Your Latency must be as low as possible when playing an online video game. Latency is the time between sending a command and receiving a response.
In other words, it’s the amount of time it takes for your controller to send a signal to your console and back again so you can react accordingly.
High Latency in online gaming means there is more delay between when you press a button and when your character executes that action on screen. So, how do you lower Latency in Xbox One games? Read on to find out more!
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What is Latency, and Why is it Important?
Latency is the time it takes for audio or visual inputs to reach the brain. This can vary depending on several factors, such as the distance between the input source and the listener.
It is also essential in online gaming because it dictates how quickly you can react to in-game events. You want to minimize the time between seeing something on your screen and responding to it.
When Latency is low, you can execute actions very quickly. However, when it is high, it takes longer for your brain to receive visual cues, which means it takes longer to respond to them. When Latency is high, you will struggle with quicker-paced games, no matter how skilled you are.
How to check your current Latency in Xbox One games
You can use the “Test Kinect Connection” feature to check your current Latency. To do this:
- Download the Xbox Voice and Gesture Controlled app on your Xbox One.
- Open the app and select the “Test Kinect Connection” option.
- Can you see yourself on the screen? If so, your Latency is likely low.
- Your Latency is likely high if you don’t see yourself on the screen. Next, you can use the “Repair Xbox” option or a similar feature on your console.
To do this:
- Turn on your console, then press and hold the Xbox button on your controller.
- Select “Repair Xbox” and follow the prompts.
- After the console has finished repairing itself, you should see yourself on the screen.
- Your Latency is likely high if you still don’t see yourself on the net.
4 Ways to Lower Latency on Xbox One
Reduce Distant Audio Delay
If you are experiencing high Latency on your Xbox One and have already tried the steps above, you can try to reduce distant audio delay.
To do this:
- Open the Settings menu on your console.
- Select “Display, Sound, and Speech,” then select “Audio Delay.”
- Adjust the audio delay until the sound is closely in sync with your image.
- You will likely still have some latency, which can help reduce it. If you are playing a game that allows you to select your audio device, make sure you are using an audio device that is as close to you as possible.
This can reduce the delay between your input and the audio coming out of your speakers.
Turn off Kinect & Wireless Receivers
Kinect and wireless receivers can cause additional Latency you may overlook when the game usually runs. To reduce the effect of these devices:
- Open the Settings menu.
- Select “Display, Sound, and Speech,” then select “Kinect.”
- Select “Off,” then turn your console off.
- Repeat this with any wireless receivers you have connected to your console. This should help reduce the amount of Latency caused by these devices.
Try a Wired Controller
If you are playing on the Xbox One S or X, you have an option to use a wired controller. To do this:
- Open the Settings menu.
- Select “Devices,” then select “Controllers.”
- Select “Wireless Controller with USB Cable,” then select “Configure.” This should help reduce Latency by connecting your controller directly to the console.
Turn Off Background Applications
Certain apps running in the background can cause Latency because they demand resources from your console. To turn off these apps:
- Open the Settings menu.
- Select “Power,” then select “Pause Application Switcher.”
- Select the background apps you don’t need running. This should help reduce the Latency caused by these apps.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is a good latency for Xbox One?
You want your Latency to be as low as possible for the best gaming experience. Ideally, you want to be below 40ms. If your Latency is above 40ms, you will likely want to try some of the steps above to reduce it.
If you can’t reduce it below 40ms even with the best setup, try reducing the amount of time you play. If you are playing a competitive title, try playing less often or for shorter periods.
The more you play, the more your Latency will increase. If you have the time and patience, it can be worth trying to reduce the amount of time you play. This will allow your Latency to decrease over time.
Why is my Latency so high on Xbox?
If you’ve followed the steps above and your Latency is still high, there are a few other things you can check before you decide that your connection is wrong:
- Wireless interference – If you are connecting to your console wirelessly, there may be interference in the area, causing Latency.
- Your internet connection – Your internet connection may be the issue. Try using a wired connection to see if that helps. If you’ve gone through all these steps and your Latency is still high, you likely have a bad connection.
There’s not much you can do about this, unfortunately. The only solution might be getting a new internet connection or moving to a different area.
Conclusion
When you’re in the middle of a match, and everything feels like it’s happening in slow motion, it’s likely because your Latency is too high. And that’s why it’s essential to have low Latency when gaming online.
We’ve gone over how to check your current Latency, reduce the distance audio travels, and reduce the impact of background apps and wireless interference.
All of these can help reduce the Latency in your gaming experience.
