Fix MSFS 2020 not connecting to the internet: check Xbox sign-in, Online Functionality, outages, firewall, VPN, DNS and router settings.
MSFS 2020 usually fails to connect because Microsoft or Xbox services are unavailable, the Xbox account token has expired, Online Functionality is disabled, or a VPN, firewall, router or DNS filter is blocking traffic. Restart and re-authenticate first, then test the simulator with filtering disabled and its data settings enabled.
A working browser does not prove that Microsoft Flight Simulator can reach every service it needs. Account authentication, multiplayer, Bing imagery, weather, Marketplace content and update delivery use separate online components. If the simulator specifically displays You are currently offline, use our targeted checks for the MSFS offline warning.
Which part of the MSFS connection has failed?
The affected feature usually reveals whether the fault is an account, service, data-setting or local-network problem.
| Symptom | Likely cause | Best first action |
|---|---|---|
| All online features are unavailable | Expired Xbox sign-in, service outage or Online Functionality disabled | Restart, sign in again and check Data settings |
| Stuck on Checking for updates | Authentication, update service, system clock or network filtering | Check the account, time settings and startup connection |
| Bing imagery or photogrammetry is missing | Individual data options disabled or a data limit reached | Review Online Functionality and bandwidth settings |
| Only multiplayer fails | Online permissions, server selection, NAT or a mismatched simulator build | Check multiplayer settings and install pending updates |
| MSFS works through a mobile hotspot | Router, DNS, ISP or household filtering | Troubleshoot the normal network rather than reinstalling MSFS |
| Xbox loses connection after Quick Resume | Stale online session or account token | Quit the simulator completely and relaunch it |
How do I restore the MSFS 2020 internet connection?
A complete session reset followed by account and data-setting checks fixes most MSFS 2020 connection failures without reinstalling the simulator.
- Verify the device connection. Open another online service on the same PC or Xbox. If nothing connects, restart the modem or router and solve that wider network problem first.
- Quit MSFS completely. On PC, close the simulator and restart Windows. On Xbox, use Quit rather than resuming the suspended session, then restart the console. Quick Resume can preserve an expired authentication token.
- Sign in again. On PC, confirm the expected Microsoft and Xbox profiles are signed in. Store installations should also have access to the account holding the simulator entitlement; Steam installations still require a Microsoft or Xbox account inside MSFS. If sign-in loops or never completes, follow our steps to repair Xbox authentication in MSFS.
- Correct the system clock. Enable automatic date, time and time-zone settings, synchronise the clock, and restart the simulator. Even a modest clock error can invalidate secure account tokens.
- Enable Online Functionality. In MSFS 2020, open
Options,General Options, thenData. Turn onOnline Functionalityand apply the change. Also check whether a data-consumption limit has been reached. Our MSFS data and cache settings guide explains the related Bing, photogrammetry and rolling-cache controls. - Remove network filters temporarily. Disconnect any VPN or proxy and pause DNS filtering, parental controls or web protection for one controlled test. Re-enable protection afterwards; if the test succeeds, create an exception rather than leaving security disabled.
- Check firewall access. Allow Microsoft Flight Simulator and the relevant Microsoft or Xbox components through the active firewall. Third-party security suites may continue filtering traffic even when Windows Firewall shows the simulator as allowed.
- Install pending platform updates. Update Windows and the Microsoft Store, Xbox app, Gaming Services or Steam components used by your installation. Restart after updating so old background services are not left running.
What does it mean if MSFS works on a mobile hotspot?
A successful hotspot test points to the normal router, DNS service, ISP path or household filtering rather than the simulator installation.
Restart the router, return custom DNS settings to automatic for a test, and try a wired connection if possible. On Windows, ipconfig /flushdns clears the local DNS cache. Treat a full Windows network reset as a last resort because it removes network adapters and may require VPN or virtual networking software to be configured again. Remember that MSFS streaming can consume substantial mobile data.
What if MSFS is stuck on Checking for updates?
A Checking for updates loop is usually a startup authentication or content-delivery problem, not proof that the entire internet connection has failed.
Confirm the system clock and Xbox sign-in first, then remove VPN and DNS filtering for a test. If the loop remains, use the more specific startup update-check troubleshooting steps rather than changing scenery or graphics settings.
Why does MSFS connect and then drop offline again?
Repeated disconnections usually indicate packet loss, unstable Wi-Fi, an expiring account session, aggressive security filtering or an intermittent Microsoft service problem.
Test with Ethernet or a different network and note which features fail. If only multiplayer drops, investigate NAT and multiplayer permissions; NAT problems do not normally disable Bing imagery or account sign-in. If every online feature disappears together, concentrate on authentication, firewall filtering and the underlying connection.
Should I reinstall MSFS 2020?
Do not reinstall MSFS 2020 for an internet error until account, service and network checks have failed.
Deleting the Official or Community folders does not normally repair Xbox authentication. Rebuilding the rolling cache can correct streamed-scenery artefacts, but it will not restore a failed sign-in. Random port forwarding is also the wrong fix unless the fault is limited to multiplayer or NAT behaviour.