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Why Can’t I Play FIFA with Friends? The Ultimate Troubleshooting Guide

So, you’re ready to showcase your digital football prowess, trash-talk your best mate, and secure bragging rights in FIFA. But alas, the virtual pitch remains frustratingly empty, and your friend list stubbornly refuses to cooperate. Why can’t you play FIFA with friends? The answer, unfortunately, isn’t always straightforward. A multitude of factors can conspire to keep you from your digital kickabout, ranging from simple oversights to more complex network configurations.

The most common culprits include:

Platform Incompatibility: Are you and your friend playing on the same platform (e.g., PlayStation, Xbox, PC)? Crucially, are you both on the same generation of that platform (e.g., PlayStation 5 vs. PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S vs. Xbox One)? FIFA often limits cross-play to within the same console generation due to technical limitations and gameplay parity.
Cross-Play Settings: If cross-play is supported between your platforms, have you both enabled it within the FIFA settings? Buried in the menus, this setting is frequently overlooked.
Network Connectivity: Are you both connected to the internet and signed into your respective online services (e.g., PlayStation Network, Xbox Live, EA Servers)? A weak or unstable internet connection on either end can prevent a successful connection.
Subscription Requirements: Online multiplayer on consoles usually requires a subscription service like PlayStation Plus or Xbox Live Gold/Game Pass Ultimate.
Friend List Issues: Are you actually friends on the relevant platform’s network? This seems obvious, but a forgotten friend request can be a common cause of frustration.
Game Updates: Are both of you running the latest version of FIFA? An outdated game version can cause compatibility issues.
NAT Type Restrictions: Your NAT (Network Address Translation) type can significantly impact your ability to connect with others. A strict NAT type can block connections from players with different NAT types.
EA Server Issues: Sometimes, the problem isn’t on your end at all. The EA servers can experience outages or maintenance, preventing anyone from playing online.
Account Issues: Make sure that both accounts have the necessary permissions and are not restricted in any way.
Firewall/Antivirus Interference: Your firewall or antivirus software on PC might be blocking FIFA’s online access.

Let’s dive deeper into each of these potential roadblocks and explore how to overcome them so you can finally get that game started.

Common FIFA Multiplayer Issues and Solutions

Platform and Generation Compatibility

This is the bedrock of whether or not you can play together. FIFA, particularly in recent years, has limited cross-play functionality.

Same Platform, Same Generation: This is the ideal scenario. If you’re both on PlayStation 5 or both on Xbox Series X/S, for example, you should have no trouble connecting, assuming other settings are correct.
Same Platform, Different Generation: This is where things get tricky. Generally, FIFA does not support cross-generation play. A PlayStation 5 player can’t directly play against a PlayStation 4 player, even though they’re both on the PlayStation Network. FIFA 23, for example, allows cross-play between PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, but not with PlayStation 4 or Xbox One.
Different Platforms: While cross-play is becoming more common, it’s crucial to check which platforms are supported for cross-play in the specific FIFA version you’re playing. FIFA 23 allows crossplay between Playstation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
PC Considerations: PC players are often grouped with the current-generation consoles for cross-play purposes.

Solution: Double-check the cross-play compatibility for your version of FIFA. If cross-generation play isn’t supported, someone will need to upgrade their console to match the other player’s generation.

Cross-Play Settings

Even if your platforms are compatible, cross-play needs to be enabled within the FIFA settings.

Finding the Setting: Navigate to the main menu, then look for Customize > Online Settings > Matchmaking Options. The exact path might vary slightly depending on the FIFA version.
Enable/Disable: Make sure the “Cross-Platform Play” setting is enabled.
Restart: After changing the setting, it’s always a good idea to restart FIFA to ensure the changes are applied.

Solution: Ensure cross-play is enabled in FIFA’s settings.

Network Connectivity and Subscriptions

A stable internet connection and the necessary subscriptions are fundamental.

Internet Speed and Stability: Run a speed test to ensure you have sufficient bandwidth and a stable connection. A wired connection (Ethernet) is generally more reliable than Wi-Fi.
Ping: High ping (latency) can cause lag and disconnects.
PlayStation Plus/Xbox Live Gold/Game Pass Ultimate: These subscriptions are usually required for online multiplayer on consoles.

Solution: Verify your internet connection, consider switching to a wired connection, and ensure you have an active PlayStation Plus or Xbox Live Gold/Game Pass Ultimate subscription.

Friend List and NAT Type

These are more technical but can be crucial to resolve connectivity problems.

Platform Friend List: You need to be friends on the platform’s network (PlayStation Network or Xbox Live) to invite each other to games.
NAT Type: This determines how easily your console can connect to other players.
- Open NAT: Ideal. Allows connections to all NAT types.
- Moderate NAT: Can connect to Open and Moderate NAT types but may have issues with Strict NAT.
- Strict NAT: Can only connect to Open NAT types. This is the most restrictive and often causes connection problems.

Solution: Add each other as friends on the platform’s network. Check your NAT type in your console’s network settings and try to improve it if it’s Strict or Moderate. You may need to forward ports in your router settings (consult your router’s manual for instructions).

Game Updates and EA Server Status

Sometimes, the problem is out of your hands.

Game Updates: Ensure both of you have the latest FIFA update installed.
EA Server Status: Check the EA Help website or social media channels (Twitter) for any reported server outages or maintenance.

Solution: Update FIFA to the latest version. Check the EA Server status and wait for any outages or maintenance to be resolved.

