Failed to Host a GTA Online Session
Rockstar Games GTA Online
Severity: ModerateWhat Does This Error Mean?
Failed to Host a GTA Online Session means your router is blocking the connection required to host a multiplayer lobby. This is almost always a NAT type problem. Enabling UPnP on your router or manually port forwarding UDP port 6672 fixes it for most players.
Affected Models
- GTA Online (PlayStation 4 and 5)
- GTA Online (Xbox One, Series X/S)
- GTA Online (PC)
Common Causes
- NAT type is Strict (Type 3 on PlayStation) — router is blocking inbound connections
- UPnP is disabled on the router, so ports are not opened automatically
- ISP is using CGNAT (Carrier-Grade NAT), making it impossible to host without a static IP
- Required UDP ports are blocked by the router's firewall
- Multiple routers or a modem-router combo creating a double NAT
How to Fix It
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Enable UPnP on your router. Log in to your router's admin page and look for UPnP in the Advanced or NAT settings. Enable it and restart the router.
UPnP allows GTA Online to automatically open the ports it needs to host sessions. This is the easiest fix and resolves the hosting error for most players.
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If UPnP does not help, manually port forward UDP 6672 to your console's or PC's local IP address in your router's port forwarding settings.
Also forward UDP ports 61455-61458 for full GTA Online connectivity. Check your console's network settings or your PC's IP configuration to find the correct local IP address.
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Check whether your ISP uses CGNAT. Call your ISP or check your router's WAN IP — if it starts with 100.64 to 100.127, you are behind CGNAT.
CGNAT means multiple customers share a single public IP address, which makes hosting impossible without a dedicated IP. Ask your ISP for a static or dedicated IP — some offer it for free, others charge a small monthly fee.
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If you have both a modem-router and a separate router, put the modem-router into bridge mode to eliminate double NAT.
Two routers in sequence both performing NAT creates a Strict NAT that neither UPnP nor port forwarding alone can fix. Bridge mode turns the modem-router into a pass-through so only one NAT layer exists.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to host sessions to play GTA Online?
No — you can join sessions hosted by other players without any NAT issues. The Failed to Host error only appears when you specifically try to start a new session. If you just want to play, joining an existing session works fine even with a Strict NAT.
What NAT type does GTA Online require?
GTA Online recommends Open NAT (Type 1 on PlayStation, Open on Xbox). Moderate NAT (Type 2) also works for hosting in most cases. Strict NAT (Type 3) will prevent hosting and may also limit who you can join.