How to Reduce Lag Online Gaming

By: Timothy Brantley II

Published At: Mon Aug 19 2024

Updated At: Sat Aug 16 2025

  1. Optimize Your Internet Connection
    Ensure you're using a wired Ethernet connection instead of Wi-Fi for lower latency. If you must use Wi-Fi, position your router close to your gaming device and use the 5GHz band for a stronger connection.
  2. Upgrade Your Internet Plan
    Consider upgrading to a plan with higher upload and download speeds. A minimum of 25 Mbps is recommended for smooth gaming, but higher speeds offer better performance, especially in multiplayer games.
  3. Close Background Applications
    Shut down any unnecessary applications or processes running in the background that may consume bandwidth or system resources, such as streaming services, downloads, or automatic updates.
  4. Adjust In-Game Settings
    Lowering graphics settings, such as resolution and texture quality, can reduce the load on your system, decreasing input lag and improving overall game performance.
  5. Use Quality of Service
    Many modern routers have a QoS feature that allows you to prioritize gaming traffic over other types of data, ensuring your gaming gets the most bandwidth and the lowest latency possible.
  6. Keep Your Hardware Updated
    Ensure your router, modem, and gaming hardware have the latest firmware updates. Additionally, upgrading to a newer router that supports the latest standards can significantly improve your connection stability and speed.
  7. Choose Servers Wisely
    When possible, select game servers that are geographically closer to your location. This reduces the distance your data needs to travel, minimizing ping and lag.
  8. Limit Connected Devices
    Too many devices connected to your network can strain your bandwidth. Disconnect any devices not in use, especially those performing data-heavy tasks.
  9. Use a VPN Carefully
    While VPNs can sometimes reduce lag by routing your connection through less congested paths, they can also increase latency. Test a VPN to see if it improves your connection, but be cautious of potential added lag.

  10. Contact Your ISP
    If lag persists, contact your internet service provider (ISP) to check for potential issues with your connection. They may offer solutions or suggest upgrades to improve your gaming experience.

    By following these tips, you can significantly reduce lag and enjoy smoother online gaming sessions.