[Expert Guide] How to Lower Ping and Play Games without Any Lag

To enjoy games online, you need stable internet that has a low ping rate. The ping rate describes the speed of data transfer between your device and the game server. So, even if you have a good internet plan, you can still end up with game lag and frustrating delays if that distance (your ping) is very high. This high ping can be due to ISP throttling, outdated equipment, and many other reasons. 

I have put together some of the most common reasons why you may be experiencing a high ping rate to help you fix these issues. I also have some practical solutions on how to reduce ping so that you can enjoy lag-free gaming sessions.

What Is Ping?

Ping is how quickly data travels from your device to the game server and back. A lower ping means the data exchange is very fast, resulting in smoother, more responsive gameplay. Conversely, a high ping means you may experience lag and slow response times.

Think of ping like an echo—a signal your device sends to a server and waits for it to return. Since ping is a reflection of time, in gaming, it is measured in milliseconds.

Related read: How to Fix Ping Issues and Low FPS While Gaming on Windows 11

What Is Considered High Ping?

A high ping rate is generally anything over 150 milliseconds (ms). At such a high ping rate, you will see very noticeable lag that disrupts gameplay and overall online experiences. At this level, actions in a game may feel delayed, which can be frustrating even for casual players.

For professional gamers, a ping rate over 50 milliseconds (ms) is considered high and can negatively affect performance. At this level, the delay can hinder quick reactions and decision-making, which are crucial in competitive gaming.

Why Is My Ping So High?

There are many reasons why your ping is so high. For instance, your Wi-Fi connection could be weak or unstable, leading to delays in transmitting data packets. High ping can also result from network congestion, where multiple devices are competing for bandwidth. Your ping could also be high if you are gaming during peak hours of the day when there are lots of people using the same network.

In reality, the list of potential reasons is inexhaustible, however, the most common causes include ISP throttling, using outdated routers, DDoS attacks, and more. Below, we explain them in detail:

ISP throttling

ISP throttling occurs when your ISP intentionally slows down your connection during peak times or for specific activities like gaming. 

ISPs throttle internet connections for several reasons. One common reason is bandwidth management. When the ISP’s network becomes congested, they may slow down certain connections to ensure all users have access. Another reason is that maybe you are hitting the data cap of your internet plan. Many ISPs impose limits on how much data you can use, and exceeding this cap often results in slower speeds.

Outdated PC or router

If you have an old router, you may be experiencing high ping because the router does not support the latest Wi-Fi standards (such as Wi-Fi 6 or 5 GHz bands). Old routers may also struggle to manage multiple connected devices, due to wear-out, causing network congestion and higher ping. 

Similarly, an old PC with outdated network drivers or limited processing power may struggle to process incoming and outgoing data quickly. This bottleneck can lead to delays in communication with game servers or other online platforms, resulting in higher ping. 

Another common problem is when your Bluetooth peripherals interfere with Wi-Fi. This happens when your computer uses the same antenna for Bluetooth and is common with Wi-Fi using the 2.4 GHz band. Upgrading to devices with newer standards like Bluetooth 6 can minimize such interference, improving local responsiveness and contributing to a smoother gaming experience.

Slow internet connection

A slow internet connection, whether due to an insufficient plan from your ISP or poor Wi-Fi quality, can result in high ping. To fix this, consider upgrading to a faster internet plan or switching to a wired Ethernet connection instead of Wi-Fi.

Firewall resistance

Firewalls or security software can introduce delays as they filter and inspect incoming and outgoing traffic, which can lead to increased ping. Disabling or configuring the firewall to allow necessary traffic without compromising security can help improve network performance.

Malware

Malware can consume bandwidth and negatively affect your network, leading to high ping. Running a full system scan using a reputable antivirus or anti-malware tool to remove malicious software is essential in restoring normal network speeds.

Background applications

Applications running in the background, such as ongoing downloads, updates, or streaming services, can consume bandwidth and cause high ping. Closing unnecessary applications or pausing downloads and updates while gaming or streaming can help reduce the impact on your ping.

Packet loss

Packet loss occurs when data packets are lost during transmission, forcing the network to resend them, which results in delays and higher ping. Running a ping test to check for packet loss or contacting your ISP to resolve network issues can help minimize this problem. As you read further, you will learn more about this. Using a wired connection instead of Wi-Fi may also reduce packet loss.

Network traffic shaping

Some networks implement traffic shaping, which prioritizes certain types of traffic (like video streaming) over others (like gaming), resulting in higher ping for gaming. Configuring your router’s Quality of Service (QoS) settings to prioritize gaming traffic or using a VPN to mask your traffic can help mitigate this issue.

