Battlefield 4 Lost Connection To Session? Here’s The Fix
Connectivity issues are the bane of any multiplayer gamer’s existence, and when it comes to high-octane shooters like Battlefield 4, getting dropped from a session can be both frustrating and inconvenient. One of the most common connection errors players encounter is the dreaded “Lost Connection to Session” message. If you’ve found yourself furiously googling for answers every time this pops up mid-game, rest assured—you’re not alone, and there are fixes available.
TLDR (Too Long, Didn’t Read):
The “Lost Connection to Session” error in Battlefield 4 typically stems from issues like weak network connections, NAT settings, outdated network drivers, or server instability. To fix it, players should prioritize checking their internet stability, forwarding key ports, changing DNS settings, or simply restarting their hardware. In some cases, EA’s servers may be the root cause, so a bit of patience might do the trick. Below is a detailed guide to help resolve this recurring issue.
What Causes the “Lost Connection To Session” Error in Battlefield 4?
Before jumping to solutions, it’s crucial to understand what causes this error. Several factors contribute to the issue:
- Unstable or Slow Internet: Latency spikes or low bandwidth can lead to dropped sessions.
- Server Problems: EA servers occasionally run into trouble or undergo maintenance.
- NAT Type: A strict or moderate NAT can block essential ports, affecting multiplayer performance.
- Outdated Network Drivers: Obsolete drivers can lead to packet loss and disconnections.
- Firewall or Antivirus Configuration: Overprotective software might block the game from communicating with servers.
Now that the root causes have been outlined, let’s get into actionable fixes.
How to Fix “Lost Connection to Session” in Battlefield 4
1. Restart Your Game and Router
Sometimes the simplest fixes are the most effective. Before diving into settings:
- Close Battlefield 4 and relaunch it.
- Power off your router and wait for 30 seconds before restarting it.
This clears cache buildup and can reset unstable connections.
2. Check EA Server Status
Before assuming the problem lies within your own network, confirm that EA’s servers are operational:
- Visit the official EA Help site.
- Check the Battlefield 4 server status page or EA’s official Twitter support handle for updates.
If servers are undergoing maintenance or experiencing outages, your best move is to wait it out.
3. Adjust Your NAT Settings
Network Address Translation (NAT) affects how easily your device communicates with servers. A “Strict” NAT type may hinder online gameplay performance. Opt for “Open” or “Type 1” NAT instead:
- Log into your router’s admin panel (commonly
192.168.1.1or192.168.0.1in your browser). - Find the UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) setting and enable it. This may automatically adjust NAT.
- If UPnP doesn’t help, manually forward ports required by Battlefield 4:
Ports to forward:
- TCP: 80, 443, 3659
- UDP: 3659, 14000-14016, 22990-23006, 25200-25300
Once done, restart your router and system.
4. Switch to a Wired Connection
Wi-Fi connections are susceptible to interference and latency issues. To maximize stability:
- Use an Ethernet cable to connect your gaming device directly to the router.
- This ensures low-latency and fewer packet drops compared to wireless setups.
5. Change Your DNS Settings
Sometimes, DNS servers offered by your Internet Service Provider (ISP) may be unreliable. Popular alternatives like Google’s DNS provide better performance:
- Go to your network settings.
- Manually input the following DNS values:
- Primary DNS: 8.8.8.8
- Secondary DNS: 8.8.4.4
Apply changes and reboot your system.
6. Update Network Drivers
Outdated drivers might not work well with online services. To update them:
- On Windows, open Device Manager.
- Expand the Network adapters section.
- Right-click on your adapter and select Update driver.
After updating, restart your PC to ensure the changes take effect.
7. Reinstall the Game or Network Software
If nothing else works, it may be useful to reinstall Battlefield 4 and network libraries. Corrupt game files occasionally cause persistent issues:
- Uninstall Battlefield 4 from your system.
- Delete any leftover cache manually (check Documents or AppData folders).
- Reinstall the game via Origin, Steam, or your chosen platform.
8. Configure Firewall and Antivirus Settings
Overzealous firewalls can block game ports or executable files:
- Open your firewall settings.
- Add an exception for
bf4.exeand the main launcher. - Disable your antivirus software temporarily to test if the game session connects smoothly.
Note: Don’t forget to re-enable your antivirus after testing.
Conclusion
Though incredibly immersive, Battlefield 4 can be a source of frustration when connectivity issues arise. By systematically working through the solutions above, players can eliminate the “Lost Connection to Session” error in most cases. From adjusting NAT settings to switching to a wired connection, resolving the issue often just takes a bit of technical patience.
Persistent issues may sometimes originate from EA’s servers, so staying informed about their status is always recommended. With the right configuration, uninterrupted combat and smoother multiplayer sessions are well within reach.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: Why do I keep losing connection to the session in Battlefield 4?
- A: The error usually stems from unstable internet, strict NAT types, or EA server problems. Other causes include firewall restrictions and outdated drivers.
- Q: Can a VPN help fix Battlefield 4 connection issues?
- A: Sometimes, yes. A VPN may bypass ISP-related restrictions, but it can also introduce latency, so use with caution.
- Q: What NAT type is best for Battlefield 4?
- A: “Open” or Type 1 NAT is ideal. It allows seamless communication with game servers and reduces matchmaking errors.
- Q: How do I check if EA servers are down?
- A: Visit help.ea.com or check EA’s Twitter support for real-time updates.
- Q: Does reinstalling the game help?
- A: In cases where corrupted files are to blame, reinstalling the game can resolve recurring connection issues.