Have you noticed that in mobile games the character “slows down”, and the video in Twitch or YouTube is constantly loaded with a delay? The culprit of these problems is high ping (network latency), which on Androiddevices can reach 200–500 ms instead of the optimal 20–80 ms. Unlike a PC, where the problem is often solved by replacing the provider or router, on smartphones there are more reasons for the delay: from background processes to incorrect mobile network settings.

This article is not about “magic buttons”, but about a systematic approach: we will look at hardware and software methods reducing ping, including hidden settings Android 12–15, choosing the optimal DNS, as well as the nuances of working with 4G/5G i Wi-Fi 6. We will pay special attention to gamers - here every millisecond counts. If you use a smartphone for streaming or competing in PUBG Mobile, Call of Duty or Free Fire, these recommendations will help you get the most out of your device.

We warn you in advance: some methods require root access or changes in system files. If you are not ready to risk the guarantee, focus on the “safe” methods from the first four sections.

1. Checking the current ping: tools and standards

Before reducing the ping, you need to understand how high it is. Normal values depend on the connection type:

  • 📶 mobile data (4G/5G): 30-100 ms - good, 100-150 ms - average, above 200 ms - critical for games.
  • 📡 Wi-Fi: 10-50 ms - ideal, 50–80 ms is acceptable, above 100 ms requires optimization.
  • 🎮 Game servers: for MOBA (for example, Mobile Legends) up to 80 ms is acceptable, for shooters (Fortnite) - no more than 50 ms.

To measure ping, use:

  • 🔍 Speedtest.net (application or web version) - shows ping to the nearest server.
  • 🎯 Ping & DNS (application for Android) - allows you to test the delay to specific IP addresses (for example, gaming servers).
  • 📊 Built-in game tools: in PUBG Mobile ping is displayed in the upper right corner, in Call of Duty: Mobile in the match settings.

Important: test ping at the same time of day - in the evening delays are usually higher due to load on the provider's network. If the difference between morning and evening readings exceeds 50 ms, the problem may be on the operator's side.

📊 What type of connection do you use for games on Android?
mobile data only
Wi-Fi only
I alternate between both option
I use USB tethering from a PC

2. Optimizing mobile data (4G/5G)

Mobile networks often give high ping due to overloaded towers or suboptimal smartphone settings. Here's what you can do:

2.1. Selecting a network and modem operation

By default Android automatically switches between 2G/3G/4G/5G, but auto-selection is not always optimal. To manually set the priority:

  1. Go to Settings → Connections → Mobile networks.
  2. Select Network mode (item name may vary).
  3. Install Only LTE (if 5G is unstable) or LTE/5G (if 5G coverage is good).

Why does this work? Android can “stick” on overloaded 3G-tower, even if there is a free one nearby 4G. Forced selection LTE reduces network search time.

2.2. Changing the APN type

Incorrect settings APN (access points) increase the delay. Check them:

  1. Open Settings → Connections → Mobile networks → Access Points (APN).
  2. Select your operator's APN (for example, internet.beeline.ru for Beeline).
  3. Make sure that the field APN Type indicates default,supl or default,supl,mms.
⚠️ Attention: Some operators block editing the APN If fields. are inactive, try creating a new APN manually (data for your operator can be found on its website).

2.3. Disabling VoLTE and VoWiFi

Technologies VoLTE (voice over 4G) and VoWiFi (voice over Wi-Fi) may conflict with game traffic. To disable them:

  • 📱 Go to Settings → Connections → Mobile networks.
  • 🔍 Find points VoLTE and VoWiFi (may be in the submenu Advanced).
  • ❌ Disable both parameters and restart the smartphone.

Test: after disconnecting, check the ping in Speedtest. If the delay has decreased by 20–30 ms, leave the settings turned off.

💡

Forcing the selection of the LTE network and disabling VoLTE gives the greatest effect on smartphones with processors Qualcomm Snapdragon (for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro+ or Samsung Galaxy S23).

