How To Lower Ping And Reduce Lag In Video Games

If you’re struggling with game delays, stutters, or rubber banding, this guide is for you. We’ll explain how to lower ping, reduce lag, and optimize your setup for a smoother gaming experience. Whether you’re playing on PC, console, or mobile, these tips work across platforms.

What Is Ping and Why Does It Matter?

What is Ping?

Ping measures how fast data travels between your device and the game server—measured in milliseconds (ms). It’s also called latency.

Why is Ping Rate Important?

Ping rate is important in online gaming and many internet activities because it directly affects how quickly your device communicates with a server. A lower ping means faster response times, which is critical for smooth, real-time gameplay

What affects ping in the first place?

Your ping and connection strength as a whole are affected by a number of things. One important factor is how far away you are from the game server. The higher the ping, the farther away you are. Response times can also be slowed down by too many devices using the same internet link at the same time. It also matters what kind of connection you have; wired connections tend to have smaller ping than Wi-Fi ones. Latency can also be affected by the speed of hardware, the quality of the router, and the routing of the ISP. Ping can go up even if you have apps or files running in the background. If you know about these things, you can take the right steps to lower lag and enjoy more stable online gaming.

How Ping Affects Gameplay

Ping tells you, in milliseconds, how long it takes for data to go from your device to the game server and back again. Lower ping means faster and more responsive gameplay. On the other hand, higher ping can lead to lag, actions that are delayed, and rubberbanding, which makes characters or items jump or stutter. Even small delays can slow down performance in fast-paced games like first-person shooters and online racing, making it harder to move quickly. High ping can also make it hard for people to work together in group games, which can be frustrating and make the experience less fun. Keeping ping low makes the game run more smoothly and reliably, and it also gives players an edge in competition.

Ideal Ping for Game Types

Game Type	Ideal Ping
First-Person Shooters (FPS)	0–30ms
MMOs (Massive Multiplayer)	30–100ms
Racing/Fighting Games	0–40ms

Main Causes of High Ping

To reduce ping, you need to understand what’s causing it. Here are the most common issues:

1. Poor internet speed or low bandwidth
2. Network congestion during peak hours
3. Long distance from game servers
4. Background downloads or apps hogging data
5. Outdated router or network drivers
6. Weak Wi-Fi signal or interference

How To Lower Ping Effectively: 12 Proven Tips

1. Use a Wired Ethernet Connection

Wi-Fi can be unstable. Plugging in with an Ethernet cable ensures faster and more stable data transmission.

2. Close Background Apps and Downloads

Stop streaming videos, torrents, or background updates to free up bandwidth.

3. Pause Cloud Syncing

Services like Google Drive or OneDrive can silently upload files and eat bandwidth.

4. Update Network Drivers and Router Firmware

Old software can cause connectivity issues. Check for updates regularly.

5. Use Quality of Service (QoS) Settings

Go to your router settings and enable Gaming Mode or QoS to prioritize game data.

6. Choose the Nearest Game Server

Always select servers closest to your location for faster ping times.

7. Restart Your Router Weekly

Rebooting clears cache and refreshes your connection.

8. Switch to a Better DNS

Faster DNS servers like Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) or Google DNS (8.8.8.8) can reduce latency.

9. Upgrade Your Internet Plan

Look for at least 25 Mbps for gaming. More users = more speed needed.

10. Use a Gaming VPN (in some cases)

If your ISP is throttling gaming traffic, a VPN like ExitLag or WTFast might help.

11. Limit Connected Devices

If everyone’s watching Netflix, your game will lag. Reduce traffic by pausing other connections.

12. Optimize In-Game Settings

Turn off V-Sync, lower graphics, or reduce draw distance to minimize CPU strain and packet delay.

Bonus: Router and Network Equipment Tips

Upgrading your gear can drastically lower ping.