DDoS attack

A distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attack floods your network with excessive traffic, causing severe delays and high ping. If you’re the target of a DDoS attack, contact your ISP or network administrator for assistance in mitigating the attack and protecting your network from further disruption.

How to Lower Ping to Improve Your Gaming

The method you choose to lower your ping will depend on the problem you have. For instance, if your problem is a weak Wi-Fi connection, you might want to change to an Ethernet cable. Other simple solutions include closing applications that may be stealing your bandwidth, prioritizing your gaming traffic, optimizing your network, or upgrading your router or PC.

Below is a detailed explanation of some of these tested strategies to reduce your ping and level up your gaming experience:

Solution 1: Use a wired connection

Moving from a wireless to a wired connection can be a game-changer when it comes to online gaming. Wi-Fi, despite its convenience, can’t match the speed and stability of a wired connection.

Making the switch is a great way to improve ping, delivering a smoother and more reliable gaming experience. 

Here’s what you need to do: 

• Get your hands on an Ethernet cable if you don’t already own one.
• Plug one end of the cable into your router and the other into your computer.
• Make sure to configure your computer’s network settings to use the wired connection instead of Wi-Fi if it doesn’t switch automatically.

Solution 2: Close unnecessary applications

It’s easy to overlook the impact of background applications on your bandwidth. Often, numerous programs run simultaneously on your computer, quietly eating up bandwidth.

Shutting these applications can free up resources, thereby improving your game’s speed and reducing ping.

• Open your computer’s Task Manager. This can be done by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc on Windows.

• Review the list of applications currently running on your system.
• Close any applications that aren’t necessary during your gaming session.

Solution 3: Optimize your network settings

Often, the key to reducing ping lies in your network settings. These settings govern how your computer interacts with your network. Tweaking them to optimize for speed and performance can reduce ping, leading to more responsive gaming.

One such setting is to prevent Windows from reserving a portion of your bandwidth for system processes. Here’s how to do that:

• Open the Group Policy Editor (type gpedit.msc in the Start menu and click Open).

• Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Network > QoS Packet Scheduler.

• Right-click Limit reservable bandwidth and click Edit.
• Next, click Enabled and set the reserved bandwidth to 0%.

• Apply the changes and restart your computer.

Solution 4: Prioritize gaming traffic

If you are looking for methods on how to improve ping, consider enabling QoS. This is a feature available in most routers that can give your gaming traffic the VIP treatment.

By prioritizing gaming data over other types of traffic, you ensure that your game gets the majority of your bandwidth, reducing ping and enhancing your gaming experience.

• Log into your router’s settings (the specific process may vary depending on your router’s manufacturer).
• Locate the QoS settings in the router’s menu.
• Adjust the settings to prioritize gaming traffic. This may involve specifying your game’s name or the type of traffic it uses (typically UDP). Don’t forget to save and apply changes.

Solution 5: Upgrade your internet plan

Sometimes, your internet plan may not cut it for high-speed online gaming. If you’re consistently experiencing high ping, it might be due to a slower internet connection.

Upgrading to a faster plan can be a straightforward solution to lower ping and improve overall gaming performance. Here’s how to do it:

• Assess your current internet speed. You can use online speed test tools for this purpose.

• Compare your current speed with the recommended internet speed for your game. To find the recommended internet speed for a game, check the game’s official website. Alternatively, you can check online forums to see the network requirements that work for others. If your internet’s current speed falls short, consider an upgrade.
• Contact your internet service provider (ISP) and explore the faster internet plans they offer. Make the switch if it fits within your budget.

Solution 6: Use a gaming VPN

A gaming virtual private network (VPN) can often help in reducing ping. It provides a more direct route between your device and the gaming server, bypassing regular internet traffic.

However, it’s essential to choose a reliable gaming VPN to gain the desired benefits.

Solution 7: Reduce network congestion

Network congestion can result from having too many devices connected to your network at once. This can hog your bandwidth, leading to a higher ping.

Disconnecting devices not in use can free up more bandwidth for your game.

• Identify all the devices connected to your network.
• Disconnect any devices that aren’t in use or don’t require an internet connection at that time.
• Monitor your ping to see if there’s an improvement.

Solution 8: Choose servers wisely

Choosing the right server can have a substantial impact on your ping. If possible, select a server that’s geographically close to you, as the further the server, the higher the ping.