3. Setting up Wi-Fi for minimum ping

Wi-Fi usually gives a lower ping than mobile data, but only with the correct configuration.

3.1. Selecting a Wi-Fi frequency: 2.4 GHz vs 5 GHz

Network 2.4 GHz has a longer range, but is susceptible to interference (microwaves, neighboring routers). 5 GHz more stable, but passes through walls worse. The best option:

  • 🎮 For games use 5 GHz (ping is 10-30 ms lower).
  • 📱 If the signal is weak, switch to 2.4 GHz, but select a channel with minimal traffic (see. section 3.2).

How to change the frequency on your smartphone:

  1. Open the list of Wi-Fi networks.
  2. Click on the name of your network and select Advanced (or Network settings).
  3. Install Frequency range: 5 GHz (if available).

3.2. Optimizing the Wi-Fi channel

If your router operates on automatic channel selection, it can select overloaded frequencies. Manual tuning helps reduce the ping by 15-40 ms.

Instructions for the router:

  1. Go to the web interface of the router (usually at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).
  2. Find the section Wi-Fi or Wireless network.
  3. For 2.4 GHz select channels 1, 6 or 11 (they do not intersect). For 5 GHz — channels 36–48 or 149–165.
  4. Save the settings and reconnect your smartphone.

To find the least loaded channel, use the following applications:

  • 📡 WiFi Analyzer (shows channel congestion in real time).
  • 🔍 NetSpot (analyzes power signal and interference).

3.3. Using DNS from Google or Cloudflare

Standard DNS providers can slow down server responses. Alternative DNS speed up ping by 5-20 ms.

How to change DNS on Android:

  1. Go to Settings → Connections → Wi-Fi.
  2. Click on the name of your network → Advanced → IP settings.
  3. Select Static (instead of DHCP).
  4. In fields DNS 1 and DNS 2 enter: 
    1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare)

    8.8.8.8 (Google)

  5. Save and reconnect to the network.
⚠️ Attention: Some operators block DNS changes at the network level. If after changing DNS the Internet disappears, return the settings to DHCP.

Switch to 5 GHz (if the signal is stable)

Select channel 36–48 for 5 GHz or 1/6/11 for 2.4 GHz

Install DNS 1.1.1.1 or 8.8.8.8

Disable Wi-Fi power saving in Android settings-->

4. reduce ping

Android by default is optimized for battery saving, not for minimal network latency. Let's fix this.

4.1. Disabling power saving mode

Modes Adaptive Battery and Energy Saving limit background activity, including network requests. To disable:

  1. Go to Settings → Battery.
  2. Disable Adaptive battery and Battery optimization.
  3. In the section Energy saving mode select Disabled.

On smartphones Xiaomi and Redmi additionally disable Background limitation for gaming applications in the battery settings.

4.2. Traffic prioritization for games

Android 12+ allows you to assign high traffic priority to applications. This reduces ping by limiting background processes.

Instructions:

  1. Open Settings → Applications.
  2. Select a game (for example, Genshin Impact).
  3. Go to Mobile data and Wi-Fi → Data usage.
  4. Enable Unlimited access to data i Traffic priority (if available).

4.3. Clearing the cache and background processes

Clogged cache and unnecessary background tasks increase the delay:

  • 🧹 System cache: Settings → Storage → Clear cache.
  • 🗑️ Background applications: Settings → Applications → [Select application] → Forced stop (for unnecessary services).
  • 🔄 Reboot: Reboot your smartphone every 2-3 days to reset network buffers.
⚠️ Attention: Do not clear the cache for gaming applications (for example, PUBG Mobile) - this will lead to re-loading of textures and increase the ping the next time you start.
💡

On smartphones Samsung with a shell One UI turn on the mode Game booster in the notification panel. It automatically optimizes the CPU, GPU and network for games.

