What's causing my lag spikes?
A speed test averages spikes away. This records your ping ten times a second, then reads the pattern: spikes on a strict beat come from something on a timer, random bursts from other traffic or Wi-Fi interference.
Spike finder
Sends about ten tiny requests a second and records how long each takes. Keep this tab in front and play or call as usual on this device, or leave it idle.
Spikes only when someone else is downloading? That's bufferbloat: the Smart Queue assistant fixes it.
How it works
The spike finder sends about ten tiny requests a second and records how long each takes, for 30 seconds or 2 minutes. A spike is a round trip at least 25 ms above your usual ping and nearly twice it. Then it reads the pattern: spikes on a strict beat come from something on a timer, like a Wi-Fi scan or a cloud sync, and random bursts come from other traffic on the line or interference.
Reading your result
- Spikes on a beat
- Something runs on a timer: a device scanning for Wi-Fi networks, a backup, a smart-home hub. Try a cable, then switch devices off one by one to find it.
- Random bursts
- Other traffic filling the line (bufferbloat) or Wi-Fi interference. If they happen only while others download, Smart Queue on the router fixes it.
- Few or no spikes
- The connection is steady from this device. Lag in a game is more likely the server distance or the device itself.
Questions
Why does my ping spike every few seconds?
Spikes on a regular beat almost always come from a device on a timer, most often Wi-Fi scanning for networks. A cable usually makes them disappear; if not, see fix unstable Wi-Fi.
Why does ping spike when someone downloads?
The download fills the router's queue and your game waits behind it: bufferbloat. The Smart Queue assistant gives the exact settings for your router.