A double NAT on an Orbi 850 happens when the Orbi router sits behind another router, such as the provider's all-in-one box, so that two devices translate addresses. It shows as a Moderate or Strict NAT in games, failed port forwards and some services refusing to connect, and the Orbi's own page may show a private address on its internet port. There are two cures. The cleaner one is to put the other box into bridge or IP passthrough mode, so that the Orbi receives the public address.
The checks in more detail
If the provider's box cannot bridge, set the Orbi to access point mode, so that it acts as a Wi-Fi system behind the other router, at the cost of the Orbi's own routing features such as parental controls and guest networking, which the upstream router then provides. In orbilogin.com, Advanced, Advanced Setup, Router/AP Mode lets you choose. Restart the system after a change. If the provider uses carrier-grade NAT and gives no public address at all, no setting fixes it and a request to the provider is needed.
After changing modes, check that the Wi-Fi names and passwords still work, because switching a router to access point mode can reset some settings, and satellites may need to be resynced. A short note of your settings before the change saves time. Check the provider's box for a setting called DMZ or IP passthrough: DMZ to the Orbi's address can solve port issues without full bridging, though it exposes the Orbi to the internet and is less safe than passthrough, so use it only if passthrough is unavailable.
Use the Orbi's own firewall to limit what is exposed. After fixing double NAT, retest the game or service that complained, and note the NAT type the console reports, because some providers still apply carrier-level translation that no home setting can remove. If you stay in access point mode, remember to give the Orbi a fixed address on the upstream router so you can reach its settings page easily.
Differential
Likely causes of “NETGEAR Orbi 850 Series mesh shows double NAT or strict NAT”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
The Orbi behind a provider router
What separates it The internet port shows a private address
How to confirm Bridge or passthrough the other box
- 2
A provider box that cannot bridge
What separates it No passthrough option
How to confirm Set the Orbi to AP mode
- 3
Two DHCP servers
What separates it Devices get two address ranges
How to confirm Turn off DHCP on one device
- 4
Carrier-grade NAT
What separates it No public address at all
How to confirm Ask the provider for a public address
- 5
A previous AP mode
What separates it Features missing
How to confirm Check Router/AP Mode
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- The address on the Orbi's internet port
- The provider box's bridge options
- The Orbi's Router/AP mode
- The NAT type in your game
Try in this order
0 of 8 completedRead the Orbi's internet address
ReversibleIn orbilogin.com.
Bridge the provider's box
ReversiblePassthrough or bridge mode.
Or set the Orbi to AP mode
ReversibleAdvanced Setup, Router/AP Mode.
Restart modem, router, satellites
ReversibleIn order.
Test the NAT type
ReversibleIn a game or with a checker.
Ask the provider about CGNAT
ReversibleIf there is no public address.
Note your settings before changing modes
ReversibleWrite down the Wi-Fi names and passwords.
Resync the satellites after the change
ReversiblePress the Sync buttons if they do not reconnect.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Two cures
- Bridge the other box or use AP mode.
- CGNAT
- No setting fixes it.
- Settings may reset
- Mode changes can reset names.
- Resync
- Satellites may need to be resynced.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If the provider cannot bridge and you need Orbi features, ask for a modem-only service
- !If you have carrier-grade NAT, ask the provider
- !Contact NETGEAR support for AP mode help
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Exact questions
Common questions
What is double NAT?+
Two routers both translating addresses.
What is AP mode?+
The Orbi acts as Wi-Fi only.
What do I lose in AP mode?+
The Orbi's routing features.
What is CGNAT?+
A provider-level NAT with no public address.
Will my Wi-Fi name change?+
It may reset; note it first.
Do satellites need resyncing?+
Sometimes.