The PlayStation 5 provides the perfect next-gen console experience, complete with incredible graphics, a slick design and the DualSense controller, but just like every other piece of connected tech, it can occasionally run into connectivity issues.
The biggest problem for most console gamers is Network Address Translation, better known as NAT. The networking tech can restrict who you can play with online, leading to longer matchmaking sessions and making it more difficult to talk to friends in a group chat. If those problems sound familiar, it’s likely you’re the victim of a Moderate or Strict NAT.
That’s the bad news. The good news is that there are steps you can take to change the NAT type to Open on PS5 – you’ll just have to dabble in the world of Port Forwarding to do so. It’s a little complicated, and the process varies depending on your brand of router, but we talk you through the entire process right here.
How to change NAT type on PS5
To change your NAT type on PS5, you’ll first need to verify the NAT type you’ve currently got. Once you’re armed with that information, you can then decide whether you need to open ports on your router to improve your online gaming experience.
How to check your current NAT type on PS5
The first step is to check the current NAT type on your PS5 and understand what that means for your online gameplay experience. To view NAT type on PS5:
- On your PS5, head to the Settings menu (the cog in the top-right of the home menu).
- Select Network.
- In the Connection Status menu, select either View Connection Status or Test Internet Connection – both will display your current NAT type alongside other key information like upload and download speeds, access to PSN and more.
You’ll see either NAT Type 1, 2 or 3 listed on the PS5, more commonly known as Open, Moderate and Strict respectively. In its simplest form, the NAT Type dictates the connections you can make from your console: Open (1) can connect to everything, Moderate (2) can connect to both Open and Moderate, and Strict (3) can only connect to Open.
This will dictate not only the friends that you can play with in online multiplayer titles but simple features like voice chat too. If you’re on a Strict NAT type, you won’t be able to hear friends on other Strict or Moderate NAT types in group chats, making for a rather awkward experience.
If, however, you’re on an Open NAT and still experiencing issues, it’s likely related to something else – possibly your home internet connection or the PlayStation Network (or the specific game server you’re trying to access) being down.
For those that are running on a Moderate or Strict NAT, you’ll have to use a process called Port Forwarding to remedy the issue.
How to use Port Forwarding on PS5
For those new to the world of networking, Port Forwarding allows you to open the various digital ports on your router responsible for the incoming and outgoing flow of data.
The problem that many gamers have is that consoles including the PS5 and Xbox Series X want to use ports that are traditionally closed on routers, which causes the NAT issues you’re likely facing.
To get an Open NAT on your PS5, you’ll have to open the correct ports on your router. The problem is that accessing the admin area of your router, and the Port Forwarding menu in particular, varies from manufacturer to manufacturer so we can only provide a broad outline of the process.
For specific instructions on accessing the Port Forwarding menu on your router, find the accompanying manual or, if you’ve lost it, search for the manual online. Most are available in PDF format for easy viewing.
- Go to your router admin page and log in using your credentials.
- Access the Port Forwarding menu.
- Add a new Port using the following details:
TCP: 1935, 3478-3480
UDP: 3074, 3478-3479
You might also need your console’s IP address and MAC address at this point – both can be found on the same menu as your NAT Type on the PS5. - Save the settings and restart your router.
- Restart your PS5.
- Test your PS5 internet connection by following the same steps in the section above.
Your NAT Type should now be Open, ready to play online multiplayer games free of connectivity issues. If it remains unchanged, verify that you entered the correct details in the Port Forwarding menu – even one wrong digit will stop it from working as intended.
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Author: Lewis Painter, Senior Staff Writer
Lewis Painter is a Senior Staff Writer at Tech Advisor. Our resident Apple expert, Lewis covers everything from iPhone to AirPods, plus a range of smartphones, tablets, laptops and gaming hardware. You'll also find him on the Tech Advisor YouTube channel.