Ever felt like your PS5 is holding back your online games? Lagging in parties? Trouble joining a friend’s game? The issue might be your NAT type. Changing your NAT type can unlock smoother multiplayer, better connections, and just more fun. Don’t worry — it’s easier than you think!

TL;DR (Too Long, Didn’t Read)

Changing your NAT type on PS5 can help you connect better with other players. Most likely, you want NAT Type 1 or 2 for the best online experience. You can do this by setting up port forwarding or enabling UPnP on your router. Keep reading to see how to make it happen in just a few steps.

What is NAT Type and Why Should You Care?

Network Address Translation, or NAT, decides how your PS5 connects to other consoles and game servers. NAT basically helps manage how your home network talks to the internet. There are three main types:

• NAT Type 1: Open – Best for gaming. Direct connection. Everything works great.
• NAT Type 2: Moderate – Still good. You can play and chat with most people.
• NAT Type 3: Strict – Trouble may start. You might not join parties or match in games easily.

If you want the smoothest online gaming, you want NAT Type 1 or 2.

Step 1: Check Your Current NAT Type

Let’s see which NAT type your PS5 has:

1. Turn on your PS5 and go to Settings.
2. Scroll down and select Network.
3. Choose Connection Status.
4. Select View Connection Status.

Your NAT Type will appear near the bottom. It will say Type 1, 2, or 3.

Step 2: Use UPnP for an Easy Fix

Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) sounds fancy, but it’s a super easy way to fix NAT problems. It automatically opens the right ports for you.

Here’s what you do:

1. Log into your router’s settings from a computer or phone browser.
2. Find the Advanced Settings or NAT Forwarding section.
3. Look for UPnP. It’s often under a tab called NAT or LAN settings.
4. Enable UPnP and save your changes.

Now restart your PS5 and check your NAT type again. For many people, this is all it takes!

Step 3: Manual Setup with Port Forwarding

If UPnP didn’t work, don’t worry. You can use port forwarding instead. It takes a little more time but works even better for some users.

These are the default PS5 ports that should be open:

• TCP: 1935, 3478-3480
• UDP: 3478-3479

Follow these steps:

1. Find your PS5’s IP address in the Network → View Connection Status menu.
2. Go to your router’s settings page.
3. Head to Port Forwarding or Virtual Servers section.
4. Add a new rule with the above TCP/UDP ports and your PS5’s IP address.
5. Save and reboot your router.

Don’t forget to restart your PS5 and run a network test to check for NAT Type changes.

Step 4: Try DMZ Mode (Last Resort)

Still stuck on NAT Type 3? There’s one more trick — putting your PS5 in the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone). Sounds wild, but it just means giving your console full access to the network with less filtering.

Warning though — only do this if nothing else worked and you’re comfortable with it.

Here’s how:

1. Log into your router.
2. Go to DMZ Settings.
3. Enter your PS5’s IP address in the DMZ Host field.
4. Save and restart both your router and PS5.

This one should definitely push you to NAT Type 1.

Bonus Tip: Use a Wired Connection

Wi-Fi is handy, but ethernet is king. If you really want the best possible connection for gaming, plug your PS5 into the router with a LAN cable.

Less interference. Less lag. Faster NAT detection. Easy win.

How to Set a Static IP on PS5

Using port forwarding or DMZ? You’ll want to set a static IP so your PS5 doesn’t get a new address every time it turns on. Here’s how:

1. Go to Settings → Network → Settings → Set Up Internet Connection.
2. Choose your connection (Wi-Fi or LAN).
3. Select Advanced Settings.
4. Set IP Address Settings to Manual.
5. Enter the same IP address you used for port forwarding/DMZ, along with subnet and gateway settings from your network status.

What If None of This Works?

Don’t panic! Every router is different. Sometimes it takes a bit of trial-and-error.

Here are a few extra ideas:

• Double NAT Issue? If you use a combo modem/router and separate router, you may need to put one in bridge mode.
• Firmware Outdated? Try updating your router.
• Still stuck? Call your ISP and ask if they can help you switch to a public IP.

Final Thoughts

Changing your NAT Type on the PS5 doesn’t have to be scary. Whether it’s enabling UPnP, forwarding a few ports, or diving into DMZ mode, you have options. Start simple, check the settings step-by-step, and don’t be afraid to experiment.

Now go out there, party up, and enjoy flawless games without connection drama!