Fix PUBG Error: Could Not Connect [Complete Solutions]

2024/10/30

Have you encountered the PUBG “Could not connect” error message on your PC, Xbox, or PlayStation? Here are some effective solutions to help you resume your gaming experience.

As PUBG is primarily an online multiplayer game, it requires a stable connection to its servers. This error is commonly encountered by players trying to log in, and it often prevents the game from launching successfully.

I’ve explored numerous solutions to tackle this issue effectively, and I’ve compiled a list of reliable methods for you. Let’s dive into resolving this!

Possible Causes

If you’re receiving this error, the likely reason could be that you’re in a region where the game is restricted or not available. However, if you think you are in a permitted area and still see this error, consider the following causes:

PUBG servers are down or experiencing high traffic.
Your antivirus or firewall may be blocking the game.
Your Internet Service Provider (ISP) might be restricting access to PUBG.
There may be an issue with your internet settings, including DNS or IP configurations.
The game installation files might be corrupted.
Excessive background processes could be consuming bandwidth and interfering with PUBG’s server connection.

Solutions to PUBG Error “Could Not Connect”

Check out these tried-and-true methods to resolve the annoying issue with the PUBG server connection:

Start with Basic Checks and Fixes

Verify PUBG Server Status: Check the PUBG X account for any server maintenance updates or service interruptions. If the servers are down, take a break and come back later.

Restart your modem or router.
Relaunch PUBG.
Restart Steam.
Close bandwidth-intensive applications.
Launch the game via the EXE file: In the Steam app, navigate to your Steam Library, right-click the PUBG title, hover over Manage, and select Browse local files. This will open Windows File Explorer. Go into the Binaries folder to locate the game EXE. Double-click on it to start the game. Alternatively, you can use this local path to find the EXE:

C:\Program Files(x86)\Steam\SteamApps\common\PUBG\TslGame\Binaries\Win64

Utilize a VPN (Virtual Private Network)

If you’re accessing PUBG on a PC, consider employing a reliable VPN service like Windscribe. Ensure to connect to a premium server that offers low latency and fast browsing capabilities.

Switching your IP location to one closer to a PUBG server can improve performance. For instance, players in New York might choose a VPN server in states such as Iowa, Virginia, Texas, Ohio, or California.

For players from other continents, here are more server location options:

Sao Paulo, Brazil
Ireland
London, UK
Sydney, Australia
Mumbai, India
Frankfurt, Germany
Seoul, Korea
Singapore

Choosing a server closer to your location will lead to better speed and lower ping times.

Install and Use the Cloudflare Warp App

Download and install the Cloudflare Warp application.
Open the app from your Desktop or Start menu.
The user interface will shortly appear in the System Tray.
Initially, it should display as Disconnected.

Click the toggle button to enable the app.
It should then display as Connected.

Click the Cogwheel icon in the lower right corner.
A context menu will appear. Select 1.1.1.1 with WARP.

Whitelist PUBG EXE in Your Antivirus and Firewall

Whitelisting in Antivirus

Open the Windows Settings by pressing Windows + I.
Click on Update & Security.
Choose Windows Security on the left menu.
Select Virus & threat protection.

Scroll to the bottom and click on Manage settings.

You’ll now see the Virus & threat protection section.
Scroll down and choose Add or remove exclusions.

On the Exclusions screen, click Add an exclusion.
Select File from the context menu.

Use the Windows File Explorer to navigate to the PUBG game EXE file.
Choose the EXE and click Open.

From now on, Windows Security will allow the PUBG EXE to run and access the internet.

If you are utilizing another antivirus program in addition to Windows Security, go through its settings to find an option to Exclude apps or Allow app through antivirus.

Whitelist in Firewall

Access Windows Security in Windows Settings.
Select Firewall & network protection on the right side.

Click on Allow an app through firewall.

You should now see the Allowed Apps window.
Press the Change settings button in the top right corner.

Now locate the PUBG game app within the Allowed apps and features list and check it.
Click OK to save your changes.

Change Your Network’s DNS Address

You may be utilizing the default DNS provided by your ISP. Follow these steps to configure a better custom DNS:

Right-click the Internet Access or Wi-Fi icon in the System Tray.
Choose Open Internet & Network Settings.

The Network status dialog will appear.
Scroll down to Advanced network settings and click on Change adapter options.

Select the active network and right-click for Properties.

Double-click on Internet Protocol Version 4. For IPv6, select the option beneath IPv4.

On the IPv4 Properties window, select Use the following DNS server addresses and enter the following addresses:

Primary: 8.8.8.8 (Google DNS)
Secondary: 8.8.4.4 (Google DNS)
Primary: 208.67.222.222 (OpenDNS)
Secondary: 208.67.220.220 (OpenDNS)

Use any of the pairs above.

