How to Fix Input Lag in Apex Legends

Fix input lag in Apex Legends, and you’ll instantly notice a smoother, more responsive gaming experience.

Nothing kills the thrill of a high-speed battle more than pressing a button and waiting an eternity for the game to react.

Whether you’re using a mouse and keyboard or a controller, input lag can make the difference between victory and defeat.

In this guide, we’ll cover the best ways to eliminate input lag so you can play at your peak.

10 Ways to Fix Input Lag in Apex Legends

If you’re struggling with input lag in Apex Legends, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Many players experience a frustrating delay between pressing a button and seeing the action happen on-screen. The good news is that there are multiple ways to reduce or even eliminate input lag.

Below, we’ll break down step-by-step solutions, covering both hardware and software optimizations to get your game running smoothly.

1. Adjust In-Game Graphics Settings

One of the easiest ways to fix input lag in Apex Legends is by tweaking your graphics settings. Lowering certain settings reduces the workload on your system, allowing for faster response times.

Steps:

1. Open Apex Legends and navigate to Settings (gear icon in the main menu).
   
2. Go to the Video tab.
   
3. Set V-Sync to Disabled (V-Sync prevents screen tearing but increases input lag).
   
4. Set Adaptive Resolution FPS Target to 0 (this setting can cause fluctuations in input response).
   
5. Lower settings like Texture Streaming Budget, Model Detail, and Impact Marks to reduce GPU load.
   
6. Set Anti-Aliasing to None or TSAA for best performance.
   
7. Set Texture Filtering to Bilinear to reduce processing load.
   
8. Apply the changes and test your game.

Source: Pro Settings

2. Enable NVIDIA Reflex (For NVIDIA Users)

If you have an NVIDIA graphics card, enabling NVIDIA Reflex Low Latency can significantly reduce input lag.

Steps:

1. Open Apex Legends settings.
   
2. Go to the Video tab.
   
3. Scroll down and find NVIDIA Reflex.
   
4. Set it to Enabled + Boost for the lowest latency possible.
   

3. Update Graphics Drivers

Running outdated drivers can cause lag and performance issues. Always keep your GPU drivers up to date.

Steps:

• For NVIDIA Users:
  
  1. Open GeForce Experience.
     
  2. Go to the Drivers tab.
     
  3. Click Check for updates and install any available updates.
     
• For AMD Users:
  
  1. Open AMD Radeon Software.
     
  2. Navigate to the Updates tab.
     
  3. Click Check for updates and install the latest version.
     

4. Disable Background Applications

Too many programs running in the background can use up system resources and increase input lag.

Steps:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
   
2. Look for unnecessary processes (e.g., Discord overlays, browser tabs, RGB software).
   
3. Right-click on them and select End Task.

Source: MS.Codes

4. Disable background recording in Windows:
   
   • Open Settings > Gaming > Captures and turn off background recording.
     

5. Use a Wired Connection (For Network Stability)

Wi-Fi can introduce unpredictable lag spikes, affecting both network and input lag. A wired connection ensures a stable, low-latency connection.

Steps:

1. Use an Ethernet cable to connect your PC/console directly to your router.
   
2. If using Wi-Fi is unavoidable, make sure you’re on a 5GHz network instead of 2.4GHz.
   

6. Cap Your FPS to Match Monitor Refresh Rate

If your frame rate fluctuates too much, it can cause stuttering and input delay. Capping your FPS provides a more stable experience.

Steps:

1. In Apex Legends, open Settings > Video.
   
2. Set V-Sync to Disabled.
   
3. Open Launch Options in Steam or Origin:
   
   • Steam: Right-click Apex Legends > Properties > Set Launch Options
     
   • Origin: My Game Library > Right-click Apex Legends > Game Properties > Advanced Launch Options
     
4. Add this command: +fps_max 144 (or your monitor’s refresh rate)

7. Disable Fullscreen Optimizations (Windows)

Windows has a feature called Fullscreen Optimizations, which sometimes adds input lag.

Steps:

1. Go to your Apex Legends installation folder.
   
2. Find r5apex.exe.
   
3. Right-click it and select Properties.
   
4. Go to the Compatibility tab.
   
5. Check Disable Fullscreen Optimizations.
   
6. Click Apply and restart your game.

Source: Medium

8. Adjust Mouse Settings (For PC Players)

Your Windows settings might be causing unnecessary input lag when using a mouse.

