Some Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 players have reported Connection failed error occurs when they try to start multiplayer mode. The full error message states, “Connection failed, Unable to access online services.” This BO6 error can occur for Windows PC and console players. These are some ways you can fix the Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Connection failed error on Windows PCs.
Check the Black Ops 6 Server Status
First, note that the Black Ops 6 Connection failed error can sometimes occur because of server issues during maintenance. To check if that’s the case, open this Activision page. Does that page show the services are down for BO6? If so, try waiting a day or two before playing Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 again.
Black Ops 6 server status page
Power-Cycle Your Router
Unplugging and plugging your router back in will refresh the connection. This is a recommended troubleshooting method for variable game connection errors. To apply this possible fix, unplug the router’s power cable, wait a few minutes, and then plug it back in. Wait five more minutes before launching Black Ops 6.
Change DNS Settings
A faulty DNS server might be causing the Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Connection failed error to arise. Setting up a faster, more reliable server for name resolution, such as Google DNS, will address this potential cause. You can change DNS settings on a Windows PC like this:
- To access Run, right-click Start and select the shortcut for opening that accessory.
- Type ncpa.cpl click OK within the Run dialog.
- Right-click the network adapter for the internet to select its Properties context menu setting.
- Double-click Internet Protocol Version 4 to view a window that includes DNS settings.
- Next, click Use the following DNS server addresses to select that radio button’s option.
- Type 8.8.8.8 into the input box for Preferred DNS.
- For the Alternative DNS setting, enter an 8.8.4.4 value.
The DNS settings
- Select OK within the IPv4 window.
Disconnect and Reconnect to Your Network
Players confirm that disconnecting and reconnecting to their connections can fix the Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Connection failed error. This is how you can disconnect and reconnect on a Windows PC:
- Click the Internet icon in your system tray area.
- Next, press the Disconnect option.
- Wait a minute or two.
- Press Connect to reconnect to the internet.
The Disconnect option
- Input the required internet password for reconnection.
Disable Active VPNs
Some players say they’ve resolved Black Ops 6 Connection failed issues by disabling VPN connections. Are you connected to a VPN when starting BO6? If so, try disconnecting from your VPN or even uninstalling its software before playing Black Ops 6 again.
Reset Weapon Loadouts to Default
Players have also reported that resetting weapon loadouts for Zombie mode can resolve the Black Ops 6 Connection failed error or similar issues. This means custom weapon loadouts can potentially cause BO6 connection issues. Try resetting weapon loadouts for Zombie Mode like this:
- Start Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and go into the Zombie mode.
- Next, select the Weapons tab.
- Click on Loadouts.
The Loadouts tab
- Select your first custom loadout.
- Hover your mouse cursor over a weapon and press the five keyboard keys.
- Click Reset to Default to select that option.
The Reset to Default option
- Repeat the steps above for all weapons with custom builds for Zombie mode.
I hope one of the potential resolutions above fixes the Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Connection failed error on your PC. They are generally possible fixes for that gaming issue that have worked for other players. Note that these potential fixes can also be effective on consoles, but you’ll need to apply some of them differently.
