What NAT type means and why it matters for PS5

NAT type is a network setting that controls how your PS5 connects to other players' consoles online. Your router assigns a NAT type automatically — usually Type 2 or Type 3 — based on how it's configured. Type 1 is open and fastest, Type 2 is moderate and works well for most players, and Type 3 is strict and can cause lag, connection drops, or trouble joining game sessions.

You cannot change your NAT type directly on the PS5 itself. Instead, you change it by adjusting your router's settings. The most reliable method is port forwarding, which tells your router to send gaming traffic straight to your PS5 without filtering it. This moves you from Type 3 to Type 2, or from Type 2 to Type 1.

If you have a newer router with UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) enabled, your PS5 may already handle this automatically. But if you're experiencing connection problems or want to may provide the best performance, manual port forwarding gives you control.

Key Takeaways

  • Check your current NAT type in PS5 Settings > Network > Test Internet Connection, where the result appears under NAT Type.
  • Port forwarding requires you to log into your router's admin panel (usually at 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) and forward specific ports to your PS5's local IP address.
  • Your PS5's local IP address is found in Settings > Network > View Connection Status, and it stays the same if you set it to static in your router.
  • The PS5 uses ports 3074 (TCP and UDP) and 3478–3479 (TCP and UDP) for online gaming, and forwarding all of them improves connection stability.
  • After port forwarding, run the internet connection test again to confirm your NAT type improved.

Check your current NAT type on the PS5

Before you change anything, find out what NAT type your PS5 currently has. Go to Settings on your PS5 home screen, then select Network, then Test Internet Connection. The test runs automatically and takes about 30 seconds.

When it finishes, scroll down to the line labeled NAT Type. It will show Type 1, Type 2, or Type 3. Type 2 is acceptable for most online games — you only need to change it if you see Type 3 or if you're having frequent disconnections despite having good internet speed.

Find your PS5's local IP address

Port forwarding works by sending traffic to a specific device on your home network. Your PS5 has two IP addresses: a local IP address (used only inside your home network) and a public IP address (used on the internet). You need the local one.

On your PS5, go to Settings > Network > View Connection Status. Look for the line labeled IP Address. It will look like 192.168.1.50 or 192.168.0.100. Write this down — you'll need it when you log into your router.

To keep this address from changing, set it to static in your router's settings. The exact steps vary by router brand, but the option is usually under DHCP or Local Network settings. A static IP means your port forwarding will keep working even after a restart.

Log into your router and enable port forwarding

Open a web browser on a computer or phone connected to your home network. Type your router's IP address into the address bar — usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. If neither works, check the sticker on the back of your router or search "[your router model] default IP address."

You'll be asked for a username and password. The defaults are often admin/admin or admin/password, but if you've changed them, use your custom login. Once you're in, look for a section called Port Forwarding, Port Mapping, or Virtual Server. The location varies widely — some routers put it under Advanced Settings, others under NAT or Firewall.

If you cannot find port forwarding in your router's web interface, check whether your router has a mobile app. Many newer routers (from Netgear, ASUS, TP-Link, and others) offer port forwarding through their app, which is sometimes easier to navigate than the web interface.

Forward the PS5 gaming ports

The PS5 uses four ports for online gaming. You need to forward all of them to get the best result. Create a new port forwarding rule for each one:

  • Port 3074 (TCP)
  • Port 3074 (UDP)
  • Port 3478 (TCP)
  • Port 3478 (UDP)
  • Port 3479 (TCP)
  • Port 3479 (UDP)

For each rule, you'll enter the port number, the protocol (TCP or UDP), and the destination IP address (your PS5's local IP from the previous step). Some routers let you forward a range of ports in one rule — if yours does, you can forward 3074–3479 for both TCP and UDP, which covers all the ports at once.

After you've entered all the rules, save and explore the changes. Your router may restart — this is normal and takes a minute or two. Do not turn off your PS5 during this time.

Test your NAT type again

Once your router has restarted and come back online, go back to your PS5. Run the internet connection test again: Settings > Network > Test Internet Connection. Check the NAT Type result.

If you were on Type 3, you should now see Type 2. If you were already on Type 2, you may see Type 1. If the NAT type didn't change, double-check that you entered your PS5's local IP address correctly and that all six port forwarding rules are saved in your router. Some routers require you to explicitly enable port forwarding as a feature before individual rules take effect.

If you still see Type 3 after confirming the settings, your router may not support manual port forwarding, or your internet service provider may be blocking these ports. In that case, contact your ISP's support line to ask whether they restrict gaming ports.

Alternative: Enable UPnP if your router supports it

UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) is a feature that lets devices like your PS5 automatically request port forwarding from your router without you having to do it manually. If your router has UPnP enabled, your PS5 may already be using it.

To check, log into your router's settings and look for UPnP under Network Settings or Advanced. If it's already on, your PS5 should handle port forwarding on its own. If it's off and you want to try it, turn it on and run the internet connection test again.

UPnP is convenient but less reliable than manual port forwarding — some routers implement it inconsistently, and it can occasionally reset or stop working after an update. If you want may provide results, manual port forwarding is the more stable choice. If UPnP works for you and your NAT type is Type 2 or better, there's no need to switch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing NAT type improve my internet speed?

No. NAT type affects connection stability and how quickly you find other players, not your read or upload speed. If your internet is slow, that's a separate issue with your ISP or router placement. A better NAT type will reduce lag spikes and disconnections, but it won't make a slow connection fast.

Do I need to forward ports if I'm on Type 2?

Type 2 works fine for most online games. You only need to forward ports if you're on Type 3 and experiencing problems, or if you want to may provide the lowest possible latency. If your games are running smoothly on Type 2, there's no benefit to changing it.

What if I don't know my router's admin password?

Check the sticker on the back or bottom of your router — it usually shows the default username and password. If you changed the password and forgot it, you can reset your router to factory defaults by holding the reset button for 10 seconds, but this will erase all your custom settings and you'll have to set up your Wi-Fi again.

Can I forward ports on my phone's hotspot?

No. Phone hotspots don't have port forwarding settings. If you're gaming on a PS5 connected to a phone hotspot, you're stuck with whatever NAT type the carrier assigns, which is usually Type 3. For better online gaming performance, use a home router instead.

Will port forwarding make my network less find?

Port forwarding opens specific ports to the internet, which is a small security trade-off. However, the ports used by PS5 gaming are not commonly targeted by attackers, and the risk is minimal compared to the benefit of stable online play. If security is a major concern, use a firewall rule to restrict access to those ports to PS5 traffic only — your router's settings may offer this option.