How to switch servers in apex legends
By Ryan Mercer Updated 8 min read
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On this page (9 sections)
- The short version
- What you need to switch Apex Legends servers
- How to change server in Apex Legends step-by-step
- What are Apex Legends data centers and why do they matter
- Apex Legends server locations explained
- How much data does Apex Legends use per hour
- Improving your server connection with GearUP
- Common mistakes when switching Apex Legends servers
- Questions people still ask
In short: Switch servers in Apex Legends by selecting your preferred data center in the game’s network settings. The game connects you automatically, but you can choose from available servers to reduce lag and improve ping.
Part of our guide on apex legends easiest data center
Quickly switch Apex Legends servers with exact steps, learn where servers are, and how to cut lag by picking the right data center.
| Typical ping range | 20-150 ms |
|---|---|
| Data use per hour | 40-100 MB |
| Major server locations | NA, EU, Asia, Oceania |
| Recommended server ping | <60 ms |
| GearUP trial | Free on Windows |
The short version
- Apex Legends lets you pick data centers to switch servers manually.
- Server locations affect your ping and game lag significantly.
- Data usage ranges 40-100 MB per hour depending on play style.
- GearUP can improve your connection route to servers, reducing lag.
- Avoid frequent server switching during matches to prevent connection drops.
What you need to switch Apex Legends servers
To switch servers in Apex Legends, you need the game installed on your platform and an active internet connection.
A stable connection is essential; use Ethernet rather than Wi-Fi if possible to avoid packet loss.
Know your current server region to decide if switching is necessary.
Have your EA account credentials ready in case a restart is required to apply changes. Before you commit to anything, it is worth looking at best apex legends data center/region for lowest ping.
Your platform matters too. Server switching options vary slightly between PC, Xbox, and PlayStation. PC players see the most direct control, while console players rely more on auto-assignment and manual selection within the game menus.
If you use a VPN, it can interfere with server selection. A VPN might force your connection through a different region, causing higher ping or unexpected server assignments. Disable VPNs before switching servers for accurate results.
- Apex Legends game client
- Stable internet connection (preferably wired)
- EA account login
- Basic network knowledge (optional)
How to change server in Apex Legends step-by-step
Apex Legends does not allow choosing servers before login but lets you pick a data center after starting the game. People in this spot often ask about apex legends unable to connect to servers randomly as well.
Once logged in, click the 'Settings' icon on the main menu.
Navigate to the 'Gameplay' tab and scroll down to find 'Network' or 'Data Center' options.
You will see a list of available data centers with ping times displayed. It helps to understand apex legends stutter fix before going further.
Select the data center with the lowest ping to reduce lag and confirm your choice.
Restart the game if prompted to apply the new server selection.
If you want to test your ping before committing, Apex Legends lets you ping each data center. Look for values under 50 ms for a smooth experience. Values above 100 ms may cause noticeable lag. We cover apex legends sound fix in its own article.
After selecting a new server, play a few matches to confirm improvement. Sometimes a server with slightly higher ping provides more stable connection due to less congestion.
If the game crashes or fails to connect after switching servers, clear the cache or restart your platform. This resets network settings and often fixes connection issues.
- Launch Apex Legends and log in to your EA account.
- Open the main menu and go to 'Settings'.
- Select the 'Gameplay' tab and scroll to the 'Network' section.
- View available data centers and their current ping.
- Pick the data center with the best ping.
- Restart Apex Legends if the game asks you to.
What are Apex Legends data centers and why do they matter
Data centers are physical locations that host Apex Legends' game servers. It helps to understand apex legends unplayable lag before going further.
Each data center covers a geographic region like North America, Europe, Asia, or Oceania.
Your connection to the nearest data center reduces ping and lag, improving gameplay.
If your connection route to a data center is congested or long, you experience high ping or packet loss.
Switching to a different data center closer to you or with a less congested route can solve lag issues.
Data centers work by routing traffic efficiently between you and other players in your region. The physical hardware handles match hosting, player synchronization, and anti-cheat monitoring.
