Xbox live gaming takes the gaming experience on the console to another level. The ability to play multiplayer games with your friends on Xbox One can sure be a lot of fun. Other than that the Xbox live community allows the user to share their ideas and remarks on the games with others.
Xbox One live requires a fast and stable internet connection to work correctly. However, many users have found their Xbox One Live lagging but internet is fine. If you are a victim of such an issue, then don’t worry as in this article I have discussed what to do when Xbox One Live is lagging.
Also checkout:
- Xbox One Keeps Turning Off – How To Fix?
- Xbox One Can’t Finish The Multiplayer Test – How To Resolve ?
Why Is Xbox Live Laggy?
Contents
Xbox One can be lagging due to various issues. It may always not caused by slow internet, however, bad internet connectivity is the most common cause. Here I have discussed some potential causes of the Xbox One lag:
- Slow Or Down Xbox Live Servers: If your internet connection is fine and you are facing lags while playing online games, then the Xbox Live Servers can be slow or down if you are unable to connect at all.
- Bad wireless connection: If Xbox One is receiving the internet connection the internet bandwidth wirelessly, then even if the internet speed is high, bad receptivity of the Xbox receiver can lead to bad connectivity.
- Other devices are connected: If multiple devices are connected to the wireless network, which your Xbox One is connected to, then the console will have less bandwidth to use and the user will face lag.
- Wireless interference: The wireless internet connection can become unstable if there are other electronic devices near it. Wireless interference is something that you need to keep an eye on when your games are lagging.
- Downloads or updates running in the background: Check for any download running in the background. It will eat up the internet bandwidth, which will make Xbox live slow.
What To Do When Xbox One Live Is Lagging But Internet Is Fine?
Now that you know the potential reasons your Xbox live is laggy, it is time to troubleshoot it. Here I have provided the troubleshooting procedure that you can follow to diagnose and fix this issue.
Preliminary Step 1: Check The Xbox Live Servers
Before you proceed with troubleshooting, first check if the Xbox Live servers are running correctly. If the issue is with the servers, then there is nothing you can do other than wait. To check the servers, visit the Xbox status page (here).
Preliminary Step 2: Check The Internet Speed
If the Xbox servers are working, then check if your Xbox One internet connection is slow. To check that you will have to run an internet speed test on the Xbox console. To do it, follow the steps given below:
- Open the Guide menu by pressing the Xbox button on the controller.
- Choose the Settings option in the Guide menu.
- Select the General option.
- Choose the Network Settings option.
- Select the Test network speed & statistics option.
- Note the download speed, upload speed, and ping.
Also, check the overall bandwidth and speed of your internet connection by visiting any of the following sites and running the tests:
Note both the speed test results. The first test shows the internet connection speed that your Xbox is receiving, and the second speed test result shows the actual bandwidth and speed of your internet connection. If the first one is unnaturally low than the second one, then something is interfering with the connection to the Xbox. If both are low, then you will have to contact your internet service providers and inform them about the issue.
Now, to understand what internet speed is low or the required internet speed for using Xbox live, compare the data acquired above with the following:
For Online Gaming | For SD Streaming | For HD Streaming | |
Minimum Download Speed | 3 Mbps | 3 Mbps | 3 Mbps |
Minimum Upload Speed | 0.5 Mbps | Upload speed does not impact streaming | Upload speed does not impact streaming |
Ping | Less than 150 milliseconds | Less than 150 milliseconds | Less than 150 milliseconds |
Solution 1: Refresh Your Connection
The first troubleshooting method you can try is refreshing the internet connection by switching to offline and online. It’s an old tactic that still solves most minor network issues. To switch to offline and back to online modes in Xbox One consoles, follow the steps given below:
- Open the Guide menu by pressing the Xbox button on the controller.
- Choose the Settings option in the Guide menu.
- Select the General option.
- Choose the Network Settings option.
- Now, select the Go offline option. Wait for a few minutes and Go Online again.
After the connection is refreshed, check if still Xbox live is slow.
Solution 2: Power Cycle Your Modem Or Reset Your Router
If you are facing connectivity issues, then it may be the router or modem’s fault. Power cycling or resetting it should fix this issue. To power cycle the modem, follow the steps given below:
- Shut down your Xbox console.
- Detach the power cord of your Modem and wait for 20 – 30 seconds.
- The modem may take a few minutes to run through all its self-checks before reconnecting to the internet. After the modem starts (the front lights should notify that) plug in the router and start your Xbox One.
To reset the router, follow the steps given below:
- Locate the Reset button on your router. If you don’t know where to look, then read the router’s user manual. In the user’s manual, you will find the reset button of your router mentioned.
- After you have found the reset button, press and hold it for 15-20 seconds.
- Leave the button and wait for 10 more seconds.
- Now, press the power button to turn on the router.
If the router doesn’t have a reset button, press the power button to turn it off and unplug the power cable. Wait for 20 seconds and plug the power cable and turn on the router. Now check if still Xbox One Live is lagging.
Solution 3: Power Cycle The Xbox
If the router or modem is correctly working, then the Xbox One receiver may be at fault. Try power cycling the Xbox and see whether it fixes the Xbox live laggy issue. To power cycle the Xbox One, follow the steps given below:
- While the Xbox One is on, press and hold the power button for 10 seconds. The screen will go black with no activity.
- Wait for a minute and then disconnect the power cable of the Xbox One. Wait for 1-2 minutes and then plug the power cable again.
- Press and release the Xbox button and the Xbox should boot up. Wait for the Xbox animation logo. After the console boots in, check if the issue remains or not.
This should resolve the Xbox One Live lagging issue.
Solution 4: Remove Anything That Interferes With The Wi-Fi Signal
If your Xbox One internet connection is slow, then it can be due to the Wireless signal being interfered with. If any wireless devices are placed near the router, move them away. Nearby wireless devices can cause Electromagnetic interference.
Devices such as the following mentioned can interfere with the wireless signal:
- Microwave ovens
- Cordless phones
- Garage door openers
- Wireless toys
Also, some users have reported that placing the external hard drive on top of the console or placing it in the path to the router can lead to interference. If you are also using an external hard drive, try moving it around and see if Xbox One Live is lagging.
Solution 5: Connect Xbox One Directly To The Modem
If you have been using a wireless connection, try connecting the Xbox directly to the modem. A direct connection is always faster than the same wireless connection (unless the wire quality is extremely bad). After connecting the ethernet cable, you are bound to notice faster internet speed. However, the main question is whether it is lagging.
Play any of the games on your console that was lagging previously and see whether there is any improvement.
Solution 6: Disconnect Any Other Devices From The Wi-Fi Connection
The more devices are connected to the Wi-Fi connection, the lesser bandwidth will be available for the Xbox One console. Make sure that every device is disconnected from the router and then connect only the Xbox One console. Now, check if the Xbox One Live is lagging or not. If Xbox Live is laggy still, then follow the next solution.
Solution 7: Check If Any Download Is Running In The Background
Check whether any download or maybe any update is currently in progress in the background. This will again eat up the bandwidth, which means that the game you are trying to play on Xbox Live will lag.
Solution 8: Take The Console To A Service Center
If none of the above solutions work, take it to a service center and let them have a look at the issue. Hardware issues can also affect the connectivity and make the Xbox Live slow.
Wrapping Up
So, there you have it. Now you know what to do when Xbox One live lagging but internet is fine. The above solutions should help you diagnose and troubleshoot this issue. If you have any questions regarding this topic, ask them in the comment section below.
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