How to Resolve PUBG Error: Unable to Connect [Step-by-Step Solutions]

Step 1: 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 Equipment: Restart your modem or router, and relaunch PUBG. You may also want to restart Steam, and close bandwidth-intensive applications before trying to play.

Launch from Local Files: To do this, navigate to your Steam Library, right-click the PUBG title, hover over Manage, and select Browse local files. This will direct you to the game’s EXE file. Start the game from there.

Pro Tip: The EXE file is typically located at C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\SteamApps\common\PUBG\TslGame\Binaries\Win64.

Step 2: Utilize a VPN (Virtual Private Network)

If you play PUBG on PC, try using a trusted VPN service like Windscribe. Connect to a low-latency server for improved performance. For instance, players from New York can choose servers in states like Iowa, Virginia, or Texas.

Step 3: Install and Use the Cloudflare Warp App

1. Download and install the Cloudflare Warp application.
2. Open the app from your Desktop or Start menu.
3. Enable the service by clicking the toggle button to connect.

Step 4: Whitelist PUBG EXE in Your Antivirus and Firewall

Whitelisting in Antivirus

1. Access Windows Settings by pressing Windows + I.
2. Click on Update & Security.
3. Select Windows Security on the left menu.
4. Choose Virus & threat protection.
5. Scroll to the bottom and click Manage settings.
6. Scroll down to Add or remove exclusions.
7. Click Add an exclusion and select File from the context menu.
8. Navigate to the PUBG EXE file and select it.

Repeat these steps for any other antivirus software you may be using.

Step 5: Change Your Network’s DNS Address

1. Right-click the Internet Access or Wi-Fi icon.
2. Select Open Internet & Network Settings.
3. Scroll down to Change adapter options.
4. Right-click on your active network and select Properties.
5. Double-click Internet Protocol Version 4.
6. Select Use the following DNS server addresses and enter:

• Primary: 8.8.8.8 (Google DNS)
• Secondary: 8.8.4.4 (Google DNS)

Step 6: Switch Between IPv4 and IPv6

Modern networks using IPv6 may experience improved speeds. To switch:

1. Log into your router’s admin panel with the appropriate IP address.
2. Enable IPv6 from the router settings.
3. On your PC, access Network Properties and uncheck IPv4.

Step 7: Update PUBG via Steam

1. Open Steam and go to the Library tab.
2. Right-click PUBG and select Properties.
3. Set automatic updates to High Priority.

Step 8: Verify Integrity of Game Files on Steam

1. Navigate to Installed Files in the game’s properties.
2. Click on Verify integrity of game files.

Step 9: Clear the PUBG Steam Cache

1. Select Steam in the upper-left corner and then Settings.
2. Go to the Downloads section and click on Clear Cache.

Additionally, navigate to the appcache directory and delete everything in that folder.

Step 10: Reset Your Gaming Consoles

For Xbox:

1. Press the Xbox button on your controller.
2. Select Settings under Profile & system.
3. Navigate to System settings and select Console info.
4. Opt for Reset console and choose Reset and keep my games & apps.

For PlayStation 4:

1. Go to Settings and select Initialization.
2. Choose Restore Default Settings and press Yes to confirm.

Step 11: Uninstall and Reinstall PUBG

Via Steam:

1. Right-click on PUBG in the Steam Library.
2. Choose Manage then select Uninstall.
3. Once uninstalled, find PUBG again in the Library and hit Install.

For Xbox:

1. Navigate to My games and apps using your controller.
2. Locate and uninstall PUBG.
3. Reinstall through the Microsoft Store.

For PlayStation 4:

1. Open the PS4 Library and find PUBG.
2. Select and press X to delete, then reinstall through the Purchased section.

Why am I getting the ‘Could not connect’ error in PUBG?

What should I do if the PUBG servers are down?