NAT Type Failed PS5: How to Fix the Error

What is the NAT type failed error on PS5? 

To understand how NAT, or Network Address Translation, works and why it fails, let’s  talk about network packets first. These packets are bundles of data sent from your computer (or any other device) to an Internet server, like a website or online platform, via your router. 

Network packets contain information about your device’s private IP address, but NAT replaces this with a public IP address that’s shared across all your devices. This process helps protect your private information by keeping your device’s IP address hidden from external servers.

The “NAT Type Failed” error on PS5 occurs when your console is unable to determine the network’s NAT type. NAT type affects your ability to connect and communicate with other players online. There are generally three NAT types:

1. NAT Type 1 (Open): The best type, allowing the easiest connection to other players and gaming servers.
2. NAT Type 2 (Moderate): Generally acceptable for most connections, with some minor restrictions.
3. NAT Type 3 (Strict): Most restrictive, often leading to issues with voice chat and connecting to other players.

When you get a “NAT Type Failed” error, it means your PS5 couldn’t establish the necessary connections, usually because of network settings or restrictions. This can lead to problems such as:

• Difficulty joining multiplayer games.
• Issues with voice chat.
• Overall connectivity problems with online services.

But enough theory for today, let’s focus on hands-on recommendations on how you can fix the error! 

How to fix NAT type failed on PS5

There are a bunch of ways you can try to get rid of this bothersome error. 

Restart router and console

Turn off your router and unplug it from the power source, then power off your PS5 console as well. Wait a few minutes before plugging your router back in and turning it on. 

Once the router has reconnected, turn on your PS5. This power cycling process can help refresh the network connection and resolve any temporary glitches or conflicts that may be affecting your devices.

Set up network connection manually 

You can manually set up Internet connection on your PS5 to ensure you have the right NAT type. Just do the following:

To manually set up a network connection on your PS5, follow these steps:

1. Open Network Settings:

•    From the PS5 home screen, go to Settings (the gear icon in the top right corner).
•    Select Network from the list.

2. Set up Internet connection:

•    In the Network menu, select Set Up Internet Connection.
•    Choose either Use Wi-Fi or Use a LAN Cable (for wired connection), depending on your setup.

3. Manual Setup:

•    After selecting your connection type, choose Set Up Manually.
  
•    You will be prompted to enter several details manually. The key settings include:

    🎮 IP Address Settings: Choose Manual and enter your IP address, subnet mask, default gateway, and primary/secondary DNS servers. If you’re unsure of these details, you can find them by checking the network settings on another connected device or by contacting your Internet Service Provider (ISP).

   🎮DHCP Host Name: Choose Do Not Specify unless your network setup requires a DHCP host name.

     🎮DNS Settings: Select Manual and enter your preferred DNS server addresses (for example, Google DNS: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4, or your ISP’s DNS).

    🎮MTU Settings: Select Automatic unless you need a specific MTU setting.

     🎮Proxy Server: Select Do Not Use unless your network setup requires a proxy server.

4. Test the connection:

•    After entering all the necessary information, save your settings.
•    Your PS5 will then test the connection to confirm everything is working correctly.

Change NAT type 

For changing NAT type on PS5, you’ll need to set a static IP address for the console. Follow these steps:

1. Open the PS5 Settings menu.

2. Navigate to Network.

3. Select Connection Status.

4. Choose View Connection Status and take note of the displayed information by either writing it down or taking a photo.

5. Go back to the Network menu.

6. Select Set Up Internet Connection.

7. Choose Set Up Manually.

8. Enter the details you recorded earlier.

9. Click Done.

10. If prompted for MTU and proxy server settings, select Automatic for MTU and Do Not Use for the proxy server.

This will help set up a static IP address, which can assist in changing your NAT type.

Enable UPnP 

Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) is a set of protocols that automatically handles port forwarding, enabling devices on your network to connect seamlessly to certain web servers and online games. This feature is popular among gamers who want to easily connect and share their gaming experience with others.

However, UPnP also reduces the security of your devices because it lacks essential authentication protocols and mechanisms. In 2020, hackers exploited UPnP port forwarding queries to identify and compromise open ports.

If you still want to open your NAT type using UPnP, follow these steps:

1. Find your router’s IP address. Usually you can find it on the back of the device or in the user’s manual. 

2. Enter this IP address into your browser’s address bar and press Enter.

3. Log in to your router’s admin panel as written in your router’s user guide.

4. Navigate to the advanced settings.

5. Find and enable the UPnP option (the name may differ depending on your router’s firmware).

Manually forward ports 

Like UPnP, port forwarding enables your network to connect to specific apps and servers. However, with port forwarding, you manage the settings manually, giving you more control over the process and reducing security risks.

To change the NAT type on your PlayStation 5 by forwarding ports, follow these steps:

1. Enter your router’s IP address into the browser’s address bar. You can find this information on the back of the router or in its user manual. 

2. Log in to your router’s admin panel.

3. Navigate to the Advanced Settings and find the Port Forwarding option, then enable it.

4. Input the necessary details for the required port numbers. This will allow traffic to be directed to the specified destination through the open ports.

Useful tip: Many gamers usually use these port addresses: 

• TCP: 3074, 3478-3479
• UDP: 3478, 3479

In our dedicated article, you can learn more about port forwarding and its benefits.

Update router’s firmware 

To check whether you need to update firmware on your WiFi router, do this:

1. Go to your router’s web interface (usually by typing 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into your web browser).

2. Look for a Firmware or System Updates section.

3. Check for any available updates and install them if necessary.

Which NAT type is best for gaming?

There are no specific requirements for the best NAT type to choose for PS5 gaming, but you should remember that various types include different levels of “communication” with each other to transition data back and forth. Go back to the description of each NAT type and then check the table below to understand how NAT types interact with each other, and which one you find safe enough for gaming online. 

However, if you want to ensure robust security and preserve high connection speeds at the same time, we recommend you use a virtual private network (VPN) app. By connecting to a remote server and passing your Internet traffic through an isolated and encrypted tunnel, a VPN app hides your IP so that your ISP cannot track your online activity and slow down connection speeds when you run PS5 games online. 

Consider trying VeePN — a premium VPN app that uses WireGuard® protocol to ensure high connection speeds and solid data encryption at the same time. VeePN offers 2,500 servers across 89 locations and uses AES-256 encryption standard that is considered the most reliable method so far. 

Compatible with PS5 and WiFi routers, VeePN can be a good VPN for gaming that guarantees stable connectivity and solid online security.  

Advance your gaming experience with VeePN

Regardless of what NAT type you prefer for gaming and how often you face problems with a “NAT Type Failed” error on PS5, there is always room for improving your gaming experience. VeePN offers a stable connection throughout every game session and impeccable security that will protect you from viruses, malware, data breaches, as well as other cyber threats. 
Get VeePN right now and enjoy a 30-day money-back guarantee!

Written by VeePN Research Lab VeePN Research Lab is dedicated to provide you latest posts about internet security and privacy.

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