How To Fix Network Settings Blocking Party Chat Error | Xbox in 2024

Are you having an issue when trying to use your Xbox One party chat feature? In this troubleshooting article, we’ll show you how to fix a particular issue, also known as Network Settings are Blocking Party Chat error, that affects many Xbox One users every day. 

What is “Network Settings Blocking Party Chat” error?

One of the annoying errors that many Xbox One players experience is the “Network Settings Blocking Party Chat” error. The entire message is as follows: 

Your network settings are blocking party chat. [0x89231806]

This error affects the party chat feature of Xbox consoles but it’s more commonly encountered on Xbox One. We are yet to hear reports of the same exact error message on the new Xbox Series X|S.

Just like most party chat errors, this one can sometimes become a very frustrating issue to deal with as the cause can vary for each case. Generally, party chat errors like Network Settings Blocking Party Chat error is caused by incorrect network settings. There are however situations when the real cause can’t be found within the console or in the user’s network but rather outside of them, such as when there’s an on-going server trouble.

To know the causes of this error message, read on.

What are the causes of party chat issues on Xbox?

There are a number of known reasons for Network Settings are Blocking Party Chat error. Let’s talk about each one briefly below.

Server issues.

Many Xbox gamers encounter party chat issues due to server outage, maintenance, or high traffic. Like game servers, the Xbox party chat servers may go down from time to time. The Network Settings are Blocking Party Chat error you are experiencing may be the direct result of a malfunctioning server.

Random network bug.

Your own home network may trigger party chat errors. If there’s no clear pattern when Network Settings are Blocking Party Chat error shows up, it’s likely due to a random network glitch.

Restrictive NAT.

The NAT type being used by your Xbox console can trigger this error. NAT stands for Network Address Translation. In Xbox One environment, there are three NAT types: Strict, Moderate and Open. ideally, your Xbox should be using an Open NAT Type in order to avoid an issue with multiplayer games and party chat issues.

If your Xbox has a Strict NAT type, it will most likely be unable to go online nor let you use party chat. If possible, you should only be using either Moderate or Open NAT type option. Changing your NAT type is done by doing a process called port forwarding.

Software glitch.

Some errors related to Xbox party chats may be caused by corrupted system cache or system software. You can try clearing the system cache on your Xbox One console or updating to ensure that there’s no outdated or corrupted game or system files.

Unresponsive router.

All sorts of network issues can result from a non-working or unresponsive router. Make sure that you refresh your router once every few days.

Home network internet connection issues.

The condition of your home internet connection can also dictate the performance of your Xbox connection. If your internet is slow or keeps dropping, other online feature such as party chat in your Xbox One may not work as expected.

Incorrect router settings.

Another reason for Network Settings are Blocking Party Chat error that many people don’t realize are incorrect settings on their router. You want to make sure that your router allows certain ports that are being used by your Xbox One console to connect to the internet. Having these ports blocked will, in turn, prevent the console from connecting to the party chat server, or connecting to other Xbox Live services.

Xbox One party chat

How to fix Network Settings Blocking Party Chat error?

While party chat errors like Network Settings are Blocking Party Chat error appears hard to diagnose, it’s, in fact, quite the opposite. Below are the solutions that you can try on your Xbox One and network to fix this problem.

Check for server issues.

This particular party chat error code may be caused by an on-going server trouble. Visit the official Xbox support page to know if there’s any server problem.

Reboot the router.

If the servers are clear, your next move is to ensure that you reboot the router. This is sometimes enough to fix minor network problems. Just turn off your router normally and unplug it from the power source for 30 seconds.

Use an Open NAT type.

If you plan on playing online multiplayer games and talk to your friends via party chat, you should ensure that you have an open NAT type. To check your Xbox NAT type, follow these steps:

  1. Go to your Xbox Home screen.
  2. Go to Settings.
  3. Select Network.
  4. Select Test network connection.
  5. If you want to know how fast your download and upload speeds are or to check the NAT type, you can select Detailed network statistics in the previous Network screen.

If you’re interested to know how to troubleshoot your NAT type option, visit the official Xbox.com support page. Alternatively, you can get help from your Internet Service Provider on how to access your router settings, change your network configuration and change your NAT type.

Enable Energy-saving mode for your controller.

Some Xbox users claim that turning on Energy-saving mode for their controller fixed the Network Settings are Blocking Party Chat error. If you want to give it a try, here’s what you must do:

  1. On your Xbox One controller, press the Menu button.
  2. Select Settings.
  3. Select Power & startup.
  4. In Power options section, select the Power mode and press the A button on the controller.
  5. Select Energy-saving option.

If enabling Energy saving option won’t help, proceed to the next solution.

Refresh the system cache.

Aside from refreshing the router, you can also refresh the Xbox One console itself in order to clear the system cache. Some users reported that this was effective in fixing their party chat issues in the past. 

Clearing the system cache on Xbox One console is simple. All you have to do is to turn it off, unplug it from power for about 30 seconds, and then turn it back on.

The system cache is comprised of temporary files so deleting them won’t result to your permanent data loss. Your Xbox will rebuild this cache over time.

Clear Persistent storage.

Persistent storage is an allocated portion of your Xbox One storage device that keeps Blu-Ray disc-related data. Like the system cache, you can clear the persistent storage without losing anything important. Some Xbox users reported to have done this to fix their party chatting issue so it’s worth giving a try too.

Change your account privacy settings.

The privacy settings of your particular Xbox Live account may also prevent you from engaging in party chat with other people. Make sure that you review your privacy settings by doing the following steps:

  1. Go to your Xbox Home screen.
  2. Go to Settings.
  3. Select All Settings.
  4. Select Privacy & online safety.
  5. Select Xbox Live privacy.
  6.  Select View details & customize.
  7. In all columns, make sure that everything says Everybody or Allow.

Add your friends in Allowed list.

If you are still unable to get rid of Network Settings are Blocking Party Chat error at this stage, your next step is to ensure that you add your friends in the Allowed list. Simply select the icon of the friend you’re having an issue chatting with, rate it 100%, enter its name, then select Apply. This should confirm to Xbox system that this particular player is personally vetted by you and you are allowing it to voice chat with you. 

Restart party chat app.

Another really simple thing that you can do at this stage is to ensure that you refresh the party chat application. To do that, just close the app and fire it back up. After doing that, the Network Settings are Blocking Party Chat error should be gone and you can resume your voice chat.

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