Online multiplayer games are meant to be fast, competitive, and fun. But nothing kills the excitement faster than stuck matchmaking. You queue for a match, the timer keeps running, and nothing happens. No lobby. No players. Just endless waiting.
If you have ever faced this problem, you are not alone. Matchmaking issues are one of the most common problems in online games today. The good news is that in most cases, the problem can be fixed by following the right steps.
What Does “Stuck Matchmaking” Mean?
Stuck matchmaking happens when your game cannot place you into an online match. You may see:
- A loading or “searching for players” screen that never ends
- Matchmaking timers that keep increasing
- Repeated errors while joining a lobby
- Being sent back to the main menu again and again
This issue can happen in popular games like FPS shooters, battle royale games, RPGs, sports games, and co-op titles. It can affect PC players, console players, and even mobile gamers.
Why Does Matchmaking Get Stuck?
Before fixing the problem, it helps to understand why it happens. Matchmaking usually fails due to server issues, network problems, or game settings.
Server-Side Problems
Sometimes, the issue is not your fault at all. Game servers may be under maintenance, overloaded due to high traffic, or temporarily down. When this happens, matchmaking cannot connect you to other players.
Internet Connection Issues
Online games need a stable internet connection. Even if your internet seems “fast”, issues like packet loss, unstable Wi-Fi, or high ping can stop matchmaking from working properly.
Strict Network Settings
If your NAT type is strict or your firewall is blocking connections, the game may not be able to communicate with matchmaking servers or other players.
Outdated or Corrupted Game Files
If your game is not updated or some files are corrupted, matchmaking can fail because your version does not match the server version.
Low Player Population
Some game modes or regions have fewer active players. If not enough players are available, matchmaking can take a very long time or fail completely.
Step-by-Step Fixes for Stuck Matchmaking
Let’s go through practical solutions you can try, starting from the simplest ones.
Check the Game’s Server Status
Before changing anything on your device, always check whether the game servers are online.
- Visit the official website, Twitter/X account, or Discord server of the game.
- Look for announcements about maintenance or server outages.
- If many players are reporting the same issue, it is likely a server problem.
If servers are down, the only real solution is to wait. Restarting your game again and again will not help in this case.
Restart the Game, Device, and Router
This may sound basic, but it works more often than people expect.
- Fully close the game (do not leave it running in the background).
- Restart your PC, console, or mobile device.
- Restart your modem and router by turning them off for 30 seconds.
This refreshes your network connection and clears temporary glitches that may block matchmaking.
Check Your Internet Connection Stability
A weak or unstable connection is a major reason for stuck matchmaking.
- If possible, switch from Wi-Fi to a wired Ethernet connection.
- Stop large downloads, video streaming, or cloud backups while gaming.
- Run a speed test and check for high ping or packet loss.
You do not need extremely high speeds, but your connection must be stable. Even small interruptions can cause matchmaking to fail.
Change Your DNS Settings
Sometimes, DNS issues can affect how your game connects to matchmaking servers.
You can try using a public DNS like:
- Google DNS: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4
- Cloudflare DNS: 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1
Changing DNS can improve connection reliability and reduce matchmaking delays.
Check NAT Type and Firewall Settings
This step is especially important for console players and PC gamers using routers with strict security.
- Make sure your NAT type is Open.
- Enable UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) in your router settings.
- Temporarily disable VPNs, proxies, or overly strict firewalls.
If your NAT type is Strict, your game may struggle to find or connect to other players.
Update the Game to the Latest Version
Always make sure your game is fully updated.
- On PC, check for updates on platforms like Steam, Epic Games Store, or Battle.net.
- On consoles, install any pending system or game updates.
- On mobile, update the game from the app store.
Matchmaking often fails when your game version does not match the server version.
Verify or Repair Game Files (PC Players)
Corrupted or missing files can silently break matchmaking.
- Use the “Verify Game Files” or “Repair” option on your game launcher.
- This process checks all game files and downloads any missing or broken ones.
This step is safe and does not delete your saved progress.
Cancel Matchmaking and Try Again
Sometimes matchmaking simply gets stuck due to a temporary queue error.
- Cancel the current matchmaking attempt.
- Wait a few seconds.
- Start matchmaking again.
You can also try switching game modes or restarting the lobby before queuing again.
Change Matchmaking Region or Server
If your game allows region selection, this can make a big difference.
- Try switching to a nearby region with higher player activity.
- Avoid regions with very low player counts or high ping.
This is especially helpful for older games or less popular modes.
Play With Friends or a Full Party
Solo matchmaking can struggle in games with low player activity.
- Invite friends and form a party before matchmaking.
- Some games prioritise full or near-full teams.
This increases your chances of being placed into a match quickly.
What to Do If Nothing Works
If you have tried everything and matchmaking is still stuck, here are your final options.
- Reinstall the game as a last resort, especially if issues persist across updates.
- Contact the game’s support team with details about your issue.
- Check community forums and Reddit threads for game-specific fixes.
- Take a break and try again later, especially during peak server hours.
Sometimes, the problem is a known bug that developers are already working on.
Tips to Avoid Matchmaking Issues in the Future
You can reduce future matchmaking problems by following some simple habits:
- Keep your game and system updated regularly
- Use a stable wired connection when possible
- Avoid VPNs while gaming unless required
- Play during peak hours for faster matchmaking
- Restart your device occasionally to clear background issues
Small steps like these improve your overall online gaming experience.
Final Thoughts
Stuck matchmaking is frustrating, but it is rarely permanent. In most cases, the issue comes down to server problems, network instability, or outdated game files. By following the steps in this guide, you can fix the problem quickly and get back into the game.
If matchmaking is stuck, stay calm, check servers first, and work through the solutions one by one. With the right approach, you will be back in the lobby before you know it.
For more gaming fixes, guides, and troubleshooting tips, keep following Online4Gaming and stay ahead of common gaming problems.
Happy gaming