Can't join your friend's game lobby or party
This is a network connection issue or a permission problem. First restart your console completely. Turn it off, wait 10 seconds, and turn it back on. If that doesn't work, check that your internet connection is working and that your friend's privacy settings allow you to join.
Multiplayer connections need a good network path between you and your friend's console. If the connection is weak, blocked by firewall settings, or if the game server is unreachable, the join fails. Restarting both your console and router fixes most of these issues. If it keeps happening, your network can need some settings adjusted or there's a wider connection problem.
- ✓Have your friend's name or account ID handy so you can make sure you're trying to join the right person
- ✓Make sure your router is powered on and the WiFi or Ethernet connection is active
- ✓Have your friend ready to help with their privacy settings if needed
Fix-IT-Bot will walk you through each step, just tap, no typing needed.
Skip, I just want a technicianCommon mistakes to avoid
- Thinking the game is broken when it's a network issue. Restart your console and router first
- Not checking if your friend can actually see you online. You can be appearing offline to them
- Blaming the friend's WiFi when you have the same WiFi connection problem
- Trying to join the same friend over and over without restarting anything in between
Signs you need professional help
- If you've restarted your console and router but still can't join any lobbies, or if your NAT type shows as Strict and won't change after restarting, contact us for network troubleshooting — we can help adjust your router settings if needed.
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