Double NAT Detected: What It Means and How to Fix It for Gaming

June 11, 2025

"Double NAT Detected" is a common error that can severely impact your online gaming experience. Here's everything you need to know about identifying and fixing double NAT issues.

What is Double NAT?

Double NAT occurs when your device goes through two NAT (Network Address Translation) processes to reach the internet. This typically happens when you have two routers in your network setup, each performing its own NAT translation.

Common Double NAT Scenarios:

  • Router connected to another router (most common)
  • Gaming device connected to mesh node that's wirelessly connected to main router
  • ISP modem with built-in router + your own router
  • Ethernet over powerline adapters with routing capability

Why Double NAT is Bad for Gaming

Double NAT causes several gaming problems:

  • Strict NAT Type - Your gaming device gets the most restrictive NAT classification
  • Connection Issues - Difficulty connecting to other players
  • Voice Chat Problems - Audio quality issues or complete failure
  • Hosting Problems - Can't host multiplayer games
  • Increased Latency - Additional network hops add delay
  • Matchmaking Issues - Longer wait times or failed connections

How to Detect Double NAT

Method 1: Check Your IP Addresses

  1. Find your device's IP:

    • Windows: Open Command Prompt, type ipconfig
    • Mac: System Preferences > Network
    • Console: Check network settings

  2. Find your router's IP:

    • Usually your "Default Gateway" (192.168.1.1, 192.168.0.1, etc.)

  3. Check your router's external IP:

    • Log into router admin panel
    • Look for "WAN IP" or "Internet IP"
    • If this is also a private IP (192.168.x.x, 10.x.x.x, 172.16-31.x.x), you have double NAT

Method 2: Use Traceroute

Windows:

tracert 8.8.8.8

Mac/Linux:

traceroute 8.8.8.8

If you see two consecutive private IP addresses in the first few hops, you have double NAT.

Method 3: Gaming Console Detection

  • Xbox: Settings > Network > Network Settings will show "Double NAT Detected"
  • PlayStation: Connection test may show NAT Type 3/Strict consistently
  • Nintendo Switch: NAT Type F despite router configuration

How to Fix Double NAT

Solution 1: Bridge Mode (Recommended)

Put one router in Bridge Mode:

  1. Identify which router to bridge:

    • Usually the ISP-provided modem/router combo
    • Or the router closest to your internet connection

  2. Enable Bridge Mode:

    • Log into the router's admin panel
    • Look for "Bridge Mode," "Access Point Mode," or "Passthrough Mode"
    • Enable the setting
    • Save and restart

  3. Test your connection:

    • Check if double NAT error disappears
    • Verify NAT type has improved

Solution 2: Disable Router Functions

Turn off routing on one device:

  1. Access the router you want to disable

  2. Disable DHCP:

    • Find DHCP settings
    • Turn off DHCP server
    • Save settings

  3. Connect properly:

    • Connect the disabled router's LAN port to main router's LAN port
    • Don't use the WAN/Internet port on the disabled router

Solution 3: Direct Connection

Connect gaming device directly to main router:

  1. Identify your main router (the one connected to the modem)
  2. Run Ethernet cable from main router to gaming device
  3. Configure Wi-Fi to connect to main router instead of secondary router

Solution 4: Replace with Mesh System

Upgrade to proper mesh networking:

  1. Replace multiple routers with a mesh system
  2. Mesh nodes act as access points, not routers
  3. Single NAT implementation across entire network

Specific Fix Instructions by Setup

ISP Modem/Router Combo + Your Router

  1. Call your ISP to put modem in bridge mode, OR
  2. Enable bridge mode in modem's settings, OR
  3. Enable DMZ on modem pointing to your router's IP

Two Personal Routers

  1. Put second router in AP mode (Access Point)
  2. Connect LAN-to-LAN instead of LAN-to-WAN
  3. Disable DHCP on second router

Mesh System Issues

  1. Check mesh node connection - should be wireless or ethernet backhaul
  2. Ensure mesh nodes aren't in router mode
  3. Update mesh system firmware

Verification Steps

After implementing a fix:

  1. Restart all network equipment
  2. Power cycle gaming devices
  3. Test NAT type on gaming consoles
  4. Run network diagnostics on affected devices
  5. Test online gaming functionality

Successful Fix Indicators:

  • Gaming console shows "NAT Type Open" or "NAT Type Moderate"
  • No more "Double NAT Detected" errors
  • Improved voice chat quality
  • Ability to host games
  • Faster matchmaking

Prevention Tips

When Setting Up New Equipment:

  • Avoid router-to-router connections via WAN ports
  • Use Access Point mode for additional wireless coverage
  • Check for routing functions in network adapters and extenders
  • Understand your ISP setup before adding equipment

Network Design Best Practices:

  • One router handles DHCP and routing for entire network
  • Additional devices act as switches/access points only
  • Wired backhaul preferred for mesh systems
  • Document your network setup for troubleshooting

When You Can't Fix Double NAT

Sometimes double NAT is unavoidable due to ISP restrictions or apartment complex networks. In these cases:

Workarounds:

  • Use gaming VPN to bypass NAT restrictions
  • Contact ISP about public IP address options
  • Consider different ISP if possible
  • Use mobile hotspot for gaming as temporary solution

Gaming Optimizations:

  • Prioritize wired connections where possible
  • Use gaming-focused DNS servers (1.1.1.1, 8.8.8.8)
  • Enable QoS on your controllable router
  • Keep firmware updated on all network equipment

Still experiencing issues? Check our comprehensive NAT type guide for additional troubleshooting steps!