How to change NAT type strict to moderate
A strict NAT type can block party chat, matchmaking, and hosting games. Connectify Hotspot’s gaming mode tells your hotspot which network each console plays on, so it can open the right connections.
MAX Connect consoles directly to your home network with bridged mode in Hotspot MAX.
AutomaticFixHow to fix NAT type strict with Connectify Hotspot
Connect your console
Start a Wi-Fi hotspot and join it from your PlayStation, Xbox, or Switch.
Open the console on the Clients screen
In Hotspot, go to Clients and select the console.
Set gaming mode
Under Gaming mode, choose PlayStation Network, Xbox Live, or Nintendo, or leave it on Detect automatically.
Leave UPnP on
In Settings, then Network, keep Let apps open ports automatically switched on, then test your NAT type on the console.
Good to know: your result also depends on the network you’re sharing. Some hotel, campus, and mobile networks restrict the connections games need, which no hotspot setting can change.
What is NAT, and why does strict cause problems?
What NAT does
Network address translation lets many devices share one internet address. Your router, and your hotspot, translate traffic between them and the internet.
Why strict hurts gaming
With a strict NAT type, other players can’t start connections to your console. You may be unable to host, join some lobbies, or use voice chat.
How gaming mode helps
Gaming mode tunes the hotspot for the console’s network, and UPnP lets games open the ports they ask for.
Put consoles on your home network MAX
With Hotspot MAX, bridged mode connects consoles directly to your home network, so your router handles them like any wired device.
Connect consoles directly to your home network
Hotspot MAX adds bridged mode, so consoles join your home network and get their address from your router. It also extends your Wi-Fi into every room.
Questions
Which consoles does gaming mode support?
PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch. Choose PlayStation Network, Xbox Live, or Nintendo, or leave it on Detect automatically.
Do I need Hotspot MAX for gaming?
Gaming mode and UPnP are built into Connectify Hotspot. Hotspot MAX adds bridged mode, which connects consoles directly to your home network, the best setup for hosting games and party chat.
Will this always get me open NAT?
Not always. Hotspot can only open what the network you’re sharing allows. On networks that block incoming connections, a strict or moderate type may remain.
Where do I find gaming mode?
Go to Clients in Connectify Hotspot, select the console, and use the Gaming mode menu.
Get Connectify Hotspot
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