Halo Infinite: How to Fix Multiplayer is Unavailable Error

Halo Infinite’s multiplayer beta kicked off on November 15, 2021. However, a number of Halo Infinite fans, old and new, are having problems connecting to the flooded game server and instead welcomed by a “Multiplayer is Unavailable” error every time they’re trying to get into a match. In case you’re one of those unfortunate Spartans, here are six methods that hopefully will help you fix Halo Infinite‘s multiplayer not loading error.

1. Check The Server Status

Before you start Googling for fixes and tinkering with your connection, the safest thing to do is to first check whether Halo Infinite’s servers are currently running or not. Maybe 343 Industries is doing sudden maintenance or you missed out on a routine maintenance announcement. Simply go to the Halo Waypoint website or the official Halo Support Twitter account to keep you updated on any news or server-based problems. Halo Waypoint also has a dedicated Known Issues section that will list any widespread error affecting the majority of the player base.

2. Change Your DNS Address

Usually, your internet service providers (ISP) will assign you to default DNS addresses that don’t need to be changed. However, DNS servers can go down or unknowingly filter/block connections to specific servers, causing multiplayer not loading errors to the Halo Infinite server. Try changing your DNS server to more common ones like Google’s (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1) for example.

3. Restart Your Modem or Router

A modem or router is still a (tiny) computer — only made to handle a specific task, which is managing your internet connections. And like your console or PC, things can go wrong from time to time. Turning off the device, waiting for 10-30 seconds, and turning it on again might’ve freed it from any crashes, IP conflict between connecting devices, or even overheating. The most basic tech advice usually works the best for that reason.

4. Restart Halo Infinite and/or Xbox App

Once you have restarted the modem or router, don’t forget to restart the game as well. Doing that makes sure that Halo Infinite is now connecting to the new IP address assigned to your system. If you’re on PC playing through Xbox Game Pass, you could also try closing the Xbox app. Personally, I’ve encountered a login issue once that was fixed by simply restarting the Xbox app.

5. Restart Your System

Just like restarting your modem or router, turning off your preferred gaming device — Xbox or PC — could also help fix the multiplayer not loading error in Halo Infinite. There might be any obstructive applications or in-game errors running in the background, and restarting your system should refresh the whole thing.

6. Use a Different Connection

Simply changing DNS or restarting devices are the most hassle-free effort to troubleshoot any networking errors. Nevertheless, as you already suspect, it may not be enough. If all the previous methods failed, you could ask friends or family members that are using different ISPs if they’re having problems with the game or not. Then, try to get into the game by turning on the hotspot feature on your mobile phone and connecting to it. Compared to streaming movies through Netflix, just playing an online game shouldn’t eat too much of your monthly data limit (if you have it) since you’re not streaming the whole game assets back-and-forth and just downloading-and-uploading packets of small player data.

If your Halo Infinite doesn’t show you the multiplayer not loading error message while using cellular data, then it’s time to contact your ISP. Your ISP should be able to conduct a complete network analysis, and they might even be able to fix any networking problem you’re encountering from their end. Asking for a static IP address might also help if you have any connection issues with other games as well.

It’s anecdotal, but friends of mine encountered the “No ping to datacenters detected” connection error while I managed to log in just fine. However, after they tried connecting with a mobile phone hotspot and/or changed to their backup ISP, they can get into online matches without any problem.