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How do I fix my disconnect/lag issues?
How do I fix my disconnect/lag issues?
Updated over a month ago

Improve your connection

If you frequently experience disconnects or lag during your games, please try these steps to improve your connection:

Web

Mobile

  • Clear cookies and cache: Regularly clear your browser's cookies and cache to fix slowness. Follow the steps here and restart your browser.

  • Pause downloads/uploads: Downloading large files consumes bandwidth and can cause lag. Pause these activities while playing.

  • Close streaming tabs: Streaming video or music also uses bandwidth. Pause streaming while you play chess.

  • Disable browser extensions: Extensions may use a lot of memory or interfere with Chess.com. Disable them during your games.

  • Check Task Manager: Close any programs using a lot of memory.

  • Close extra browser tabs: Even non-streaming tabs use memory. Close all except Chess.com.

  • Update your browser: Ensure you have the latest version. If using Internet Explorer, switch to Chrome or Firefox.

  • Use a wired connection: WiFi can be unstable. Try a wired connection or move closer to your router.

  • Close Other Apps: Close any other apps or programs on your device that might be using memory and system resources to ensure the app has the maximum resources available.

  • Use Wi-Fi Instead of 3G/4G: Sometimes an unstable connection can cause issues. Try being closer to your router if possible.

  • Update Operating Software: Ensure your device's operating system is completely updated.

  • Check Phone Memory: If your phone has very limited memory (especially less than 2 GB), this will affect the functionality and speed of your apps.

  • Reinstall the App: A fresh installation of the app can often fix issues caused by data corruption.

📚 Check out this article to learn how to reinstall your Chess.com app: I'm having issues on my mobile app, what can I do?

📚Check out this article for tips on how to have a better gaming experience: How can I optimize my online chess performance?


How to check your ping

If the web steps don't help, contact your internet service provider for a faster connection. Chess.com servers can handle up to 1000ms (1 second) of lag, but higher ping may affect gameplay.

  • Hover over 'Play' on the left-side menu and click 'Play'

  • Click the icon at the bottom right next to the board to open the console

  • Type /ping in the pop-up window to check your ping.

📚Check out this article to learn how to Improve responsiveness with Hardware Acceleration

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