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What is packet loss and can you stop it?
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Lag ruining your game? Here’s everything you need to know about packet loss, from how it affects gaming to simple ways you can fix it and get back to smooth, seamless play
By Virgin Media Edit
- Published
- 17 April 2026
Key Takeaways
Packet loss can cause lag, buffering, and poor call quality
Weak WiFi, network congestion, outdated hardware or software issues can cause packet loss
Packet loss can lead to lag, glitches, and even disconnections
A broadband speed test can highlight issues like high latency and jitter
What is packet loss?
Packet loss might sound technical, but it’s actually pretty simple. When you go online, everything you do - from streaming and gaming to browsing - is powered by tiny chunks of data called packets. These packets travel across networks to reach your device.
Packet loss happens when some of those packets don’t make it to their destination.
For your connection to feel smooth and seamless, those packets need to arrive safely and in the right order. When they don’t, you’ll start to notice issues like lag during online gaming, buffering while streaming, or glitchy audio and video on calls.
What causes packet loss?
Packet loss can happen for a few different reasons - sometimes it’s down to your setup at home, and sometimes it’s further along the network.
Here are some most common causes:
If your WiFi signal isn’t strong enough, packets can struggle to reach your device. This often happens when you’re far from your router or there are walls and obstacles in the way. The result? An unreliable connection where some data simply doesn’t arrive.
When lots of devices are online at the same time, your network can get a bit crowded. If there isn’t enough bandwidth to go around, some packets may get dropped, which can slow things down and affect performance.
If that sounds familiar, it could be time to upgrade your speed. With our range of ultrafast broadband packages, there’s plenty of power to keep every device running smoothly.
Older routers, worn-out cables or overheating equipment can all lead to packet loss. If your kit isn’t performing at its best, it may struggle to keep up - especially with faster speeds and multiple connected devices.
Outdated software or network drivers can also cause problems. If your device or router isn’t running the latest updates, it might not handle data as efficiently, leading to lost packets along the way.
Data doesn’t always travel in a straight line; it moves across different routes to reach its destination. If one of those routes is slow or unstable, packets can get lost in transit.
Another major cause of packet loss is slow or outdated broadband. If you don't have enough speed at home, expecially when multiple people are using the internet at the same time, your broadband won't be able to handle large amounts of data at once, leading to some packets being lost.
When that's the case, upgrading to a faster broadband package or switching to a faster provider is usually the only way to often solve the problem.
How does packet loss impact gaming?
When you’re gaming online, your device is constantly sending and receiving data from the game server. That includes everything from your movements to what’s happening in the game world around you.
If packets go missing, the game doesn’t get the full picture, and that’s when problems start.
You might notice:
Gaming lag or delayed reactions
Characters freezing or jumping around
Other players glitching or disappearing
Actions not registering properly
In fast-paced games, even small amounts of packet loss can make a big difference. And in more severe cases, it can even disconnect you from the game entirely.
How can I test my packet loss?
A quick and easy way to check how your connection is performing is with a broadband speed test.
Our speed test looks at more than just download and upload speeds. It also measures things like latency and jitter, which can help highlight any potential packet loss issues. If those numbers are higher than expected, it could be a sign that your connection isn’t as stable as it should be.
How to fix packet loss
The right fix depends on what’s causing the issue, but here are some simple steps that can make a big difference:
1. Restart your router
Turning your router off and on again can refresh your connection and clear temporary issues.
2. Switch to a wired connection
Ethernet cables provide a more stable connection than WiFi, helping reduce packet loss, especially for online gaming.
3. Improve your WiFi signal
Move closer to your router or use a WiFi booster to strengthen your signal and reduce interference.
4. Update your software
Make sure your devices, drivers and router firmware are all up to date for the best performance.
5. Reduce network traffic
Too many devices online at once can cause congestion. Pausing downloads or streaming on other devices can help free up bandwidth.
6. Upgrade old equipment
If your router or cables are past their best, replacing them can improve reliability and reduce packet loss.
Still having packet loss issues?
If you’ve tried the steps above and you’re still having trouble, your broadband package might not be keeping up with your needs. Busy homes, 4K streaming, online gaming and video calls all demand more from your connection, and without enough speed, packet loss can become more common.
That’s where we come in. With ultrafast speeds starting from 136Mbps and going all the way up to gigabit and beyond, there’s a package to suit every household.
Ready for a smoother, more reliable connection? Check out our latest broadband deals and enter your postcode to see what speeds are available in your area.
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