Recommended Router Types

• Dual-band (2.4GHz + 5GHz) for speed flexibility
• Tri-band routers for homes with many devices

Mesh Wi-Fi Systems

For larger homes, mesh systems ensure consistent signal throughout the house.

Gaming Routers

Brands like ASUS, TP-Link, or Netgear Nighthawk offer routers with built-in game prioritization.

Mobile Gaming: How To Lower Ping on Android/iOS

Mobile gamers face unique challenges, but here’s what you can do:

• Use mobile data instead of unstable public Wi-Fi
• Enable performance mode or a Booster
• Clear cache and background apps
• Play lightweight games if you’re on limited bandwidth

Common Myths About Ping and Lag

A lot of false ideas about ping and lag can make players feel lost. People often think that faster internet automatically means lower ping. But ping is actually more affected by how far you are from the game server and how the network is routed than by speed alone. Another myth is that WiFi is always fine for games. However, wireless connections aren’t always stable as wired ones, and they can make lag worse. Some players also think that ping only matters in competitive games. However, high ping can affect almost all online activities, even live and cooperative games. Lastly, a lot of people think that stopping one app will fix lag, but server problems, ISP traffic, and hardware limitations can all play a role. When players know these myths, they can take the right steps to reduce lag.

Ping Test Tools: How to Check Your Ping

1. In-Game Diagnostics

Most online games show ping in real-time. Look in settings or the HUD.

2. Command Prompt (Windows)

Type: ping google.com
This shows ping to Google’s servers.

3. Online Tools

• Speedtest by Ookla
• Ping Test
• Fast.com by Netflix

How to Read Results

• Ping: The lower the better
• Download/Upload: More bandwidth = smoother experience
• Jitter: Measures ping stability (aim for < 20ms)

Final Checklist: Quick Wins to Lower Your Ping Today

Use Ethernet instead of Wi-Fi
Close all background apps
Select the nearest server
Restart your router
Enable QoS on router
Use Cloudflare or Google DNS
Pause updates and syncing
Limit devices connected

Conclusion

To lower ping and lag, you need to make sure that your network, link, and devices are set up correctly. You can make things faster by using a wired link, closing apps that you don’t need, picking servers that are close to you, and upgrading your router or internet plan. Knowing the things that affect ping, like location, network congestion, and hardware, will help you figure out what’s wrong. By following these steps, you can make the game run more smoothly, respond faster, and have a better time playing online.

FAQs

How to fix lag/ping in game?
To fix lag or high ping, try using a wired connection instead of WiFi, closing background apps, choosing a server closer to your location, and updating your router firmware. You can also enable QoS settings to prioritize gaming traffic.

Is 70 ping ok for gaming?
Yes, 70ms ping is generally fine for most online games. It’s considered moderate and should allow smooth gameplay, though faster competitive games may benefit from lower ping (<50ms).

How to reduce lag in video games?
Reduce lag by closing unnecessary apps, optimizing graphics settings, using a wired connection, updating drivers, and ensuring a stable internet connection. Using a high-speed plan and minimizing network congestion also helps.

Is 200ms ping good or bad?
200ms ping is considered high and can cause noticeable lag in online games. Fast-paced games may become difficult to play, so it’s better to aim for ping below 100ms for a smoother experience.

What is a good ping for gaming?
Anything under 50ms is excellent. Between 50–100ms is playable. Over 100ms can cause noticeable lag.

Why is my ping so high all of a sudden?
Likely causes include background downloads, network congestion, or temporary ISP issues.

Can a VPN really lower my ping?
Sometimes. VPNs can reroute traffic more efficiently than your ISP, especially for games with regional routing issues.

Is 5G better for gaming than Wi-Fi?
In areas with strong 5G coverage, yes. It often offers lower latency than public Wi-Fi.

Does upgrading my router help lower ping?
Absolutely especially if your current one is outdated or lacks QoS features.

Disclaimer

Results may vary depending on your location, ISP, and hardware. This guide provides general advice, not guaranteed solutions. Always consult with your internet provider for serious issues.