Fix MSFS 2020 multiplayer not working, greyed out or showing no players with checks for online settings, Xbox sign-in, servers, privacy and NAT.
Multiplayer in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 usually fails because Online Functionality or Multiplayer is disabled, the Xbox account is not authenticated or allowed to play online, players have selected different servers or visibility modes, or a VPN, firewall, strict NAT or Xbox service interruption is blocking the connection. An outdated build can also prevent access.
Match the multiplayer symptom to its likely cause
The way multiplayer fails usually identifies which setting or service needs attention.
| Symptom | Most likely cause |
|---|---|
| Multiplayer is greyed out | Offline status, disabled Online Functionality, account restrictions or an outdated simulator build |
| No other aircraft appear | Wrong server region, Group Only mode or the Multiplayer data setting is off |
| A specific friend is missing | Different servers or modes, no group invitation, blocking or cross-network privacy restrictions |
| Connection drops after joining | VPN, packet loss, firewall filtering, NAT restrictions or an online service interruption |
How do I fix multiplayer in MSFS 2020?
The quickest fix is to restart the simulator, verify its online settings and then place every player on the same server and multiplayer mode.
- Fully restart MSFS 2020. On Xbox, quit the simulator instead of resuming it through Quick Resume, which can preserve an expired online session. On PC, close the simulator completely before reopening it.
- Install all required updates. Update MSFS through the platform that launches it, then start the simulator and allow any mandatory installation to finish. An old client may be refused access to online sessions. If the update repeatedly returns, use our steps for breaking the mandatory-update loop.
- Refresh the Xbox account session. MSFS 2020 uses an Xbox network profile for multiplayer, including the PC version. Sign out of that profile and sign back in. If the simulator also reports that it is offline, follow our account authentication and offline-status checks before changing multiplayer options.
- Enable the online data settings. Open
Options,General OptionsandData. Set bothOnline FunctionalityandMultiplayerto on, apply the changes and restart the simulator. Check any configured data limit as well; a reached limit can disable online features. - Use the same server and visibility mode. Open the profile menu and select the same server region as the other players. On the World Map, open Flight Conditions and choose
All Playerson every machine while testing.Live PlayersandGroup Onlyintentionally restrict who appears. - Check Xbox privacy permissions. The account must be allowed to join multiplayer games and, for PC-to-Xbox sessions, play with people outside its immediate network. A child account may require the family organiser to change these permissions. Xbox console players also need an active online multiplayer entitlement where required; PC players do not need a console multiplayer subscription.
- Test the network without intermediaries. Disable any VPN or proxy temporarily, restart the router and make sure the simulator and Xbox gaming services are allowed through the firewall. A strict or blocked NAT can prevent group connections even when browsing and downloads work. Do not leave the firewall disabled after testing.
If the Marketplace, live weather and other online features fail at the same time, the problem is probably broader than the multiplayer mode. Avoid reinstalling the entire simulator until account, update and service problems have been ruled out.
Why can I join multiplayer but not see my friend?
A friend who is online but invisible is almost always using a different server region, multiplayer mode or group session.
- Set both players to the same server, not merely the geographically closest server on each machine.
- Choose
All Playerson both systems for diagnosis. - If using
Group Only, send and accept a fresh group invitation before loading the flight. - Check that neither account has blocked the other and that cross-network play is permitted.
- Spawn at the same airport and confirm the same departure area; different parking positions can be farther apart than expected.
Our multiplayer setup walkthrough for joining friends covers invitations, visibility modes and shared flight preparation in more detail. Players do not need identical add-on aircraft or liveries to connect; missing content is normally replaced with another model rather than hiding the player completely.
Why does MSFS 2020 multiplayer keep disconnecting?
If a flight loads successfully and then displays Connection to network lost, the basic multiplayer settings are probably correct and the fault is more likely packet loss, authentication, a VPN, firewall filtering, NAT or a service interruption.
Test a wired connection where possible and temporarily remove VPNs or network-filtering software from the route. For a focused diagnosis, use our checks for repeated MSFS network disconnections.
Can PC and Xbox players fly together in MSFS 2020?
MSFS 2020 supports multiplayer between PC and Xbox Series X|S when both players have an updated simulator, compatible Xbox privacy permissions, the same server region and a suitable visibility mode.
Cross-platform players do not need matching aircraft add-ons, although an unavailable aircraft or livery may appear as a substitute model. Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 was never released for PlayStation, so it cannot join MSFS 2020 sessions from that platform.