Different data centers can have varying hardware performance and network quality. A newer, less crowded data center might give better results even if it’s a bit farther away.
During peak hours, some data centers get overloaded, increasing lag and causing packet loss. Switching to a less busy center temporarily can improve your game until traffic reduces.
Apex Legends server locations explained
Major Apex Legends server locations include North America (East and West), Europe (Central and Western), Asia (Southeast, East Asia), and Oceania.
Each region hosts multiple data centers to balance player load and reduce latency.
Your game client detects and connects to the best default server but lets you override the choice manually.
Playing on servers far from your physical location causes lag and packet loss due to longer data travel.
Check your ping to different servers in the settings before committing to a match.
Sometimes your ISP routes traffic inefficiently, making a nearby server feel far away. This is called poor routing and causes high ping despite geographic closeness.
Apex Legends does not reveal all data center locations publicly, but common ones are in major cities like Los Angeles, Frankfurt, Singapore, and Sydney.
You can test server locations by pinging them with command line tools like 'ping' or 'tracert' on PC. This helps verify which one has the best route for your connection.
| Region | Example Cities | Average Ping Impact |
|---|---|---|
| North America | Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles | 20-60 ms if local |
| Europe | Frankfurt, London, Amsterdam | 30-70 ms if local |
| Asia | Singapore, Tokyo, Mumbai | 40-100 ms depending on distance |
| Oceania | Sydney, Auckland | 50-120 ms depending on ISP |
How much data does Apex Legends use per hour
Apex Legends typically consumes between 40 and 100 megabytes of data per hour.
This range depends on factors like match length, squad size, and in-game events.
Data use can spike during intense firefights or when many players are near you.
For mobile or metered connections, monitor your data usage to avoid unexpected charges.
Using Wi-Fi or unlimited data plans is best for extended gaming sessions.
Improving your server connection with GearUP
GearUP Booster offers a practical way to improve your connection route to Apex Legends servers.
It uses Adaptive Intelligent Routing to find better network paths, lowering ping and smoothing out packet loss.
This method helps when your ISP's default route to the server causes spikes or high latency.
GearUP does not change your chosen server location but improves how your data travels there.
Test GearUP with its free Windows trial to see if your lag reduces before subscribing.
- Adaptive Intelligent Routing reduces ping spikes
- Targets lag from slow or congested routes
- Supports Windows, mobile apps, and routers
- Free trial lets you test without risk
Common mistakes when switching Apex Legends servers
Not waiting for the game to fully load before switching servers can cause the change to not register, leading to the illusion that the switch failed.
Switching to a server outside your region may result in longer matchmaking times and unbalanced teams, reducing the quality of gameplay.
Ignoring platform-specific guidance can cause issues. Some console versions may need full game restarts for server changes to take effect properly.
- Switching servers mid-match: causes disconnects and lost progress.
- Ignoring ping values: picking a server with high ping worsens lag.
- Assuming all lag is server-related: home network issues can mimic server lag.
- Failing to restart after server change: settings may not apply until restart.
- Switching servers too often: may confuse matchmaking and cause longer queues.
Questions people still ask
Can I switch Apex Legends servers before logging in?
No, server selection happens after you log in and reach the main menu. The game auto-connects initially but lets you pick a different data center later.
Will switching servers always reduce my latency?
Not always. The closest server usually has the lowest ping, but network congestion or routing issues can override distance effects.
Does GearUP change which Apex Legends server I connect to?
No, GearUP improves the data route to your chosen server. You still select the server yourself in-game.
How often should I switch servers in Apex Legends?
Only switch when you experience high ping or lag on your current server. Frequent switching can disrupt matchmaking.
How can I check my current Apex Legends server ping?
In the 'Settings' under 'Gameplay' and 'Network', Apex Legends displays ping next to each available data center.
Is Apex Legends data usage high compared to other online games?
Its data use of 40-100 MB per hour is typical for a fast-paced shooter and not unusually high.
Ready to try it? GearUP improves ping and packet loss by optimizing your route to the Apex server you select.
Try GearUP on Apex