How to Fix Minecraft Lag

MinecraftMinecraft is a very popular sandbox produced by Notch. Now owned by Microsoft, the game has still been updating. You can do anything you want in the game as there is no main story line or given quest the players must complete. You shape your own experience with the game. To play online with friends there are two options. There are personally owned realm and larger severs. While playing Minecraft online with friends, you may experience lag. While some of this lag may be caused by the sever, the other part of it is due to your own connection to the game servers. In this post we will show you how to fix lag spikes and lower ping times with a VPN, with suggestions for PC, Mac, Linux, PS4, Xbox One, Switch, and mobile devices.

How to Fix Lag Spikes in Minecraft

Here is the quickest way to improve Minecraft lag on PC, Mac, or mobile with a VPN.

  1. Sign up for ExpressVPN (includes a 30-day money back guarantee)
  2. Download the ExpressVPN app and connect to a server in the region you wish to play in.
  3. Test to see if your ping has lowered from your normal response time.
  4. Launch Minecraft and enjoy!

Want to fix lag spikes on PS4 or Xbox One? If so follow these instructions.

  1. Sign up for ExpressVPN (includes a 30-day money back guarantee)
  2. Log into Expressvpn.com and go to the “DNS Settings” tab.
  3. Click the button to register your IP address.
  4. You can also set dynamic DNS (more technical users)
  5. Click on the “Dashboard” tab
  6. Look for the “Set up on all your devices” section and click on the “see all devices” link.
  7. Click on the set up guide for your console. ExpressVPN MediaStreamer supports PS4, PS3, Xbox One, and Xbox 360. They also have a YouTube video to help Nintendo Switch users get set up.
  8. Make note of the IP address given in the set up box to the right of the screen.
  9. Set the DNS on your console to the IP given on the ExpressVPN site.

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Why Does Minecraft Lag?

The popularity of Minecraft is both a blessing and a curse. As we mentioned, you will playing with users with differing Internet connection speeds. If you have performance issues when using the Internet in general then you can expect lag spikes when playing Minecraft. The two main considerations for lag are your Internet speed and hardware. PC gamers will want to focus on CPU, memory, and graphics card. Everyone needs a fast Internet connection.

More Tips to Fix Lag Spikes in Minecraft

Let’s start by looking at the best way to increase your Internet speed and lower ping times. In doing so you can expect less lag and a better gaming experience. We recommend testing a VPN to improve ping and reduce your lag. The key is to find a better route between your system and the game server. Your ISP isn’t focused on this issue as much as VPN providers. They know that it’s a competitive advantage if they can offer you a faster router to key locations. Most of the game developers host regional game servers in the same locations. This allows VPNs to offer better routes and will give you a boost in performance.

Minecraft Server Locations

Minecraft lets players own their own servers. If you are looking to play with someone on an overseas sever then I would recommend using a location near where the sever you play on is set up.

Here are some of the faster VPN locations to connect to when playing Minecraft.

  • United States – Washington DC and Los Angeles
  • Canada – Toronto or Montreal
  • Europe – London, Paris, Frankfurt, Stockholm
  • Asia Pacific – Singapore, Seoul. Tokyo, Sydney, Chennai
  • South America – Sao Paulo
  • China – Hong Kong

System Requirements and Recommendations

This section is mainly for PC gamers. You will want to make sure you have the proper system specs for Minecraft. The minimum requirements are often not enough to enjoy the game.

You will want to come as close as possible (or above) these recommended system specs.

  • Operating system – Windows 10, Linux any version from 2014 onward, macOS 10.12 Sierra
  • Processor – Intel Core i5-4690 3.5GHz or AMD A10-7800 APU 3.5 GHz
  • Memory – 8 GB RAM
  • Video card – GeForce 700 Series or AMD Radeon Rx 200 Series with OpenGL 4.5
  • Hard Drive: 4 GB (SSD recommended)

Here is a little more information on using a VPN for gaming.


How to Play Minecraft with ExpressVPN

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ExpressVPN is our favorite VPN to fix lag. They allow you to receive a superior gaming experience by reducing ping and protecting your information. You will be able to connect to any of the server locations in 94 countries. ExpressVPN allows you to be closer to your game server and lowers the latency. It will do so while protecting your IP address. You will appear as if you are actually from the location you are connecting to. It gives you a kill switch and protects against DDoS attacks, while playing. You can reduce lag and play safer with ExpressVPN.

ExpressVPN app

ExpressVPN has an exciting exclusive discount of 49% off a year subscription of VPN with an extra 3 months for all our readers. You can play online with less lag and improved privacy. Take advantage of regional exclusives and play with friends internationally through the over 160 server locations. It is easy to use and available across a variety of devices. ExpressVPN offers a 30 day money back guarantee. This gives you a full month to see how a VPN can help your gaming experience.

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