Firewall/Antivirus Interference (PC)

If you’re on PC, your security software might be blocking FIFA’s online access.

Firewall Exceptions: Add FIFA (and the EA app, if applicable) as exceptions in your firewall settings.
Antivirus Software: Temporarily disable your antivirus software to see if it’s causing the issue. If so, you’ll need to configure it to allow FIFA’s traffic.

Solution: Add FIFA and the EA app to your firewall exceptions. Temporarily disable your antivirus software to test if it’s interfering with the game.

Contacting EA Support

If you’ve tried everything else and still can’t connect, it’s time to contact EA Support directly. They may be able to provide more specific troubleshooting steps or identify an issue on their end.

Now, let’s tackle some frequently asked questions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why is FIFA 22 not letting me play with friends?

FIFA 22 may not let you play with friends due to platform and generation incompatibility. Cross-play is available but limited. Make sure you’re on the same platform generation and that cross-play is enabled in the game settings. Additionally, check your network connection, subscription status (PlayStation Plus or Xbox Live Gold), and friend lists.

2. Why can’t I play with my friend on FIFA 23 cross-platform?

Cross-play in FIFA 23 is restricted to players on the same platform generation. This means that PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC players can play together, but they cannot play with PlayStation 4 or Xbox One players. Ensure that you and your friend are on compatible platforms and that cross-play is enabled.

3. Why can’t I play with my friend on FIFA 22 Xbox?

If you and your friend are both on Xbox but can’t play together, ensure you’re on the same console generation (Xbox One or Xbox Series X|S). FIFA 22 doesn’t support cross-generation play. Also, verify your NAT settings and make sure you’re both friends on Xbox Live.

4. Why can’t I play online friendlies FIFA 21?

Online friendlies in FIFA 21 might be affected by network issues. If one of you is on an IPv6 address and the other is on IPv4, this can cause problems. Setting a Static IP address to your console and then DMZ it might resolve this issue. Contacting EA support might provide more direct solutions.

5. Can you play online friendlies FIFA 22?

Yes, you can play online friendlies in FIFA 22. Navigate to the Online Friendlies mode and select your friend from the list to invite them to a match. Make sure you both have stable internet connections and are friends on the platform network.

6. Why can’t I connect to FIFA 23 online?

Connectivity issues in FIFA 23 can arise from server maintenance, poor internet connection, or problems with your console or PC. Check EA’s server status to see if there’s ongoing maintenance. Also, try restarting your console/PC and router.

7. Why can’t I play with my friends on FIFA XBox?

You can’t play FIFA with friends on Xbox if you are not on the same generation version as your friend. FIFA 23 is cross-platform, but it’s not cross-generation. Verify you both have Xbox Live Gold or Game Pass Ultimate subscriptions.

8. How do I enable Crossplay on Xbox?

To enable crossplay on Xbox: Go to your Xbox settings; Scroll to Account and click on Privacy and Online Safety; Click on Xbox Live Privacy; Click on View Details and Customise; Click on Communications and Multiplayer; Change “You can play with people outside of Xbox Live” to allow.

9. Why can’t I play FIFA crossplay?

Ensure the Cross-Play settings are enabled through the menu of the game. From the main FIFA screen, go to [Customise]; Select [Online Settings]; Select [Matchmaking Options]. Restart FIFA after changing these settings.

10. Why can’t I invite my friend to a game Xbox?

Check your NAT Type in your console’s Network Settings. If it’s Strict, it can block connections. Also, ensure you’re both friends on Xbox Live and that you both have stable internet connections.

11. Why is it not letting me play FIFA 23?

Reboot your console/PC and router. Open the EA app, go onto FIFA 23, click the Manage button, and then choose Repair. Retry playing when that is done. If that does not work, contact EA support to get more direct technical assistance.

12. Why is FIFA 23 not letting me on?

First, reboot your console and router and retry playing. If the issue persists, boot your console in Safe Mode and then choose Option 5, Rebuild Database before trying again.

13. Why can’t I play FIFA 23 with EA Play?

It’s not possible to play a full version of FIFA 23 via EA Play (Standard). You can get access to the full game by upgrading your subscription to EA Play Pro. EA Play (Standard) usually provides a trial period for new games.

14. Can you play FIFA against friends online?

Yes, you can play FIFA against friends online in FUT Friendlies, Online Friendlies, or Online Seasons. Ensure you’re both friends on the platform network, have stable internet connections, and have the necessary subscriptions (PlayStation Plus or Xbox Live Gold).

15. Why is Crossplay not working on my Xbox?

Make sure you’re signed in to the Xbox network and that the Xbox status is up and running. Make sure your Xbox friends are online and connected to the Xbox network. Ensure your cross-play settings are enabled.

Conclusion

Getting FIFA to work seamlessly with friends can sometimes feel like navigating a tricky formation. However, by systematically addressing the common issues outlined above – platform compatibility, cross-play settings, network connectivity, subscription requirements, and more – you can significantly increase your chances of getting onto the virtual pitch and enjoying some friendly competition. Remember to check for game updates, server status, and firewall settings. And when all else fails, don’t hesitate to reach out to EA Support for personalized assistance.

These troubleshooting tips also require players to develop problem-solving skills, a crucial aspect of game-based learning that institutions like the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org actively promote. So, while you’re getting your game on, you’re also unknowingly sharpening your cognitive abilities! Now go forth and conquer – your FIFA glory awaits!

Why can’t I play FIFA with friends?