Steps:

1. Open Control Panel > Hardware & Sound > Mouse.
   
2. Go to the Pointer Options tab.
   
3. Uncheck Enhance Pointer Precision (mouse acceleration).
   
4. Set pointer speed to the 6th tick from the left.
   
5. Click Apply.

Source: WikiHow

9. Overclock Your Monitor (Optional)

Some monitors can be overclocked to a higher refresh rate, reducing input delay.

Steps:

1. Open NVIDIA Control Panel or AMD Radeon Settings.
   
2. Go to Display Settings.
   
3. Find the Custom Resolution option.
   
4. Increase the refresh rate slightly (e.g., from 144Hz to 165Hz).
   
5. Test to see if it remains stable.
   

Warning: Not all monitors support overclocking, and forcing a high refresh rate may cause instability.

10. Lower Input Latency in Windows

Windows has power settings that can affect input responsiveness.

Steps:

1. Open Control Panel > Power Options.
   
2. Select High Performance mode.
   
3. If you have a Ryzen CPU, install AMD Ryzen High-Performance Power Plan from the AMD website.

For a visual guide on optimizing your settings to fix lags and input delay, check out the following video:

What’s a Good Input Lag Speed in Apex Legends?

When it comes to competitive shooters like Apex Legends, every millisecond matters. Ideally, you want your input lag to be as low as possible to ensure your actions feel instant and responsive. But what exactly is considered “good” input lag?

For most players, an input lag below 10 milliseconds (ms) is ideal. Professional and high-level players aim for below 5ms, as even the smallest delay can make a difference in a fast-paced gunfight. However, achieving ultra-low input lag depends on multiple factors, including your hardware, monitor refresh rate, and game settings.

Here’s how input lag breaks down:

• 0-10ms (Excellent) – Almost imperceptible input lag. If you’re in this range, your controls should feel very responsive.
  
• 10-20ms (Good) – Still very playable, but some competitive players may notice a slight delay.
  
• 20-40ms (Acceptable) – This is where input lag starts to become noticeable. It might not ruin casual play, but for ranked or competitive matches, it can be a disadvantage.
  
• Above 40ms (Bad) – Significant delay that can impact gameplay. If your input lag is this high, you should troubleshoot and optimize your settings.
  

How to Measure Your Input Lag

If you’re curious about your input lag, there are a few ways to measure it:

• Use NVIDIA Reflex Latency Analyzer (if you have a compatible monitor and GPU)
  
• Test with a high-speed camera (some players record slow-motion footage to check response time)
  
• Use third-party software like LatencyMon to analyze system latency
  

While network latency (ping) and frame rates are important, input lag is a separate issue that affects how quickly your actions register on-screen.

By optimizing your hardware, settings, and connection, you can lower your input lag and gain a competitive edge in Apex Legends.

Fixing Controller Input Lag in Apex Legends

Controller users aren’t immune to input lag. Here are some tips to address it:

• Lower Deadzone and Response Curve: Adjusting these settings in the Advanced Look Controls can make your controller more responsive.
  
• Try Different USB Ports: Sometimes, switching to another USB port can reduce lag.
  
• Overclock Your Controller: Increasing the polling rate can decrease input delay, but proceed with caution and ensure you understand the risks involved.
  
• Use a Wired Connection: Bluetooth controllers can introduce latency. Opting for a wired connection can provide a more stable experience.
  

Apex Legends Settings to Lower Input Lag

Tweaking in-game settings can significantly impact input lag. Here’s what to focus on:​

• Graphics Settings: Lower settings reduce system load, potentially decreasing input lag.
  
• Disable V-Sync: While V-Sync can eliminate screen tearing, it often introduces input lag. Turning it off can improve responsiveness.
  
• Enable NVIDIA Reflex: This setting, available to NVIDIA users, is designed to reduce system latency.
  
• Adjust Resolution: Lowering your resolution can decrease the workload on your GPU, potentially reducing input lag.
  

What Can Cause Input Lag in Apex Legends?

Understanding the root causes can help in effectively addressing input lag:

• Hardware Limitations: Older or underperforming hardware may struggle to keep up with the game’s demands, leading to delays.​
  
• Outdated Drivers: Running outdated graphics or system drivers can cause performance issues.​
  
• Background Applications: Other programs consuming system resources can impact game performance.​
  
• Network Issues: High latency or unstable connections can manifest as input lag.​
  
• In-Game Settings: Certain settings, like V-Sync, can introduce input lag when enabled.​

Addressing input lag in Apex Legends involves a combination of hardware checks, system optimizations, and in-game adjustments. By systematically applying the strategies outlined above, you can enhance your gaming experience and perform at your best.​

To boost your FPS and fix network lag in Apex Legends, try NoPing! Download it and test it for free for 7 days!