Online gaming is fun and exciting. But nothing ruins it faster than high ping. Lagging, freezing, and sudden disconnections can make any game unplayable. If you’re tired of rubberbanding in your favorite shooter or delays in real-time strategy games, you’re not alone. High ping is a common issue for many gamers.
The good news is, you can fix it. In this detailed guide, we’ll explain what ping is, why it matters, and how to reduce it step by step. The language is simple, and the tips are easy to follow—even if you’re not tech-savvy.
What is Ping?
Ping is the time it takes for data to travel from your computer to the game server and back. It’s measured in milliseconds (ms). The lower the ping, the faster your connection.
Here’s a basic idea:
-
Below 50 ms: Excellent
-
50–100 ms: Good
-
100–150 ms: Playable, but noticeable lag
-
Above 150 ms: High lag, poor experience
Why Does Ping Matter in Games?
High ping can cause several problems:
-
Delayed actions (like shooting or jumping)
-
Rubberbanding (your character moves back and forth)
-
Missed shots or attacks
-
Connection timeouts
In competitive games like Valorant, Fortnite, PUBG, or Call of Duty, low ping gives you a serious advantage.
Common Causes of High Ping
Understanding the root cause is key to fixing ping problems. Here are the most common reasons:
-
Slow or unstable internet connection
-
Wi-Fi interference or weak signal
-
Too many devices using the same network
-
Far away game servers
-
ISP issues or throttling
-
Background downloads or updates
-
Old or misconfigured router/modem
-
High latency in routing paths
How to Check Your Ping
Before fixing, test your ping. Here’s how:
Use In-Game Settings
Most online games show ping in the network or gameplay settings. Look for options like:
-
Network Stats
-
Show Ping
-
Connection Info
Use Online Tools
Try websites like:
-
Speedtest.net
-
Fast.com
-
Pingtestlive.com
They will show your ping, download, and upload speed.
Step-by-Step Solutions to Fix Ping Issues
Let’s go through the best methods to reduce your ping.
1. Use a Wired Ethernet Connection
Wi-Fi is convenient but not stable. Walls, devices, and distance weaken the signal.
Solution: Use an Ethernet cable to connect your PC or console directly to the router. This reduces interference and gives a faster, more stable connection.
2. Close Background Applications
Other programs use internet in the background. These can affect your ping.
Examples include:
-
Streaming apps (Netflix, YouTube)
-
Downloads or torrents
-
Cloud sync tools (Google Drive, OneDrive)
-
Windows or game updates
Solution:
-
Close unnecessary apps before playing
-
Pause or schedule downloads
Use Task Manager on Windows to check what’s running.
3. Restart Your Router and Modem
Sometimes your network gear just needs a refresh.
Steps:
-
Turn off router and modem
-
Wait for 30 seconds
-
Turn them back on
This clears memory leaks and improves performance.
4. Limit Other Devices on the Network
If many people are using the internet at once, your ping will suffer.
Solution:
-
Ask others to pause downloads or streaming
-
Use Quality of Service (QoS) settings on your router to prioritize gaming traffic
Check your router manual for how to set QoS.
5. Change Your DNS Server
Your DNS server helps your device find websites or game servers. The default one may not be the fastest.
Try these faster public DNS servers:
-
Google DNS: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4
-
Cloudflare DNS: 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1
How to change DNS on Windows:
-
Go to Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center
-
Click your connection > Properties
-
Select IPv4 > Use the following DNS server
-
Enter the new DNS values
6. Select the Nearest Game Server
Many games allow you to choose servers manually. If you’re playing on a server that’s far away, your ping will be high.
Solution:
-
Choose a server located in your region (Asia, Europe, North America, etc.)
-
Use matchmaking filters to limit high-ping lobbies
7. Use a Gaming VPN (Carefully)
A gaming VPN can help reduce ping by finding a better path to the game server. This doesn’t work for everyone, but it helps in some cases.
Recommended VPNs for gaming:
-
ExitLag
-
WTFast
-
NoPing
Make sure the VPN server is close to your game server. Always test before buying.
8. Update Network Drivers
Outdated or faulty drivers can slow down your connection.
How to update:
-
Go to Device Manager > Network Adapters
-
Right-click your adapter > Update Driver
-
Use “Search automatically” to find updates
9. Disable Windows Auto-Updates Temporarily
Windows may download updates in the background. This affects ping badly.
How to pause updates:
-
Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update
-
Click “Pause updates for 7 days”
Remember to turn updates back on later.
10. Upgrade Your Internet Plan
If your plan is too slow, even small things can cause high ping.
Minimum speed needed for online gaming:
-
Download: 3 Mbps or higher
-
Upload: 1 Mbps or higher
Contact your ISP if you often face slow speeds or lag.
11. Use a New Router or Modem
Old devices can slow down your entire network.
Signs of a bad router:
-
Frequent disconnections
-
Slow Wi-Fi speeds
-
Can’t handle multiple devices
Consider routers designed for gaming like:
-
TP-Link Archer AX10
-
ASUS RT-AC66U
-
Netgear Nighthawk series
12. Use Game Boosting Software
Some apps claim to optimize your PC for gaming.
Popular options:
-
Razer Cortex
-
Game Fire
-
Wise Game Booster
They help by closing background tasks and optimizing network priority.
Final Tips
-
Play at off-peak hours to avoid network congestion
-
Use 5GHz Wi-Fi instead of 2.4GHz for faster speeds (if close to the router)
-
Keep your system clean from malware or junk files
-
Monitor your ping regularly to spot problems early
High ping can be frustrating, but it’s not permanent. With the right steps, you can fix ping issues and enjoy smooth gaming. Use a wired connection, reduce background usage, and optimize your network settings.
Follow the steps in this guide to improve your online gaming experience. Whether you’re on a PC, console, or mobile, these tips can help you lower your ping and win more games.
Happy gaming with low ping!