diff --git a/p2p/nat/nat.go b/p2p/nat/nat.go
index 1ebe671cda..5c2247a9c7 100644
--- a/p2p/nat/nat.go
+++ b/p2p/nat/nat.go
@@ -21,6 +21,7 @@ import (
 	"errors"
 	"fmt"
 	"net"
+	"os"
 	"strings"
 	"sync"
 	"time"
@@ -153,7 +154,10 @@ func Any() Interface {
 				return c
 			}
 		}
-		panic("please enable upnp or natpmp on the router to join the network")
+		log.Error("This computer is not publicly recahable and cannot join the P2P network.")
+		fmt.Println("Please forward the necessary ports or enable UPnP on your router. See https://docs.quai.network for guidance.")
+		os.Exit(1)
+		return nil
 	})
 }