High latency can ruin online calls and gaming. It causes delays, freezes, and poor sound or video quality. Want to know how to reduce latency? The good news is, there are simple and effective ways to fix the problem.
What Is Latency in Gaming?
Latency—also called ping—is the time it takes for data to travel from your device to a server and back. In online gaming or video calls, this delay can affect how quickly your actions show up on screen or how well you hear the other person. High latency causes delays, lags, or frozen frames. In fast-paced games, even a small delay can make a big difference. That’s why low latency is crucial for smooth, real-time experiences.
What Is a Good Latency Speed?
- Under 20 ms – Excellent: Fast and very smooth gameplay or calls
- 20–50 ms – Good: No noticeable delays for most users
- 50–100 ms – Acceptable: It may work fine, but some minor lag is possible
- 100 ms and above – Poor: You’ll likely notice delays, lags, and issues
The lower your ping, the better. If it’s over 100 ms often, it’s time to act.
How to Reduce Latency?
1. Close Unused Software and Background Tasks
Too many open programs can slow down your system. Antivirus scans, YouTube tabs, or game downloads use up memory and bandwidth. Some background processes are unnecessary and just waste resources.
Tip: Before starting a call or gaming session, open your Task Manager. Close apps and background tasks you don’t need – free up memory and improve connection speed.
2. Switch from Wi-Fi to a Wired Connection
Wi-Fi is convenient, but it’s not always stable—especially during gaming or video calls. Wired (LAN) connections are more reliable and often faster.
Tip: Use an Ethernet cable if possible. It avoids signal loss, network interference, or crowding from too many devices on Wi-Fi.
3. Move Closer to Your Router
If you must use Wi-Fi, signal strength matters. Walls, furniture, or distance can weaken the connection.
Tip: Try to stay in the same room as your router. The closer you are, the stronger the signal—and the lower the latency.
4. Replace an Old Router
An outdated or faulty router may be the cause of your latency issues. Old models might not support the latest internet standards or speeds.
Tip: Check your router’s model and firmware. If it’s too old or causing problems, consider getting a new one. A modern router improves both speed and stability.
5. Turn Off the VPN or Switch the Server
Using a VPN adds extra distance between you and the server. This can increase latency in games and calls.
Tip: Disable your VPN during online calls or gaming. If you need it, try changing the VPN server to one closer to your real location. Test with and without VPN to see the difference.
In Conclusion: Reduce Latency
You don’t need to be a tech expert to fix latency issues. Just a few simple changes—closing apps, using a wired connection, or replacing your router—can make your calls and gaming smoother and more enjoyable. Try these tips and enjoy a more stable online experience!
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