A two-minute pre-game checklist for ranked matches

A good pre-game checklist takes about two minutes and covers three things: the phone, the connection and you. Turn off battery saver, make sure the phone is cool, test which network has the lower ping, silence notifications and get comfortable before you queue. Most lost ranked matches that feel like "lag" start with one of these being wrong.

Why use a pre-game checklist at all?

Ranked matches are the ones where small problems cost the most. A notification banner over your aim button, a phone left on battery saver from earlier in the day, or a slow Wi-Fi connection can each decide a close match. None of them are hard to fix, but they are easy to forget when you are keen to play.

A checklist turns those fixes into a habit. Once you have run it a few times, it takes less time than the matchmaking queue.

The phone: about one minute

1. Battery saver off. Power-saving modes can cap the processor and the screen's refresh rate. On most phones, check the Quick Settings panel or search Settings for "Battery saver". Our post on battery saver and gaming explains why it matters.
2. Battery level. Aim to start with enough charge to finish the match without plugging in. Gaming while charging adds heat.
3. Temperature. If the phone feels warm on the home screen, let it cool for a few minutes before you start. A phone that starts warm slows down sooner. Remove a thick case for long sessions.
4. Storage. Make sure there is room for the game to save data and download any small patches. A nearly full phone loads more slowly.
5. Refresh rate. If your phone has a high refresh rate screen, make sure it is set to the highest option rather than a power-saving one.
6. Brightness. Turn off auto-brightness and pick a fixed level, so the screen does not dim when your hand covers the light sensor.
7. Busy apps. Finish large downloads, end video calls and stop navigation. You do not need to swipe away every app.

The connection: about 30 seconds

1. Test your ping. Check your ping on Wi-Fi and mobile data before you queue, not after a bad match. Our guide on how to test your ping on Android covers what the numbers mean.
2. Pick the steadier network. A connection with a slightly higher but steady ping is often better than a lower one that spikes. See Wi-Fi or mobile data for gaming for how to compare them.
3. Data saver off. Data-saving modes can restrict background data, and some limit apps in ways that affect online games.
4. Check the household. If someone at home is streaming video or downloading a big file, your ping may suffer. A quick word before a ranked game can save a lot of frustration.
5. VPN off, unless you need it. A VPN adds an extra stop between you and the game server, which often raises ping.

Interruptions: about 15 seconds

1. Do Not Disturb on. Calls, chat pop-ups and alarms can cover controls or pull you out of the game. Make sure the people who must reach you can still do so through your Do Not Disturb exceptions.
2. Media volume set. Set game audio to a level where you can hear footsteps, before the match starts rather than mid-fight.
3. Headphones ready. Wired headphones have no audio delay. Bluetooth earbuds can lag behind the picture, which matters for footsteps and timing.

You: about 15 seconds

Players forget this part, but it matters as much as the phone.

• Posture. Sit so your elbows are supported and your wrists are not bent sharply.
• Water nearby. Long matches are not the time to get up.
• Hands dry and screen clean. A smudge or sweaty thumb can make swipes and aiming feel less precise.
• Honest check-in. If you are tired or annoyed after a loss streak, a short break may win you more points than another match. Our post on gaming break reminders has simple ideas.

After the match

The checklist does not stop when the match ends. If something felt off, look back at what happened. Was the ping steady? Did the phone get hot near the end? Was there a disconnect? Writing down one line after a bad match makes patterns easier to spot over a week.

How CyberBoost helps

CyberBoost is a gaming HUD and game-mode app built around this kind of routine. Its eight pre-game checks cover power saving, heat, memory, data saving, storage, refresh rate and Do Not Disturb, each with a one-tap link to the right Android setting. Its dual ping test measures Wi-Fi and mobile data at the same time, and a Ranked mode can turn on Do Not Disturb, lock brightness and set media volume in one tap. After the match, the match report shows ping spikes and disconnects from your session.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to run the checklist before every match?

Not every single one. Run it at the start of a session and again if you change location, network or the phone feels warm.

Should I restart my phone before ranked matches?

It is not required, but a restart before a long session is a quick way to clear stuck apps and start cool.

Is it better to play ranked on Wi-Fi or mobile data?

It depends on your home network and signal. Test both just before playing and choose the one with the steadier ping.

Does Do Not Disturb block alarms and important calls?

It depends on how you set it up. Most phones let you allow calls from favourite contacts, repeat callers and alarms through Do Not Disturb.