Your NAT type determines how easily your device can establish connections over the internet. Visit https://www.whatsmynat.com to run a free NAT type detection.

What does 'Symmetric NAT' mean?

Symmetric NAT is a type of NAT that restricts connections to only known external addresses and ports. It often blocks peer-to-peer applications and gaming unless special configurations are made.

How can I change my NAT type?

You can try changing your NAT type by enabling UPnP, using port forwarding, setting up DMZ on your router, or switching to a public IP. Detailed guides are available on our site.

Why does NAT type affect online gaming?

Strict or Symmetric NAT types may block direct connections to other players, causing lag or disconnections. Open or Cone NAT types provide better gaming experiences.

Is it safe to use a NAT type checker?

Yes. Our NAT checker is safe and only tests connection behavior to determine your NAT classification. No personal data or ports are exposed.

PC Gaming NAT Type: How to Fix NAT Issues for Steam, Epic Games & Battle.net

June 11, 2025

PC gaming NAT issues can be frustrating, causing problems with multiplayer games, voice chat, and peer-to-peer connections. Here's how to diagnose and fix NAT problems on your PC.

What is NAT Type on PC?

Unlike consoles, PC NAT behavior depends on:

Your router's NAT implementation
Windows Firewall settings
Game-specific network requirements
Gaming platform (Steam, Epic, Battle.net, etc.)

Common PC NAT Problems

Symptoms You Might Experience:

Can't join friends' games directly
Voice chat not working in Discord or game chat
Peer-to-peer games failing to connect
Hosting games doesn't work
High ping in multiplayer games

How to Check Your NAT Type on PC

Method 1: Use Our Online Tool

Visit What's My NAT
Click "Check NAT Type"
View your detailed NAT classification

Method 2: Windows Command Line

Press Win + R, type cmd
Type ipconfig /all
Note your default gateway
Use router admin panel to check NAT settings

Method 3: Game-Specific Tests

Steam: Check Network settings in Steam overlay
Discord: Test voice chat connection quality
Battle.net: Check connection status in Blizzard app

Fixing PC NAT Issues

1. Configure Windows Firewall

Allow Games Through Firewall:

Press Win + R, type firewall.cpl
Click "Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall"
Click "Allow another app" and browse to your game's .exe file
Check both "Private" and "Public" boxes
Click OK

Advanced Firewall Rules:

Type wf.msc in Run dialog
Create new Inbound Rules for game ports
Create new Outbound Rules for game ports

2. Router Configuration

Enable UPnP:

Access router admin panel (192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1)
Find UPnP settings
Enable UPnP/Universal Plug and Play
Save and restart router

Port Forwarding for Popular PC Games:

| Game | TCP Ports | UDP Ports | |------|-----------|-----------| | Steam | 27015-27030, 27036-27037 | 27000-27015, 27031-27036 | | Discord | 50000-65535 | 50000-65535 | | Battle.net | 1119, 3724, 6113, 6881-6999 | 1119, 3724, 6113, 6881-6999 | | Epic Games | 5222, 5795-5847 | 5222, 5795-5847 |

3. Platform-Specific Solutions

Steam:

Enable Steam Voice Chat
Check Steam Network settings
Verify game files if connection issues persist

Epic Games:

Enable Social features in Epic Games Launcher
Check Epic Games Services in Windows Services

Battle.net:

Reset Battle.net network settings
Run Battle.net as administrator
Clear Battle.net cache

4. Network Adapter Settings

Optimize Network Settings:

Open Device Manager
Expand Network adapters
Right-click your adapter > Properties
Click Advanced tab
Disable "Green Ethernet" or power saving features
Enable "Interrupt Moderation" if available

Advanced Troubleshooting

Check for Double NAT

Run tracert 8.8.8.8 in Command Prompt
If you see multiple private IP addresses (192.168.x.x), you have double NAT
Put one router in bridge mode

IPv6 Issues

Disable IPv6 if causing problems:
- Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network Connections
- Right-click your connection > Properties
- Uncheck "Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6)"

Gaming Router Features

Consider a gaming router with:

Gaming Mode/Game Accelerator
QoS (Quality of Service) controls
Built-in gaming optimizations
MU-MIMO for multiple devices

Game-Specific Solutions

Call of Duty

Forward ports: TCP 3074, UDP 88, 3074, 53, 500, 3544, 4500
Enable UPnP for automatic port management

Fortnite

Forward ports: TCP 443, 5222, 5795-5847, UDP 5222, 5795-5847
Check Epic Games Launcher network settings

Apex Legends

Forward ports: TCP 1024-65535, UDP 1024-65535
Use Origin/EA app network diagnostics

Testing Your Fixes

After making changes:

Restart your PC and router
Test NAT type using our online tool
Launch your game and test multiplayer
Check voice chat functionality
Monitor ping and connection stability

When to Consider a VPN

A gaming VPN might help if:

Your ISP blocks gaming ports
You're behind Symmetric NAT
You experience region-based restrictions
You need protection from DDoS attacks

Still having issues? Check our guides on router settings and NAT types for more detailed solutions!