your settings stick, you’ll need to contact your ISP’s customer support for assistance.

Why is my NAT type suddenly strict?

As with pretty much everything else on this page, it comes down to your router. Go to your router’s settings page to make sure that a new update or unexpected reboot hasn’t caused your settings to change against your will. Double check that UPnP is still enabled, or that your DMZ still exists, and that any manual port forwarding you set up is still in play.

Why do gamers use VPNs?

Because people and internet connections are sometimes terrible. A VPN can help protect you from people by hiding your IP address to protect your identity, and protect your home network from DDoS attacks. They can help protect you from bad connections – and the resulting lag – by giving you a more optimal route to the game server of your choice. Choose a VPN server that’s close to your game server for the best results.

What’s the best VPN for PS5?

PIA makes a great gaming VPN in general, and especially for the PS5. Why? Well first of all, it supports consoles in the first place. Not all VPNs do. Then there’s the global network of 10-Gbps NextGen servers, so you know you’ll always get a fast connection. You can test it all out risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Private Internet Access has 10+ years of experience leading the VPN industry. With a strict no-logs policy, world-class server infrastructure, and transparent open-source software, PIA prioritizes your online privacy, security, and freedom above all else.

Ezequiel Bruni

How to Change NAT Type on PS5