How to troubleshoot connectivity issues on Xbox Series X|S

Connectivity issues with Microsoft Flight Simulator can be caused by many different things. The suggestions below are listed in order of what we've noticed solves the most issues you might run into.

Start from the top and work your way through the list. 

PLAY ON A WIRED CONNECTION

If you're using Wi-Fi, switch to an LTE or wired connection. This will help ensure that you are on a stable internet connection.

CHECK THE XBOX SERVER STATUS

It might not be you, it might be Xbox Live. Check the Xbox Live Status for potential outages or limited access. Check the official Xbox Support Twitter for updates on network outages.

CHECK YOUR REGION SERVER

Choose the region closest to you to improve your connection, performance and speed:

1. Launch Microsoft Flight Simulator

2. Click on your icon & gamertag in the top right-hand side corner of the screen

3. Select the scrolling menu under Servers
4. Select your region

RESTART YOUR MODEM OR ROUTER

Restarting the modem or router can clear up many connectivity issues.

1. Shut down your Xbox Series X|S
2. Unplug the modem and router (if you have a router) from the power source
   All the lights on the modem and router should be off
3. Leave unplugged for about a minute
4. Plug the modem back into the power source
5. Wait until the Internet/Wifi light turns green or stops blinking 
   (typical with most modems, although some may not have these lights)
6. If you have a router, plug it back into the power source
   Wait about a minute for it to connect
7. Turn your Xbox Series X|S back on
8. Try connecting to the internet

IMPROVE THE CONNECTION PERFORMANCE

Disconnect other devices from the network to improve connection performance.

Streaming and downloading both tie up bandwidth and slow down your connection speed, which can cause problems with Microsoft Flight Simulator. This slowdown happens even if you are streaming or downloading on a different device than the one you are playing on. Stopping streams, downloads, and turning off other devices can improve your Microsoft Flight Simulator's connection a great deal.

ENABLE PORT FORWARDING

In some cases, your router may be blocking communication with Microsoft Flight Simulator servers. Unable to Connect is a typical error message associated with this issue. To resolve this, you may need to manually forward these ports.

Every router is a little different. If you run into problems with this guide, try searching your routers’ support site for a more detailed guide on Port Forwarding.

1. Open your Web Browser (ex. Microsoft Edge, Firefox, etc.)
2. Type your Default Gateway into the URL Address bar to Access Your Route
   • You may be prompted with a popup window requesting your Username and Password
   • Check your router manual for info on the default gateway
3. Look for the Port Forwarding page once you have you are on your router’s configuration page
4. Add entries for Microsoft Flight Simulator using the following port ranges:
   • TCP: 3074
   • UDP: 88, 3074, 30000 to 31000.

Port forwarding will not improve the quality of your connection to the game servers. It will only help in cases where you are unable to contact the Microsoft Flight Simulator servers while you are online.

USE GOOGLE PUBLIC DNS

We also recommend using Google Public DNS.

• Go to Settings > Network & Internet settings > Change Adapter settings
• Right-click your connection then select Properties
• Select "Internet Protocol Version IPv4" then click on Properties
• Select Use the following DNS server address.
• Set us "Primary DNS: 8.4.4.8" & "Secondary DNS: 8.8.4.4"

OR

• "Primary DNS: 8.8.8.8 & Secondary DNS: 8.8.4.4"