Symptoms
- Game shows high ping or latency numbers in its network stats
- Noticeable delay between an action and its effect in-game
- Lag spikes coincide with other household internet activity
- Wired connection has much better ping than Wi-Fi for the same game
Likely causes
- CommonWi-Fi connection instead of wired EthernetWi-Fi introduces more variability and latency than a direct wired connection, which matters more for gaming than for browsing or streaming.
- CommonOther devices using significant bandwidth at the same timeLarge downloads or 4K streaming elsewhere in the house can increase latency for time-sensitive gaming traffic.
- PossibleDistance to the game server or general internet routingSome latency is simply due to physical distance to the server you're connecting to and isn't fixable from your end.
- PossibleRouter lacking Quality of Service (QoS) prioritization for gaming trafficWithout QoS, all traffic on the network competes equally, which can hurt latency-sensitive gaming during busy periods.
What to do
- Connect the gaming device directly to the router with an Ethernet cable if at all possible, since this is the single biggest improvement for latency.
- Pause large downloads, updates, and heavy streaming on other devices while gaming.
- Check the game's server selection settings and choose the server region closest to you if there's an option.
- Enable Quality of Service (QoS) in the router's settings and prioritize the gaming device or console if that option is available.
- Restart the router before gaming sessions to start with a clean connection.
- Run a ping test to common gaming-related benchmark servers to establish your baseline latency and compare it over time or after changes.
- If ping remains high even wired with no other network activity, contact your ISP, since some connection types (like satellite) have inherently higher latency that isn't fixable with home equipment changes.
Tools and parts
- Ethernet cable
When to call a pro
If wired latency is still high with no other traffic, and you're on satellite or a similarly high-latency connection type, ask your ISP about lower-latency alternatives like fiber or fixed wireless if available in your area.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.