• Check if the game you’re playing offers the option to select a server.
• If so, choose a server that’s geographically closest to your location.
• Monitor your ping after changing servers to see if there’s a noticeable improvement.

Solution 9: Check for background downloads

Background downloads can consume a significant amount of your bandwidth without you realizing it. Regularly checking and managing these downloads can prevent them from increasing your ping.

• Regularly check your device for any ongoing background downloads. This includes updates, file downloads, or streaming services.
• Pause or schedule these downloads for a time when you’re not gaming.
• Regularly clearing your download queue can help prevent unexpected bandwidth consumption.

Solution 10: Contact your ISP if throttling is happening

Contact your ISP to find out if they are throttling the internet connection. If they are, consider switching to a gaming-friendly plan that offers consistent speed and low latency.

If the throttling continues, document the issue and escalate it with your ISP.

Solution 11: Upgrade your router and PC

When your equipment is outdated, it can affect your ping. Follow the below steps to rectify the problem:

• Upgrade your router. Invest in a gaming router with features like Quality of Service that prioritize gaming traffic. Wi-Fi 6 routers, like the Synology WRX560 or Reyee E5 AX3200 Mesh, have better stability and faster speeds.
• Update your router firmware. Log into your router’s admin page and install the latest firmware updates to improve performance and security. 
• Update your system. Make sure to update or upgrade your network adapter, CPU, GPU, RAM, and operating system. And close any background apps you don’t need when gaming.
• Clean your computer. Over time, dust accumulates in your system, which can overheat the hardware and cause throttling. So, clean your PC to improve its performance.

Solution 12: Configure your firewall

Sometimes, your firewall can block important game traffic and thus increase ping. For quick troubleshooting, try temporarily disabling your firewall to see if it’s the cause. If the issue is resolved, re-enable the firewall and adjust its settings to avoid future conflicts.

You can fix this by adjusting your firewall to allow gaming-specific ports. Most games provide a list of ports they use in their support documentation. And adding these to your firewall’s whitelist can help.

To do this, first visit the support documentation or the website of the game to identify the ports it uses. These are typically written as something like TCP: 27015-27030 or UDP: 3478-4380.

Next, access firewall settings and make necessary changes:

• In the Windows search, type Windows Defender Firewall and open it.

• In the left pane, click on Advanced settings to open the firewall’s advanced configuration. If you get a prompt to continue with admin privileges, click Yes.

Create a new rule:

• In the left-hand menu, click Inbound Rules, then click New Rule in the right-hand menu.

• Next, you need to choose a rule type. Select Port and click Next.

Specify the port type and numbers:

• Choose either TCP or UDP, depending on the game’s requirements.
• Enter the specific port numbers or range provided by the game and click Next.

Allow the connection:

• Choose what Windows Defender should do when it sees the connection. Here you want to click Allow the connection. This means Windows Firewall will always allow the connection. After selecting, click Next.

Apply the rule to profiles:

• Select when the rule should apply: Domain, Private, or Public networks. Typically, you want to select all three if unsure.

Name the rule:

• Give your rule a meaningful name, such as GameName Ports, and click Finish.

Solution 13: Scan for malware

Yes, it might seem far-fetched, but malware can hijack your bandwidth or lower system performance. So run a full system scan using trusted anti-malware software. Tools like Malwarebytes, AVG, and Avast do an effective job of removing malicious programs from your PC. As an additional help to catch the malware that has been bypassed by the primary antivirus, you can use Auslogics Anti-Malware, which gives you an extra layer of protection.

Solution 14: Fix any packet loss

Packet loss happens when data packets fail to reach their destination, which can lead to lag. First, test if there is any packet loss using tools like PingPlotter to know where the issue is stemming from. 

If it’s on your end, update your network drivers or tweak your router settings, like enabling QoS (we spoke about it in Solution 4) or adjusting MTU settings.

Solution 15: Check for a DDoS attack

If you’re experiencing a sudden or unexplained spike from a specific IP address or location, you may be under a distributed denial-of-service attack. Other signs may include: 

• Slow loading times. 
• Frequent errors or timeouts when trying to access your site.
• Increased CPU or memory usage. 
• Reduced performance. 

To mitigate this problem: 

• Restart your router to get a new IP address.
• Use a VPN to hide your IP address and shield your connection from attackers. 

If these options don’t fix the problem, contact your ISP immediately. Many ISPs offer DDoS mitigation tools or plans designed for gamers. For long-term protection, don’t use your IP address in public and upgrade to a DDoS-protected internet plan.

User Suggestions on How to Lower Ping

The following are some additional suggestions on how you can reduce ping from other gamers on the Internet.

