There's nothing more frustrating than lining up the perfect shot in an online game, only to be defeated by a sudden lag spike. That lag is caused by high ping (or latency). Here’s how to troubleshoot it.
Step 1: Use a Wired Connection
This is the single most effective fix. Wi-Fi is susceptible to interference, which causes ping spikes. An Ethernet cable provides a direct, stable link to your router. If you're serious about gaming, go wired.
Step 2: Choose the Right Server
Most online games let you choose your server region (e.g., US East, Europe, Asia). Always select the server that is geographically closest to you. The shorter the distance the data has to travel, the lower your ping will be.
Step 3: Close Background Applications
Your internet bandwidth is a shared resource. If other programs are running in the background, they could be hogging your connection. Before gaming, make sure to close:
- Streaming services like Netflix or YouTube.
- Large file downloads or torrents.
- Cloud backup services like Dropbox or Google Drive.
- Automatic software updates.
Step 4: Restart Your Network Hardware
It sounds simple, but it often works. Unplug both your modem and your router from the power. Wait 30 seconds, then plug the modem back in. Wait for all its lights to become solid, then plug the router back in. This can clear out temporary glitches that cause high ping.
Step 5: Talk to Your ISP
If you've tried everything and your ping is still high, the problem might be outside your home. Run a speed test on our site. If your ping result is consistently high (over 100ms) even when testing against a close server, it's time to contact your Internet Service Provider. There may be an issue with the lines in your area that they need to investigate.