Click OK to save changes.

Switch Between IPv4 and IPv6

With the relatively low prevalence of IPv6 adoption, users employing this protocol often experience better server access than traditional IPv4 users. Additionally, networks that support IPv6 feature modern technologies that enhance performance and reduce latency.

If you’re encountering the PUBG “Could not connect” error on an IPv4 network, follow these steps:

Log into your router’s admin panel by entering 192.168.1.1 in your web browser’s address bar.
If that doesn’t work, check the back of your router for its specific admin IP address.
Input your username and password to access the router control panel.
Click on the Advanced tab and choose IPv6 from the left panel.
Use the toggle button to enable IPv6.
Select the type of connection (Static IP, PPPoE, Dynamic IP, etc.) from the Internet Connection Type dropdown. If unsure, consult your ISP.
Hit the Connect button.
Click Save.

Next, navigate to the Network Properties window on your PC by following the steps outlined above.
Uncheck the box for the IPv4 protocol.
Click OK to save your new settings.

Restart your Wi-Fi router.

Update PUBG via Steam

Launch Steam on your PC and navigate to the Library tab at the top.
Select the PUBG game from the panel on the left.
Right-click and choose Properties from the menu.

You’ll find the General tab open.
Go to the Updates tab.
In the Automatic Updates dropdown, select High Priority.

Select the Background Downloads dropdown and choose Always allow background downloads.
Steam will update PUBG automatically if any updates are pending.

Verify Integrity of Game Files on Steam

Access the General tab for the PUBG title within Steam.
Follow the previously mentioned steps to locate the area.
Now click on the Installed Files option in the left menu.
Press the Verify integrity of game files button on the right side.

Clear the PUBG Steam Cache

Select the Steam icon in the upper-left corner.
Choose Settings.

Navigate to the Downloads section on the left.
Click the Clear Cache button on the right.

Then, go to this directory on your Windows PC:

C:\Program Files(x86)\Steam\appcache

Delete everything in that folder.

Now, perform the Verify Game Files on Steam procedure again as mentioned earlier.
Restart Steam and try launching PUBG.

For users with other devices, here are the respective Steam cache directories:

Contents/Library/Application Support/Steam/appcache

Linux

/home/yourusername/.steam/steamapps/common

Reset Your Gaming Consoles

If you encounter the PUBG “Could not connect” issue on your console, consider the following reset instructions:

Xbox Reset Procedure

Press the Xbox button on your controller to open the guide.
Go to Profile & system.
Select Settings.
Scroll to System settings.
Choose Console info.
Select Reset console.
Opt for Reset and keep my games & apps.

Test the game performance after resetting.

PlayStation 4 Reset Procedure

Navigate to the Function screen and select Settings.
Scroll down to Initialization.
Choose Restore Default Settings.
Review the items affected and select Restore.

Confirm your choice by selecting Yes when prompted.
Wait for the reset process which may take several minutes.
Once completed, your PS4 will restart with standard settings.

Before proceeding, be sure to have:

Your PS4 login credentials.
Your Wi-Fi network’s SSID and password.

Uninstall and Reinstall PUBG

As a last resort, consider removing the game from your device and reinstalling it from the available cloud download option.

Uninstall PUBG via Steam

Locate the PUBG title in the Steam Library.
Right-click and hover over Manage.
Select the Uninstall option.

After uninstalling, find PUBG in the Steam Library and choose Install.

Removing PUBG from Xbox

Using your Xbox controller, navigate to My games and apps from the Home Screen.
If My games and apps isn’t visible, press the Xbox button.
The navigation panel will open on the left.
Scroll down and select My games & apps.
Press A to enter the menu.

Select See all and press A again.
All installed games will now appear.
Find the PUBG game title and press the three-line menu button on your controller.
Scroll to Uninstall and press A.

On the confirmation dialog, select Uninstall.
After removal, launch the Microsoft Store app and search for PUBG.
Select the game from the search results.
Click Install on the right and press A to begin the installation.

Uninstalling From PlayStation 4

Open the PS4 Library app.
In the left menu, select Games.
Select the PUBG title on the right and press X.
A right-side panel will display.
Select Delete and confirm by pressing X.

To reinstall PUBG, go to the Purchased section in the PS4 Library.
Locate the PUBG game title, select it, and press X.
Click the Download button in the context menu and press X again to initiate installation.

Conclusion

You can effectively resolve the PUBG Error “Could not connect” on PC, Xbox, or PS4 with these troubleshooting suggestions. It’s best to implement them sequentially to ensure you don’t overlook simpler solutions and to save valuable time.

Feel free to share below which method worked for you!

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