How To Fix Google Stadia Lag Issues

11 ways to tackle the problem

Although many cloud-based game streaming services work pretty well on several devices, you may sometimes encounter delayed response or input lag. The reason could be poor internet connection or problems with your network and device settings. This tutorial highlights factors responsible for Google Stadia lag issues and 11 potential ways to fix the problem.

1. Boost Your Internet Connection

To enjoy glitch-free gameplay in Stadia and remove Stadia lag, Google recommends having a minimum connection speed of 10 megabits per second (10 Mbps). However, playing games in 4K resolution requires a connection speed of 35 Mbps or more. Go toFast.comor use anyinternet speed test toolto check your network speed. If it falls below the requirements for the game resolution you’re playing, follow some of the tips below to boost your network speed.

First, pause all active internet-heavy activities (app downloads, OS updates, video streaming, etc.) on your device and disconnect other devices from the network. That’ll free up your router’s bandwidth and improve connection speed. Rebooting your router and updating its firmware could also fix connectivity issues.

If you’re using a wireless connection, consider moving your Google Stadia device to the router (or vice versa). UseWi-Fi extenders or Mesh networksto improve the Wi-Fi coverage. Check out thistutorial for more Wi-Fi troubleshooting fixes. Reset your router’s settings to factory default, contact your ISP, or switch to an Ethernet connection if your Wi-Fi speed remains sluggish.

By the way, playing Stadia on mobile devices using cellular or mobile data can cause input lag–especially if you aren’t using an LTE or 5G network. Switch to a Wi-Fi connection and make sure your device isn’t more than 2 feet away from the router–to prevent interference.

2. Troubleshoot Your Device’s Network Settings

Incorrect network configurations and third-party network extensions can also cause Google Stadia input lag and other performance issues. Disable any VPN app/extension, firewall, or proxy connection on your computer and check if that improves Stadia gameplay.

If the problem persists, resetyour device’s network settings, especially if other internet-depending apps aren’t working correctly.

3. Use the Google Stadia Interactive Troubleshooter

Google has a dedicated troubleshooting tool to automatically diagnose factors responsible for input lag, slow responses, and poor visual quality when using Stadia. We recommend using this tool only after confirming that your connection speed meets Google Stadia’s requirements. Likewise, use the troubleshooting tool on the Stadia device encountering input lag or delayed responses.

4. Use Google Chrome and Adjust Stadia Zoom Level

Although Stadia games work on other web browsers, Google recommends accessing the cloud gaming service using Chrome. Switch to Google Chrome and make sure it is up-to-date if you’re experiencing the Stadia input lag on non-Google browsers.

Increasing or decreasing your browser’s Zoom level can also cause distorted visuals and input lag. If the Stadia tab in Chrome (or another browser) is zoomed in or out, reset the zoom level to 100%, and reload the tab.

Press theControl key+plus signorControl+minus keyto increase or decrease your browser’s zoom level, respectively. On Mac notebooks or desktops, the keyboard shortcuts to adjust a browser’s zoom level areCommand+plus key(to zoom in) andCommand+minus key(to zoom out).

Alternatively, select thethree-dot menu iconand use theplusorminusbuttons to adjust the tab’s zoom level to 100%.

5. Change Your TV Settings

If you’re experiencing the Google Stadia input lag on your smart TV, Chromecast, or Android TV device, switching your TV’s default setting to “Game Mode” might resolve the problem.

Most high-end TVs have a dedicated “Game Mode” that reduces input lag during gaming by lowering image and video processing to the barest minimum. If your TV has a game mode (check the settings or instruction manual), enable it and check if it improves Stadia’s response time.

6. Update the Stadia App

Head to the Stadia info page on the Google Play Store, and you’ll find many other Android users reporting input lag in the review section. Interestingly, updating Stadia to the latest version fixed the problem for some users. Open Play Store on your device and install any Stadia update available for your device.

7. Update Your Device

You may encounter difficulty playing Stadia games if your mobile device doesn’t meet the operating system requirements. For Android smartphones or tablets, you need Android 6.0 Marshmallow or newer. On iPhones, iOS 11 is the minimum requirement for playing Stadia games.

Head to your device’s settings menu and install the latest OS updates, even if your phone meets the OS requirement.

8. Disable Multiple Display Setup

Extending your PC’s screen to a second screen can also result in Google Stadia input lag. Temporarily disable yourcomputer’s multiple display setupand try playing Stadia games on just one monitor.

9. For Windows: Adjust Display Scaling

Connecting your PC to multiple displays might cause some images to appear blurry in some apps. When this happens, Windows automatically tries to fix the problem by adjusting your display settings. Despite its benefits, this setting can cause audio and video lag in Stadia.

Head to your PC’s advanced scaling settings and disable the automatic scaling feature. That might resolve Stadia’s input lag.

10. Disable Mac Location Services

You may experience audio and video lag if you have location services enabled on your Mac when playing Stadia games.

Head toSystem Preferences>Security and Privacy>Privacyand uncheckEnabled Location Services.

If the Google Stadia input lag persists, re-enable location services and try other troubleshooting steps.

11. Restart Your Devices

Restarting your device will refresh and possibly resolve system glitches affecting Stadia’s performance. Shut down your smartphone, tablet, computer, Chromecast, Google TV, Android TV, or whatever device you use to play Stadia games. Wait for a minute or two, turn your device back on, and revisit Stadia.

Get Additional Help

Visit theGoogle Stadia Help Centerorcontact the Stadia Support Teamif you’re still encountering difficulties playing games on your device.

Sodiq has written thousands of tutorials, guides, and explainers over the past 4 years to help people solve problems with Android, iOS, Mac, and Windows devices. He also enjoys reviewing consumer tech products (smartphones, smart home devices, accessories, etc.) and binge-watching comedy series in his spare time.Read Sodiq’s Full Bio

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How To Fix Google Stadia Lag Issues#

1. Boost Your Internet Connection#

2. Troubleshoot Your Device’s Network Settings#

3. Use the Google Stadia Interactive Troubleshooter#

4. Use Google Chrome and Adjust Stadia Zoom Level#

5. Change Your TV Settings#

6. Update the Stadia App#

7. Update Your Device#

8. Disable Multiple Display Setup#

9. For Windows: Adjust Display Scaling#

10. Disable Mac Location Services#

11. Restart Your Devices#

Get Additional Help#

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