How to enable UPnP for Xbox One
Do you experience lags when you play Xbox Live? Do you get dropped from games or blocked from lobbies you try to join? If so, a strict Network Address Translation (NAT) might be restricting your online gaming and you may need to enable Universal Plug and Play (UPnP).
NAT is a default router option that hides your secure, private IP address behind an unrelated, public IP address. While NAT makes your private network more secure, it can cause lags, drop you from games, and prevent you from joining lobbies.
Luckily, it isn’t too difficult to open your NAT on Xbox One simply by enabling Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) in your router settings. UPnP automatically begins forwarding the gaming traffic on your internet network to your console, a technique called port forwarding. By enabling UPnP, you’ll likely:
- Reduce your lag time
- Stop getting dropped from games
- Improve the sound quality of voice chat
- Play with friends or join lobbies
- Host games
Ready to finally play Xbox Live without restrictions? Here’s how to determine your console’s NAT type and, if necessary, how to enable UPnP to open your NAT type.
Determine your UPnP status and NAT type
Before you make any changes to your router settings, you need to make sure those changes will actually solve the issues you experience while using Xbox Live. To do that, take a look at your console’s current UPnP status and NAT type in your console settings.
To check the UPnP status and your NAT type on your Xbox One:
- From Home, scroll left to open the guide.
- Select Settings > All Settings > Network > Set up wireless network.
If there is an error with UPnP (because it’s switched off in your router settings, for example), Current network status will indicate “UPnP not successful.” If there’s no error, it will indicate “All services are available.”
Current network status also lists your current NAT type. There are three possible NAT types: open, moderate, and strict. Each type provides a different level of network security and affects Xbox Live in a different way.
- A strict NAT provides maximum anonymity and network security. It limits connectivity with other players, particularly those who also have a strict or moderate NAT on their network.
- A moderate NAT provides some anonymity and network security. It lets you connect to other players, but limits some functions. You may not be able to join lobbies if you have a moderate NAT.
- An open NAT doesn’t provide any anonymity or additional network security. With an open NAT, you will be able to connect to any game hosted by anyone and host your own game.
If your console’s Current network status indicates “UPnP not successful” or it indicates that you’re using a moderate or strict NAT type, enabling UPnP in your router settings is a potential solution.
Enable UPnP in your router settings
To enable UPnP in your router settings:
- Type your router’s IP address into the address bar of a web browser. Most routers have the default LAN IP address 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1, but here’s a full list of default IP addresses.
- Login to access the setup page. The default password is usually “admin,” but here’s a full list of default router passwords.
- Each router manufacturer arranges its setup page a little differently. Look for UPnP menu in the settings. Contact you router manufacturer if you need assistance.
- Open the UPnP menu and enable UPnP.
- Save changes before exiting your router settings.
- Reboot your Xbox One.
Check your UPnP status and NAT type again
To check the UPnP status and your NAT type on your Xbox One:
- From Home, scroll left to open the guide.
- Select Settings > All Settings > Network > Set up wireless network.
If you successfully enabled UPnP, the Current network status will indicate “All services are available” and your NAT type will be “Open.”
For heightened security, use manual port forwarding instead
While it’s far easier to set your NAT type to open by enabling UPnP in your Xbox One settings, it does open your internet network up to potential security breaches. If you prioritize your network security over convenience, consider setting up port forwarding manually instead.
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