2. NAT Settings and how they can affect Multiplayer/Chat
Can your Xbox One connect to Xbox Live, but you can’t hear your friends online within a game or a party? Or are you unable to host or join a particular multiplayer game? If so, then you may be encountering a Network Address Translation (NAT) related issue. Answer a few questions and we’ll try a number of solutions to fix the problem.
Important Before you get started, check the Xbox LIVE service status for up-to-date information about any service outages or alerts.
First, we’ll want to check your current NAT type. To do this:
- Press the Menu button on the Xbox One controller.
- Select Settings.
- Select Network.
- On the Network settings screen, under Current Network Status, the NAT Type field will tell you your current NAT type.
Why NAT is important
OPEN NAT
With an OPEN NAT type, you’re able to chat with other people, as well as join and host multiplayer games with people who have any NAT type on their network.
MODERATE NAT
With a MODERATE NAT type, you’re able to chat and play multiplayer games with some people; however, you might not be able to hear or play with others, and normally you won’t be chosen as the host of a match.
STRICT NAT
With a STRICT NAT type, you’re only able to chat and play multiplayer games with people who have an OPEN NAT type. You can’t be chosen as the host of a match. To resolve your multiplayer game issue, it will be necessary to recheck your NAT type after each solution we try. These are the steps you’ll need to take to refresh and retest your NAT type:
1. From the Network settings screen, select Test multiplayer connection.
2. After the test is complete, you will need to pull and hold both triggers and both bumpers on your controller. This will display a Detailed network statistics screen.
3. In the second column of the Detailed network statistics screen you will see a field called Detailed NAT information. At first, you will see (…) displayed in this field while your NAT type is being retested. Once you see NAT information displayed in this field, the test is complete.
4. Press the B button on your controller to return to the Test multiplayer connection results.
5. Select Continue to return to the Network settings screen and check your NAT type.
On the Network settings screen, you’ll need to check to see if your NAT type is “Open”. If your NAT type is “Open”, then that should resolve your multiplayer issue. If your NAT type is “Moderate” or “Strict”, you will need to continue troubleshooting by trying the next solution.