Adjusting your Wi-Fi

Source: Reddit

According to a user on Reddit, you could get lower ping by connecting to the least crowded Wi-Fi channel in your area. The user suggests using a Wi-Fi analyzer app like Ubiquiti WiFiman or NetSpot, to find the least crowded channel and then setting your router to that channel manually. Alternatively, you can use a tool like Heatmapper to find out where your Wi-Fi signal is strongest in your house. 

The user also suggests that you adjust the channel width to avoid interference. You should start with 80MHz and then lower it to about 40MHz or 20MHz if needed. 

Finally, most users say placing your router as close to your gaming device as possible can also help. Ideally, your router should be in the same room and with a clear line of sight to ensure a strong and stable connection.

Turning on QoS

Source: Reddit

Another suggestion is to enable Quality of Service on your router to potentially solve the issue of bufferbloat.

The user suggests you test your network for buffer bloat using a service like Waveform. These tools rate your network from F to A+. Scores like A and A+ indicate low ping and almost no buffer bloat.

Start by setting the limit to 90% of your actual connection speed and testing for buffer bloat. During gaming sessions, limit the upload and download speeds to about 300 Mbps (or less if you have an older router) to reduce lag. Different routers have different procedures for this, so you can check your router’s manual or check online discussions to set yours. 

Keep adjusting until you get a score of A or A+ for buffer bloat. After you’re done gaming, you can either turn off QoS or raise the speed limits back to normal.

Changing your DNS settings

Some users suggest that you switch your DNS to Google’s servers (8.8.8.8 and 1.1.1.1). This might improve your connection because Google’s DNS is often faster and more reliable than the default DNS provided by your ISP.

Source: Reddit

Switching your DNS to Google’s servers (8.8.8.8 and 1.1.1.1) can be a good idea for some users, as it tends to have a lower ping rate and better response times. However, it may not directly affect other aspects of your internet connection, such as upload/download speeds or bufferbloat.

How Does High Ping Affect Gaming?

We’ve already discussed what ping is, how it relates to latency, and the factors that influence it. Now let’s talk about the effects of high ping on your gaming performance.

• High ping often shows up as lag. Lag simply means there is a delay between the time you press a button and the time you see the action on screen. If you’ve ever experienced delays or choppy actions, that’s high ping at work.
• High ping can cause more than just minor inconveniences. It can significantly affect your game. In the heat of an intense match, any delay can lead to a loss. For games that require quick reactions and precise timing, high ping is an unwanted obstacle.
• High ping can also cause disconnections and unresponsiveness. If your ping is too high, your game may lose connection with the server. You might get disconnected or find your controls unresponsive.

What Is a Better Ping for Gaming?

A better ping for gaming generally means any value lower than 150ms. Here’s a breakdown of what the various ping rates mean:

Recommended Pings for Popular Games

How to Check Your Ping Rate

After using all of these tips on how to fix high ping, you may want to check if your ping rate has dropped. Here’s how to do it:

1. Using the Command Prompt (Windows)

• Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box. Type cmd and press Enter to open the Command Prompt.

• Type the command ping google.com and press Enter.

• The Command Prompt will display the ping results in milliseconds (ms). The Average value represents your ping.

2. Using Terminal (Mac)

• Open Terminal by searching for it in Spotlight (press Cmd + Space and type Terminal).

• Type the command ping facebook.com and press Enter.

• Terminal will display the ping results, including the round-trip time in milliseconds.

3. Using an online ping test

Websites like Speedtest.net can test your internet connection and tell you your ping rate. Visit the website and run a quick test to see your ping rate along with your download and upload speeds.

4. Using gaming or streaming tools

Many games, streaming platforms (like Twitch), or tools like Discord show your ping in real time while you’re playing or streaming.

How to Lower Ping: Explained

Learning how to get better ping is not a skill for gamers alone—every internet user should know it. While gamers feel the most impact, a high ping will also make activities like streaming and video conferencing difficult.

That said, achieving low ping is not always entirely within your control. While you can optimize your connection by using Ethernet, closing bandwidth-heavy apps, and adjusting router settings, there are still factors beyond your reach. For example, issues like network congestion during peak hours or issues with your ISP may be out of your control.

If after trying everything above, you’re still having issues, consider contacting your ISP for further assistance. They can check for network issues, suggest better plans for your needs, or provide additional equipment like a quality router or modem.

I hope these tips help you achieve a lag-free experience. Let us know how they worked for you! If you have any other suggestions or questions, feel free to drop a comment below.

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