5. Software methods: VPN, proxies and specialized applications

VPN and proxies help control traffic routing, but not all of them reduce ping. Let's take a look at which services work and which ones worsen the delay.

5.1. VPN to reduce ping: myth or reality?

VPN does not always reduce ping - it all depends on the location of the server:

  • ✅ Helps: If the game server is located in another country, and the VPN server is closer to it (for example, for playing on Asian servers from Europe).
  • ❌ Harms: If the VPN server is further away than your real route (ping will increase by 50-200 ms).

Best VPNs for gamers (2026):

VPN Average ping (Europe → Asia) Free plan Features
Warp (Cloudflare) 120–180 ms Yes Low latency, but limited traffic
ExitLag 80–120 ms No Specialized for games, optimizes routes
Mudfish 90–150 ms 3 days Paid, but effective for MMORPG

5.2. Proxy servers for gaming applications

Proxies work faster than VPNs because they do not encrypt traffic. Settings:

  1. Download the application ProxyDroid (required root) or HTTP Injector.
  2. Enter proxy data (can be found on sites like FreeProxyList).
  3. Select Applications only and specify the game (for example, com.tencent.ig for PUBG Mobile).

Warning: free proxies are often unstable and can increase ping. For stability, use paid services (for example, Luminati).

5.3. Applications to optimize ping

Specialized utilities automate network settings:

  • 🎯 GFX Tool — optimizes graphics and network for PUBG Mobile and Free Fire.
  • 🛠️ Game Booster 4x Faster —closes background processes and speeds up ping.
  • 📡 Net Optimizer — analyzes network routes and suggests optimal settings.
⚠️ Attention: Applications like GFX Tool may be banned in some games (for example, Call of Duty: Mobile) for changing game files. Use at your own risk.

6. Hardware methods: from cooling to antenna replacement

If software methods do not help, the problem may be in the hardware. Let's look at hardware solutions.

6.1. Overheating of the processor and its effect on ping

When the temperature is higher. 70°C Android begins throttling (performance limitation), which increases network latency. How to combat:

  • ❄️ Use a cooling case or fan (for example, Black Shark FunCooler).
  • 🔋 Close background applications (especially Facebook, Instagram —they heat up the processor).
  • 📉 Reduce graphics in games: in PUBG Mobile select Smooth + Extreme FPS.

To monitor temperature, use CPU Monitor or AIDA64.

6.2. Replacing or strengthening the Wi-Fi/4G antenna

Weak signal = high ping. If your smartphone has a bad antenna (this is true for budget models like Redmi 9A), try:

  • 📶 External antenna: For 4G, connect a USB modem with an external antenna (for example, Huawei E3372) and distribute the Internet via Wi-Fi.
  • 🔄 Repeat mode: Use the second smartphone as a repeater (application NetShare).
  • 🛠️ Replacing the antenna: You can install a more powerful antenna at the service center (relevant for Samsung Galaxy M-series).

6.3. Using USB tethering from a PC

If you have a stationary PC with wired Internet, connect your smartphone via USB and distribute the Internet via tethering:

  1. On PC: turn on Internet sharing for USB connection.
  2. On the smartphone: turn on USB modem in Settings → Connections → Modem and access point.
  3. In games, select a connection via USB (in PUBG Mobile this is done in the graphics settings).

USB tethering gives a ping 10–30 ms lower than Wi-Fi, as it eliminates wireless delays transmissions.

Some games have unique network settings. Let's look at the most popular ones.

7.1. PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty: Mobile

In these games, the ping depends on the choice of server and graphics. settings:

  • 🌍 Server: Select PUBG Mobile select Europe (if you are in Europe) or Asia (if you play with Asian friends). The server is selected automatically, but you can change the region in the settings. account. CoD: Mobile the server is selected automatically, but you can change the region in your account settings.
  • 🎨 Graphics: Install Smooth (graphics) + Extreme (FPS). High settings increase the load on the CPU, which indirectly increases the ping.
  • 🔧 Network buffer: In CoD: Mobile enable Low latency in the management settings.

