Some people report seeing an ‘Unable to access online services’ error when playing Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, which is to do with the connection failing. This is often a temporary issue and will go away on its own.
However, if you’ve been getting this error for days, you might want to try to fix it. There are various solutions that might work for this error code depending on what is causing it.
What Is Causing “Unable To Access Online Services” Error?
Here are some of the possible causes:
#1 Server Problems
Usually, an ‘unable to access online services’ error is to do with the server hosting the game.
So the best thing to do here is wait and try to play again later.
#2 Overcapacity
Server capacity can be stretched sometimes with popular games because there are literally millions of players using a variety of platforms, such as Xbox, PS4 or a PC, to all connect at once.
If too many people are online at the same time, the server might just freeze up.
This often happens when Call of Duty has a newly released update.
#3 Outage
Technical issues on the publisher’s or developer’s side might be too much for the server to handle, making them simply crash.
This happens from time to time with online or multiplayer type games.
#4 Maintenance
Areas sometimes go down when servers need fixes or preventative measures to be applied.
It is usual for planned maintenance to be announced ahead of time so gamers know how long it will be before they can play Call of Duty again.
#5 Issues with Local Network Connection
Sometimes you might get an ‘unable to access online services’ error if there is something wrong with your home network connection.
You might have NAT issues on your ISP system or a firewall issue.
Your modem or router might be at fault. If basic troubleshooting on your home network isn’t solving the error you might want to contact your internet service provider.
#6 Corrupted Game Data
Occasionally a Warzone gamer will post on a forum that the ‘unable to access online services’ error was solved after deleting their game data, meaning some of these accounts might have had corrupted saved games which stopped the game functioning correctly.
How Do You Fix ‘Unable to Access Online Services’ Error?
Prior to attempting one of the following fixes, you should reboot your computer or the games console you are using to play Warzone.
#1 First Check for Server Issues
Before trying any other solutions, it is a good idea to check whether there is a known server issue occurring.
The official support page of Activision should tell you whether or not this is the case.
If you use Twitter, Activision might have tweeted something about a server problem. If so, you just need to wait until it’s fixed.
#2 Try Switching to a Different Region (PC Only)
Server issues sometimes only affect one region, so you might be able to play by switching to another one. Ensure you close the game before switching the region.
When the game is closed, open the Battle.net client or Blizzard launcher, then click the icon saying Modern Warfare. Next click the globe icon and choose another region.
You can only do this on the PC, not the Xbox One or PS4, since the server region depends on the console’s actual location.
You could call Microsoft or Sony to see whether changing the region of your console is a possibility.
#3 Check Your Local Network
If there are definitely no Warzone server problems and you have been experiencing the error for more than a day, your local network might be to blame.
If you are able to play other games online using your console or computer, and you still have a connection problem, then your local network is probably the culprit behind the Call of Duty error.
#4 Reboot Your Network
Try power cycling your router or modem to see if that fixes the problem.
Occasionally a bug can get into the network and cause issues with the connection if the devices are left on for a long time.
Unplug the power cable from the router or modem and wait a minute.
Plug everything back in again and see whether that fixed the problem.
This solution also works for “Dev Error 6328” in Modern Warfare.
#5 Contact Your Internet Service Provider
Whether you are playing Call of Duty on an Xbox, computer or PlayStation, you can call your ISP and ask them to check on the issue.
Occasionally their network can cause NAT issues with the way it is configured.
You can check your router’s NAT settings but the ISP’s firewall can still cause errors when gaming.
#6 Install Updates if Needed
Updates should always be installed when available, regardless of whether or not you are having an issue.
Ensure your operating system has been updated to the newest version, and also the Warzone game and Blizzard launcher.
Updates usually install automatically on consoles.
#7 Delete Saved Game Data
It is possible for corrupted saved game data to mess up a game regardless of which platform you are using.
If none of the above fixes has worked, you might like to delete your game data. Bear in mind this will permanently delete your campaign progress in the game, so make sure you back it up first.
Deleting Modern Warfare Game Data on PS4:
- Open the “Settings” menu and click on “Storage“.
- After that click on “System Storage” and than “Saved Data“.
- Select the game to see the saved game data and click “Options“.
- Click “Delete” and select the saved data files you want to delete.
Deleting Modern Warfare Game Data on Xbox One:
- Open the “Settings” menu from the home page and click on “System“.
- Click on “Storage“, choose “Manage Storage” then “View Contents“.
- Choose a game then press “Menu” and click on “Manage Game“.
- Click on “Saved Data“, select a game and delete the files using the options menu
Deleting Modern Warfare Game Data on the PC:
IMPORTANT: Make sure all Blizzard processes are closed.
- Open Task Manager by pressing “Ctrl + Shift + Esc” together.
- Click on “Processes“, highlight all game processes and click on “End Process“.
- Go to the folder where you have the Battle.net directory and press the “Windows icon key + R“.
- This opens the Run dialog, type the following then press Enter: C:\ProgramData\.
- Now delete the folder containing Battle.net data.
- Run Battle.net app and update your game.
Also read: How To Fix “Dev Error 6068”