Mobile games rely on quick, low-latency mobile data connections to work well. However, they increasingly must fight for bandwidth with countless data-intensive apps. With an ever-increasing number of video-focused social media platforms, real-time video calling, and music streaming options, that’s only going to worsen. As a result, it isn’t uncommon for mobile gamers to have a lackluster experience due to network issues. Common symptoms include rubber-banding, delayed inputs, lag spikes, and disconnections. But pinpointing the exact cause of such issues isn’t always easy. To help, here’s a checklist to identify and fix network issues that cause poor mobile gaming performance.
The Three Key Mobile Gaming Network Metrics
When it comes to internet connectivity, there are three main metrics to worry about when it comes to mobile games. The first is ping time. Ping is a measure of how long it takes a small bit of data to travel from your device to a server and back. By itself, a ping time can tell you the overall condition of your network connection. In general, you’ll find that ping times above 150ms mean you’ll experience significant game lag. Ideally, you want an average ping time of 50ms or less for best results.
The next key metric is jitter. It’s a measure of how stable your connection’s ping times are over time. Believe it or not, a high rate of jitter can cause even more problems than a consistently high ping. It can lead to unpredictable input responses, which cause havoc in your game.
The third important metric is packet loss. It’s a measure of how much of your data gets lost either coming or going from your device. Ideally, you always want zero packet loss. On a mobile network, however, that isn’t always possible.
You can use any number of mobile testing apps to measure all three metrics. Or, you can use a web-hosted tool to measure your device performance. The ones provided by Cloudflare and Netflix are especially reliable due to the size and stability of their respective networks.
Phone Optimizations To Minimize Networking Issues
There are a few things about your phone itself that can affect its networking performance. So, optimizing the right settings and setting the right use conditions may instantly improve your mobile gaming experience. The following are some basic steps to take:
- Turn off battery-saving settings
- Close network-dependent background apps
- Ensure your phone stays cool to minimize heat-related radio throttling
- Keep your phone’s OS and your game updated
- Use Wi-Fi instead of cellular connectivity whenever possible
Optimizing Wi-Fi Connectivity for Mobile Gaming
If you’re relying mostly on Wi-Fi for mobile gaming connectivity (as you should be), there are a few ways to optimize your connection. The first thing to do is to try to stay as close to the Wi-Fi router you’re connected to as possible. That minimizes the chances of interference, yielding a more stable connection. In addition, you should also:
- Use a 5GHz Wi-Fi connection whenever available
- Check for channel congestion and set the router channel accordingly
- Disconnect outdated Wi-Fi devices, which may cause network slowdowns
- Enable Quality of Service (QoS) settings to prioritize gaming traffic
- Reboot your router periodically to reset routing tables
If you live in a large home and can’t stay close to its main router, consider deploying a Wi-Fi mesh network. It can help you maintain a stable connection no matter where you are in your home. Alternatively, use a MoCA Wi-Fi extender to leverage your home’s coax wiring to improve connectivity.
Optimizing Cellular Connectivity for Mobile Gaming
There will always be times when you must rely on your smartphone’s cellular connection while gaming. While you can’t change the performance characteristics of your carrier’s network, there are ways to optimize your experience. To do it, you should:
- Switch between 4G and 5G to find the more stable connection
- Avoid crowded areas
- Be wary of any data caps that may force connection throttling
- Toggle airplane mode to reset your connection as necessary
You should also be aware that your connectivity to your carrier’s network is only one part of the equation. Your carrier’s interconnections with the wider internet can also affect your gaming experience. Occasionally, sub-optimal network routes used by your mobile provider can make an otherwise stable connection almost unusable.
Advanced Connectivity Optimization
If your wireless or cellular connection is as stable as you can make it, poor gaming performance can still occur. Everything from ISP or carrier network issues to deliberate traffic shaping and throttling can cause problems. There are a few ways you can work around such issues that are otherwise beyond your control. One thing to try is to switch your phone to more performant DNS servers. Often, ISP and carrier DNS servers aren’t very fast, leading to lagging name resolution. So, consult a list of public DNS options and experiment to find the best ones for your needs.
You can also use a VPN to try to avoid carrier throttling and routing issues. The best VPN for games may vary depending on your location. The game you’re playing can also affect your choice. However, if you choose an option with a large and diverse set of selectable endpoints, you’ll have the best chance of improving gaming performance.
Enjoy Your Gaming Experience
Understanding how network connectivity shapes your mobile gaming experience helps you set the right conditions for success. The tips and tricks detailed here should help you improve or avoid most common connectivity issues. That way, you can have the mobile gaming experience you want, no matter where you travel.
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