In this guide, we will be taking a look at how to fix MW2 lag and connection issues on Xbox. If you are trying to play the game on an Xbox One or Xbox Series X|S but keep experiencing disconnection errors, lagging, stuttering, getting stuck on the “checking for update” screen, etc, then there are a couple of things you can do. And that should get these issues sorted, so you can get back to enjoying Modern Warfare 2.
Modern Warfare 2 has so far been very enjoyable just like the others, and trying to get in that first-place position with a decent k/d is something I enjoy doing. However, it can be hard to achieve this if you are having connection problems in Modern Warfare 2, or the game is very laggy when playing multiplayer.
So that’s why below I have put together different methods that you can do that should hopefully fix the issue you are having.
Table Of Contents
Why is MW2 so laggy on Xbox?
Many things can cause COD MW2 to not work and to have network issues. Your game may keep disconnecting, won’t log in or give you a sign-in error, get stuck on the connecting screen, or just be really laggy making it unplayable!
There may be problems with the COD MW2 servers, so if there is an issue then you are going to run into lag and connection issues. Or downloading in the background of your Xbox can cause many problems and will cause MW2 to have multiplayer lag. It could also be caused by your internet connection.
How to fix Modern Warfare 2 connection issues/lag on Xbox
Below are the different methods for fixing most connection problems and network lagging issues in-game, with the Call Of Duty Modern Warfare 2 game.
Fix 1: Check the online service
The first thing to check is that the Activision services are not offline and that everything is running OK. If the MW2 servers are down then you will not be able to connect online:
- You can check for issues here on the Activision Online Services checker.
You can also make sure that the Xbox live services are currently running and that there are no outages:
- You can view the Xbox Live service status here
Fix 2: Twitter page
Go to Activisions official Twitter page to see if they have posted anything about issues with servers, or servers being down and known issues.
Fix 3: Restart/clear cache
Try giving your Xbox a simple restart and hopefully, you will be able to access the game again.
If a simple restart does not work then try clearing the cache:
- Completely shut down your Xbox console and then unplug it from the mains
- Leave it for 60 seconds
- Then reconnect and power back on
Fix 4: Test console connection
Within the settings on your Xbox, you can run an internet connection test and also check your network statistics, to ensure you are getting a decent connection. If you are having issues then this would explain the lagging in MW2:
- Press the Xbox button on your controller > Settings
- Go to General and then Network Settings
- Select the Test network connection button
- Then go back to Network Settings
- Select Test network speed & statistics
Fix 5: Update console
It’s always worth updating your system software on your Xbox, as there could be a fix for the issue you are having, plus new features:
- Press the Xbox button on your controller and then go to Settings
- On Xbox One go to Updates and downloads > Then Update console
- On Xbox Series X|S go to System and then Updates
Fix 6: Sign out user
Sign out of your Xbox user and then sign back in again, to give your profile a refresh.
Also, make sure you are signed in with the user that has the subscription for the online services.
Fix 7: Ethernet cable
If you are connected via WiFi then this could be making your MW2 game laggy and also disconnect with errors. So if you can, plug in directly to your router via an ethernet cable to give a more secure connection.
Fix 8: Restart router
Try giving your router a quick reboot. Just make sure no one else in your house is downloading!
Fix 9: Background
If you have anything downloading or updating on your Xbox in the background, then try pausing them. If something else is using resources needed for the game then this will cause lag or connection problems.
Fix 10: Reinstall
If nothing else has worked then try reinstalling Modern Warfare 2. A fresh install along with the latest version may fix your issue:
- Go to My games and apps > Then Games
- Find MW2 > Press More options (3 lines on your controller)
- Select Uninstall > Then select Uninstall All
I hope one of the methods above helped fix Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2 lag & connection issues on your Xbox Series X|S or Xbox One, and you are now able to enjoy it and win that Team Deathmatch or Search and Destroy!
If you did like this guide and found it helpful then we are sure you would like our other gaming guides.