We’ve all been there, hyped up and ready to play and then the dreaded “Cannot Connect to network, try again!” message! You just want to throw the controller at the screen!
But Wait! Before you do that and cause more problems, try these troubleshooting tips that just might get you back in the game instead of buying a new monitor!
Make sure you’re signed in to your system’s account.
There may be an issue with your console connecting to the internet if you’re not able to log in. Please refer to these steps:
- PlayStation Connectivity Support
- Troubleshoot your Xbox Network Connection
- Connection Troubleshooting on Battle.net
- Troubleshooting Network Connectivity on Steam
You’re Signed in to your Account but Can’t Connect.
If you are signed in and are having difficulty connecting, check your system’s status page to see if there are any connectivity alerts, maintenance, or other factors which suggest unreliable servers.
- PlayStation Network Status
- Xbox Live Status
In the event that your system’s servers are experiencing problems, you may experience connectivity issues for a period of time until your servers are fully functional again.
In order to identify the root cause of the problem, you may need to test your console’s connection. Follow the steps below in order to do so.
PlayStation
- Select Settings from the PlayStation home screen.
- Select Network.
- Run the test by selecting Test Internet Connection.
Xbox
- Press the Xbox button to open the guide.
- Select Profile & system > Settings > General > Network settings.
- Select Test network connection and allow the test to run.
This test will result in an error message if there is a problem with your connection. The error message will identify the problem in order of priority, and will also provide troubleshooting steps if you need them.
The Test multiplayer connection tool can also help you identify the cause of lag, disconnects, or other network problems you may experience while playing multiplayer games.
You can find more information about Xbox connection issues on the following pages:
- Troubleshoot your network connection speed
- Troubleshoot network connection errors
Your console’s browser can be used to check your internet connection bandwidth by running speedtest.net.
All Systems Are Go, But You Still Can’t Connect
Before we go any further, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- The easiest and fastest way to resolve connectivity problems is to restart your router.
- The use of bandwidth-intensive applications on your network, such as streaming music, streaming video or movies, or downloading files, can impede your ability to connect.
Test Your Home Network
You will need to log into the router on your home network in order to troubleshoot your network. If you do not know your router’s login credentials, you will need to contact your Internet Service Provider for assistance.
In most cases, these tests refer to options that can be found in your router’s menu. If you are unable to locate what you are looking for, please refer to the manual that came with your router.
Please make sure that you test the game after each of these tests, as you may not need to perform all of them.
It is recommended that you contact the network administrator of your institution (school), company, or other shared network for further assistance.
Test 1: Universal Plug and Play
- Disable Port Forwarding (if it is enabled) and enable Universal Plug and Play (UPnP).
- Please check your game settings. If this does not resolve your issue, proceed to the next step.
Test 2: Port Forwarding
- UPnP should be turned off.
- Learn more about Port Forwarding. Turn on Port Forwarding.
- Your console should have a static IP address.
- Check your new settings in game. If this doesn’t resolve your issue, proceed to the next test.
Test 3: DMZ (Consoles Only)
- Disable port forwarding.
- The console’s Static IP address should be assigned to the DMZ of your router.
- Make sure your new settings work in game.
Be sure to remove your Static IP address from your router’s DMZ once you have tested DMZ.
For further assistance, please contact your Internet Service Provider if none of the tests or troubleshooting tips above solve your connectivity issues.