7.2. Genshin Impact and Honkai: Star Rail

In these games, high ping manifests itself as character "teleportation". Solutions:

  • 🔄 Changing channel: In the launcher, select America or Europe instead of Asia (even if you are in Asia - sometimes the route is better optimized).
  • 📥 Preload: Enable Preload resources in the game settings - this reduces lag when changing locations.
  • 🚫 Disable cloud saving: In Genshin Impact cloud backups may conflict with network traffic.

7.3. Free Fire and Mobile Legends

These games are sensitive to packet loss (packet loss). To reduce losses:

  • 📦 MTU: Reduce MTU to 1400 in the router settings (section WAN).
  • 🔒 UDT protocol: B Free Fire enable UDT in the graphics settings (reduces packet loss by 20–30%).
  • 🛡️ Disable anti-cheat: B Mobile Legends anti-cheat Moonton sometimes blocks legitimate traffic - try disabling it in the settings (risk of ban!).
What to do if the ping jumps from 50 to 300 ms?

Such jumps are usually caused by:

1. Operator network overload (check the ping during off-peak hours).

2. Conflict with other devices (disconnect all gadgets from Wi-Fi except your smartphone).

3. Unstable 4G/5G signal (switch to 3G or Wi-Fi).

If the problem persists, try changing the SIM card (sometimes cheap cards have low priority in the network).

8. Extreme measures: root, custom firmware and kernels

If all else fails, radical methods remain. They require unlocking the bootloader and root accesswhich voids the warranty.

8.1. Changing kernel parameters for the network

Using the application Kernel Adiutor (required root), you can optimize network buffers:

  • 📊 Increase net.core.rmem_max i net.core.wmem_max to 16777216 (reduces packet loss).
  • 🔄 Install net.ipv4.tcp_no_metrics_save = 1 (resets route cache).
  • 🚀 Enable net.ipv4.tcp_fastopen = 3 (speeds up establishing a connection).

An example of a command to use (entered in Termux c root):

su

echo 16777216 > /proc/sys/net/core/rmem_max


echo 16777216 > /proc/sys/net/core/wmem_max


echo 1 > /proc/sys/net/ipv4/tcp_no_metrics_save

8.2. Custom firmware with an optimized TCP/IP stack

Some firmware (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience) use a modified network stack that reduces ping. Popular options:

  • 📱 LineageOS - stable firmware with optimized TCP/IP.
  • 🎮 Havoc-OS - has built-in tweaks for gamers.
  • ⚡ Corvus OS - focuses on performance network.

Warning: custom firmware can lead to brick (inoperability) of the device Before installation, make a backup via TWRP.

8.3. Disabling IPv6

On some smartphones IPv6 conflicts with IPv4, increasing the ping. To disable:

  1. Download Termux and enter: 
    su

    echo 1 > /proc/sys/net/ipv6/conf/all/disable_ipv6

  2. Reboot your smartphone.

Check the ping before and after disabling. If the delay has not changed, return IPv6 with the command:

echo 0 > /proc/sys/net/ipv6/conf/all/disable_ipv6
💡

Custom firmware and kernels give an increase of 10–40 ms, but require deep knowledge. If you are not confident in your skills, limit yourself to the software methods from the previous sections.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about ping on Android

❓ Why is the ping in games higher than in Speedtest?

Speedtest measures the delay to the nearest server, and games connect to gaming servers that may be located in another country. In addition, games use UDP (more sensitive to packet losses), and Speedtest - TCP.

❓ What ping is considered normal for mobile games?

Depends on the genre:

  • 🎮 Shooters (PUBG, CoD): up to 50 ms - ideal, 50–80 ms - playable, above 100 ms - lags.
  • 🏰 MMORPG (Genshin Impact): up to 100 ms -