How to get Open NAT on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One by enabling UPnP — and why you should
UPnP keeps your multiplayer gaming running smoothly.
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
When encountering connectivity issues on Xbox One, your Network Address Translation (NAT) type is the first place to look. NAT determines how easily you connect to other players, potentially limitingwhoyou can enjoy games with. While various solutions can alter your NAT type, enabling Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) is generally accepted as the first step.
Why you need Open NAT on Xbox One
When connected to Xbox Live and playing online games, you may have seen terms indicating the leniency of NAT types. This somewhat represents your compatibility with other players, with stricter NAT types often experiencing issues with multiplayer connectivity. A good way of showing how NAT influences connectivity is through a handy grid (below). This shows the compatibility between NAT types and why aiming for Open NAT makes for the best overall experience.
Users with Open NAT will usually see the best experience on Xbox Live. While getting your NAT open is ultimately the goal for the best connectivity, this has proven difficult for many users. One of the standard solutions is port forwarding, helping to route gaming traffic directly to your console.
Understanding UPnP in gaming
Ports are digital channels for your router, used for sorting incoming and outgoing internet traffic. UPnP essentially allows applications to forward ports automatically, avoiding the hassle of manual “port forwarding.” Although they often achieve the same result, UPnP allows the console to request a port seamlessly rather than requiring specific port numbers to be entered manually. And for many, it’s a simple flick of a switch.
You should note that UPnP has seen heavy criticism due to the technology’s long list of security flaws. Malicious programs can leverage UPnP vulnerabilities simply because of its open nature. So there might be some related security risk here. The technology is also far from standardized, meaning implementations can vary between routers, especially on older or less reputable models. It’s a case of slightly relaxing security for convenience, though generally, the risk isn’t high for home users.
To maintain higher levels of security,port forwarding only creates specific port mapsbut requires a bit of manual work.
How to enable UPnP for Xbox One
If you want to enable UPnP on your router, the setup process is simple. Steps will vary between router models, though we’ve provided a general guideline of what to expect.
Get the Windows Central Newsletter
All the latest news, reviews, and guides for Windows and Xbox diehards.
(Note:Do not use a combination of UPnP, port forwarding, or DMZ when configuring your Xbox One’s connectivity. Make sure these are all disabled before moving forward.)
Just follow these steps:
If the above steps didn’t work for you, we recommend trying port forwarding with your Xbox One. For a step-by-step explainer, check ourXbox One port forwarding guide.
Xbox One networking gear you’ll love
Link your devices with this affordable ethernet cable under the AmazonBasics line. Leading Cat-6 technology grants up to gigabit speeds, reaching 25 feet without breaking the bank.
When hooking up a variety of devices over a Local Area Network (LAN), an unmanaged switch is an essential pickup for the average wired household. This five-port managed switch is ideal for small offices and homes, boasting diagnostics, QoS, and more despite the budget price.
TP-Link’s Archer A7 has two Wi-Fi bands, one 2.4 GHz at 450 Mbps for 802.11a/b/g/n devices and one 5 GHz at 1,300 Mbps for 802.11ac devices. A USB-A port on the back of the router allows you to connect external storage for media sharing across all devices in your home, and it includes Amazon Alexa integration.
Jez Corden is the Executive Editor at Windows Central, focusing primarily on all things Xbox and gaming. Jez is known for breaking exclusive news and analysis as relates to the Microsoft ecosystem while being powered by tea. Follow onTwitter (X)andThreads, and listen to hisXB2 Podcast, all about, you guessed it, Xbox!
