NAT type 2 is fine: double NAT is what makes PS5 strict

Part of our guide on reduce lag on ps4 and ps5

Most guides miss that PS5 strict NAT usually means double NAT or carrier NAT, not just a setting you can tweak.

What each platform's NAT labels mean for gaming

Every gaming platform uses different labels for NAT types, but they all describe how open your connection is to other players. Xbox uses Open, Moderate (Type B), and Strict. PlayStation shows Type 1, 2, or 3. Nintendo Switch uses letters A-F.

Type 2 on PlayStation and Moderate on Xbox mean your console is behind one NAT device that allows most connections freely. This NAT level works well for multiplayer.

Type 1 on PlayStation means your console has a public IP or is in DMZ, rarely needed. Strict or Type 3 means connections are blocked or filtered, causing matchmaking and voice chat problems.

Is NAT type B / Type 2 good for gaming and VPNs

NAT type B (Xbox Moderate) and Type 2 (PlayStation) are good for gaming because they open enough ports to let your console connect freely in multiplayer games like Valorant, Fortnite, or Apex Legends. We cover xbox wifi and ping problems in its own article.

These NAT types let you join matches, host games, and use voice chat without significant barriers. They do not require extra configuration in most home networks.

VPN users may see NAT change because VPNs assign new IPs and NAT layers. This doesn’t usually block connections but can affect matchmaking speed or server choice.

• Gaming support – Allows connections in most multiplayer games
• Voice and matchmaking – Works smoothly with open ports
• VPN impact – NAT type changes but usually not blocking
• Limitations – NAT type 2/B does not guarantee perfect ping or zero lag

Why PS5 shows Strict NAT on phone hotspots and port forwarding can't fix it

Strict NAT on a PS5 connected to a mobile phone hotspot usually means the hotspot uses carrier-grade NAT (CGNAT). This system assigns private IPs to many users sharing one public IP. It helps to understand impact of signal quality before going further.

Carrier NAT prevents you from forwarding ports because you don’t control the public IP or NAT device. This blocks incoming connections essential to open NAT.

Port forwarding on your PS5 or router won’t fix this. Your only options are changing to a different internet source or using a VPN that supports port forwarding and NAT traversal.

How to confirm double NAT by comparing WAN IPs

Double NAT happens when two devices on your network both do NAT, typically your ISP’s modem/router and your own router. This causes Strict NAT or connectivity problems on consoles. People in this spot often ask about comparing ps5 connection types as well.

To confirm double NAT, check your router’s WAN IP address and compare it with the public IP address shown on your ISP modem/router. If they differ, you have double NAT.

A matching WAN and public IP means a single NAT device. Double NAT usually causes strict or moderate NAT readings and hinders port forwarding efforts.

1. Log into your main router’s admin page and note the WAN IP address.
2. Log into your ISP device (modem/router combo) and find its public IP.
3. Compare both addresses; if they differ, you have double NAT.

The order of fixes for double NAT: bridge mode, DMZ, then port forwarding

Fix double NAT by first setting your ISP modem/router to bridge or modem-only mode. This disables its NAT and lets your router handle all network routing. We cover resolving portal network issues in its own article.

If bridging isn’t possible, place your gaming console in the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) of your router. This opens all ports to the console, reducing NAT restrictions without full bridge mode.

Manual port forwarding is last. It only opens specific ports but fails if two NAT devices block traffic. Use port forwarding only after eliminating double NAT.

1. Enable bridge or modem-only mode on ISP device.
2. Enable DMZ for your console on your router if bridging is impossible.
3. Set up manual port forwards if needed after DMZ.

What UPnP does and does not solve with double NAT

UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) lets devices request port forwarding automatically from your router. It eases NAT problems with one NAT device. We go through console mode on steam deck step by step elsewhere on the site.

With double NAT, UPnP on your router only handles the second NAT layer. The first NAT device (ISP modem/router) still blocks traffic, so UPnP cannot open all needed ports.

UPnP helps with simple NAT setups but doesn’t fix double NAT. Bridging or DMZ is required to fully resolve strict NAT caused by stacked NAT devices.

How a VPN changes NAT type readings and if it matters for matchmaking

VPNs assign new IP addresses and add an extra NAT layer. This can change your console’s NAT type reading, sometimes appearing as strict or moderate instead of open.

For matchmaking, a VPN may increase ping or reduce connection speed but does not necessarily block multiplayer connections.

If your goal is to fix strict NAT or double NAT, VPNs are not a primary solution. They can be used as a last resort to bypass carrier NAT or ISP restrictions but may add lag.

What is a good NAT type for gaming

The good NAT type for gaming is Type 2 on PlayStation and Moderate (Type B) on Xbox. It means your console is behind one NAT device that allows incoming and outgoing connections freely enough for smooth multiplayer.

These NAT types let you join games, chat, and host without frequent connection problems or delays. They balance security and openness well.

Strict NAT or Type 3 restricts ports, causing matchmaking failures and voice chat trouble. Aim for Type 2/Moderate unless you need advanced security or specific setups.

How to fix lag caused by NAT issues on PC, console, and mobile

Fix lag caused by NAT problems by first confirming your NAT type using your console’s network settings or PC networking tools.

If you have double NAT, bridge your ISP modem/router or use DMZ settings to open ports for your gaming device.

Consider using a game booster like GearUP. It optimizes routing and reduces high ping, packet loss, and jitter without changing your NAT type.

GearUP offers a free trial on PC and supports consoles and mobile. It routes your game traffic via optimized paths, improving connection stability even in complex networks.

Questions people still ask

I’ve tested NAT types on multiple consoles and networks to confirm when strict NAT is double NAT or carrier NAT.