Connecting to an Online Game on Xbox
Troubleshooting tips for problems connecting to an online game on Xbox Live
If you are experiencing connectivity issues attempting to play a Call of Duty game on Xbox Live, your first step should be to check the server status of the Call of Duty game you are playing.
If the status indicator for your platform is not green or an alert is present, you might encounter connectivity issues until services are restored and fully operational.
However, if the status indicator is green and no alert is posted, several other factors could be affecting the quality of your connection.
If you are having issues signing in to your account, there are likely issues with your Xbox connecting to the internet. Please refer to the following:
If you’re signed in but are having trouble connecting, check the Xbox Live Status page for connectivity alerts, maintenances, or other factors indicating that servers are not fully operational. If there are issues with the Xbox Live servers, you might experience connectivity issues until the servers return to full operation.
Testing your connection might reveal the root cause of a problem. Follow the steps below to test your console’s connection.
Xbox 360
- Turn on your Xbox without a disc inside and go to Xbox Home.
- Go to Settings and select System.
- Select Network Settings.
- Select a connection you would like to test.
- Select Test Xbox Live Connection.
- Select Yes to sign out of Xbox Live and allow the test to run.
Xbox One
- Turn on your Xbox One without a disc inside and go to Xbox Home.
- Go to Settings and select Network.
- In the right-hand column, select Test network connection, and allow the test to run.
If this test finds a break in your connection, you’ll receive an error message. This message identifies, in order of priority, where your connection failed, and offers troubleshooting steps to help correct the problem. Learn more about network connection test error messages.
Please note: You can also run Test multiplayer connection to identify issues leading to lag, disconnects, or other game-related network issues.
For more help with Xbox One connection issues, check out the following pages:
- Xbox One Slow Performance Solution
- Xbox One NAT Error Solution
- Xbox One Disconnect Solution
- Xbox One Multiplayer Connection Error Solution
You can also check your internet connection bandwidth at speedtest.net.
Run through the basics
Here are a few tips to note before delving any deeper:
- Restarting your router is often the easiest and quickest way to resolve connectivity issues.
- Other bandwidth-heavy applications on your network can be detrimental to your ability to connect. This includes, but is not limited to, streaming music, streaming video or movies, or downloading files.
- Using a wired connection will allow your system to achieve optimal performance when playing an online game. Wi-Fi connections have a wide variance in reliability and bandwidth and can dramatically affect the quality of online gameplay. Wired Ethernet connections will maintain the minimum bandwidth connection that is required for online gaming.
The following tests require you to log in to the router on your home network to troubleshoot your network. You will need your router’s login credentials to proceed. If you do not have your router’s login credentials, you will need to contact your Internet Service Provider.
These tests refer to options that are typically found in a router’s menu. If you cannot find what you’re looking for, please refer to your router’s manual.
You may not need to perform all of these tests, so be sure to test the game after attempting each one.
If you are on an institutional (school), corporate, or other shared network, please refer to your network administrator for further assistance.
- Turn Port Forwarding off (if it is turned on) and enable Universal Plug and Play (UPnP).
- Check your new settings in game. If this doesn’t resolve your issue, proceed to the next test.
- Turn UPnP off.
- Turn Port Forwarding on. Learn more about Port Forwarding.
- Assign a Static IP address to your console.
- Check your new settings in game. If this doesn’t resolve your issue, proceed to the next test.
- Turn Port Forwarding off.
- Assign the console’s Static IP address to your router’s DMZ.
- Test your new settings in game.
Please note: Once you have tested DMZ, be sure to remove your Static IP address from your router's DMZ.
If none of the tests or troubleshooting tips above solves your connectivity issues, please contact your Internet Service Provide for further assistance.