Your Xbox Series X or Series S is only as fast as your internet connection. Whether you're downloading a 100 GB game, streaming in 4K, or playing online multiplayer, slow speeds can ruin the experience. This guide walks you through how to test your Xbox's internet speed, what the results mean, and how to fix common problems.
How to Run a Speed Test on Your Xbox Series X/S
Microsoft built a speed test right into the Xbox console. Here's how to find it:
- Press the Xbox button on your controller to open the guide.
- Go to Profile & system → Settings → General → Network settings.
- Select Test network speed & statistics.
The test takes about 15–30 seconds. When it finishes, you'll see your download speed, upload speed, packet loss percentage, and latency (ping). Write these numbers down so you can compare them later.
Why you should also test from a browser
The Xbox's built-in test is handy, but it doesn't always tell the full story. It measures the speed between Microsoft's servers and your console, which can differ from your actual internet plan speed. For a second opinion, run a speed test from a phone or computer on the same network. If both devices show slow speeds, the problem is your internet connection — not your Xbox.
What Speeds Does the Xbox Series X/S Actually Need?
Microsoft says you need at least 3 Mbps download for online gaming. That's technically true, but it's the bare minimum. In practice, you'll want much more — especially if other people in your household are also using the internet.
| Activity | Minimum Download | Recommended Download | Upload Needed | Max Ping |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online multiplayer | 3 Mbps | 25+ Mbps | 3+ Mbps | 60 ms |
| 4K streaming (Netflix, etc.) | 25 Mbps | 50+ Mbps | 1+ Mbps | N/A |
| Game downloads (fast) | 50 Mbps | 200+ Mbps | N/A | N/A |
| Cloud gaming (Xbox Cloud) | 10 Mbps | 20+ Mbps | 2+ Mbps | 40 ms |
| Twitch/streaming gameplay | 10 Mbps | 25+ Mbps | 8+ Mbps | N/A |
Notice that ping (also called latency) matters a lot for multiplayer. Ping measures how long it takes data to travel from your Xbox to the game server and back, counted in milliseconds. Anything under 40 ms feels responsive. Between 40–80 ms is playable. Above 100 ms, you'll notice lag — enemies will seem to teleport, and your shots won't register. You can learn more about what counts as good on our what is good ping page.