Lag can ruin a great gaming experience. Whether you’re in a fast-paced shooter, an intense MMO raid, or a competitive esports match, high ping can make every move frustrating. If your game is lagging, stuttering, or failing to respond instantly, your ping is likely too high.
Ping is the response time between your device and the game server, measured in milliseconds (ms). The lower the ping, the smoother the gameplay. Ideally, you want a ping below 50ms for competitive play, while anything above 100ms can start causing noticeable delays.
If you’re suffering from high ping, how to get low ping. There are ways to lower it and enjoy a lag-free gaming experience. Here’s a detailed guide to fixing high ping and boosting your connection for smoother gameplay.
Check Your Internet Speed First
Before making any adjustments, it’s important to check your current internet speed. If your download and upload speeds are low, your connection might not be strong enough to support online gaming.
To determine whether your internet speed is the issue, check for:
- Low download speeds (below 10 Mbps can cause lag)
- Low upload speeds (under 5 Mbps can affect multiplayer performance)
- High latency (ping over 100ms)
- Jitter and packet loss (inconsistent connection leading to data loss)
If your speed is too low, consider upgrading your internet plan or switching to a better provider.
Use a Wired Connection Instead of Wi-Fi
One of the biggest culprits of high ping is Wi-Fi. Wireless connections are prone to interference, signal drops, and increased latency. Switching to a wired Ethernet connection can significantly reduce lag.
Why Ethernet Is Better Than Wi-Fi
- Provides a stable and uninterrupted connection
- Reduces packet loss, which affects game responsiveness
- Eliminates interference from other devices like microwaves or Bluetooth gadgets
If using an Ethernet cable isn’t possible, move closer to the router and minimize interference by turning off other wireless devices.
Close Background Applications and Downloads
Your gaming performance can suffer if other applications are consuming bandwidth in the background. Streaming videos, downloading large files, or running software updates can eat up your internet speed and increase your ping.
How to Free Up Bandwidth
- Close apps like Netflix, YouTube, or Twitch
- Pause or cancel any active downloads or updates
- Disable automatic updates in Windows or game clients like Steam and Epic Games
This ensures your game gets maximum bandwidth, reducing ping and improving responsiveness.
Choose Game Servers Closest to Your Location
The farther you are from a game’s server, the higher your ping will be. Many games allow you to select servers based on region, so always choose the one closest to you.
How to Pick the Best Server
- Check the in-game settings for server region selection
- Avoid playing on servers located far from your country
- If possible, use third-party tools to test server latency before connecting
Playing on a local server reduces the time it takes for data to travel between you and the game, lowering ping.
Limit Other Devices on Your Network
If multiple devices are connected to your network, they can cause congestion and increase ping. Streaming videos, browsing social media, or even smart home devices can consume bandwidth.
How to Reduce Network Congestion
- Prioritize gaming traffic using Quality of Service (QoS) settings on your router
- Disconnect unused devices from the Wi-Fi
- Ask others in your home to limit high-bandwidth activities while you game
This prevents unnecessary network load and ensures your connection stays optimized for gaming.
Restart Your Router and Modem
Sometimes, your network equipment just needs a refresh. Restarting your router and modem can clear up connection issues, improve speed, and reduce ping.
Steps to Restart Your Network
- Turn off your router and modem.
- Unplug both devices and wait 30-60 seconds.
- Plug them back in and wait for the connection to fully restore.
- Run a speed test to check for improvements.
Doing this regularly prevents slowdowns and maintains a stable gaming connection.
Adjust Your Router Settings for Better Gaming Performance
Most modern routers come with settings designed to improve gaming performance. Tweaking these settings can help reduce gaming ping and provide a smoother experience.
Key Router Settings to Adjust
- Enable QoS (Quality of Service): This prioritizes gaming traffic over other internet activities.
- Use a 5GHz Wi-Fi Band: If you must use Wi-Fi, switching to a 5GHz band reduces interference.
- Enable DMZ or Port Forwarding: These settings allow your game to communicate directly with the internet, reducing lag.
Check your router manual for instructions on accessing these settings.
Use a Gaming VPN to Optimize Routing
A gaming VPN can sometimes improve ping by providing a more direct route to game servers. However, this depends on your location and internet provider.
When to Use a VPN for Gaming
- Your ISP is throttling your gaming connection
- You need a better route to the game server
- You’re experiencing high packet loss
Not all VPNs are optimized for gaming, so make sure to choose one with low-latency servers.
Upgrade Your Internet Plan if Necessary
If your current internet plan isn’t fast enough, upgrading to a higher speed package can help. Look for plans with:
- Higher download and upload speeds
- Low-latency connections, specifically for gaming
- Unlimited bandwidth to prevent slowdowns from data caps
Consult your ISP to see if they offer gaming-optimized internet plans.
Reduce In-Game Graphics Settings to Minimize Lag
While high graphics settings don’t directly affect ping, they can impact overall performance and cause stuttering, making it feel like you’re experiencing lag.
How to Optimize Game Settings
- Lower texture quality and shadow details
- Turn off V-Sync if input lag is an issue
- Reduce render distance in open-world games
Optimizing these settings ensures smoother performance and reduces strain on your connection.
Check for ISP Throttling and Switch Providers if Needed
Some internet service providers (ISPs) throttle gaming traffic, leading to increased ping. If you suspect this, test your connection at different times of the day.
Signs Your ISP Is Throttling You
- Your ping is higher during peak hours
- Gaming speeds are slower than general browsing
- A VPN improves your performance
If your ISP throttles gaming, consider switching to a provider that offers a more stable connection.
Update Network Drivers and Firmware
Outdated network drivers and router firmware can lead to poor connection performance. Regular updates ensure your hardware runs efficiently.
How to Update Your Network Drivers
- On Windows, go to Device Manager > Network Adapters
- Right-click your network card and select Update driver
- Download the latest drivers from the manufacturer’s website
For routers, check your router’s settings for firmware updates.
Final Thoughts: Keep Your Connection Optimized
Lowering ping is essential for smooth and responsive gaming. By following these fixes—using a wired connection, optimizing your router, and managing network traffic—you can significantly reduce lag and enjoy a seamless gaming experience.
If you’ve tried everything and still experience high ping, your internet service may be the problem. In that case, upgrading your plan or switching providers may be the best solution.