The situation where a long-awaited fighting game session is interrupted by an endless "waiting for Wi-Fi" screen is familiar to many mobile device owners. Instead of enjoying spectacular finishing moves and online battles, the user is stuck in a menu where the game insistently demands an internet connection, even if the network is active. This is a common technical glitch that can be caused by a software conflict on the app's end or by specific settings on the router or ISP.
The problem often stems from an incorrect handshake between the game client and NetherRealm Studios' servers. Network protocol may block the transmission of data required for authorization, creating the illusion of a disconnected connection. In some cases, the game attempts to connect to a specific port that is blocked by a firewall or antivirus. Understanding the nature of the error is the first step to successfully restoring access to multiplayer.
In this article, we'll cover effective troubleshooting methods, ranging from simple smartphone steps to complex DNS settings. It's important to proceed consistently, as randomly switching settings can confuse the system. Mortal Kombat — is a demanding application, and connection stability plays a critical role in synchronizing game events.
Checking basic connection and network stability
The first thing to rule out is basic internet connection issues. Even if other apps are working, a fighting game can be sensitive to signal strength or temporary ping spikes. Make sure your router is functioning properly and distributing IP addresses without delays. Sometimes a simple router reboot helps: unplug it for 10-15 seconds, then plug it back in.
If you're using Wi-Fi, try switching to mobile data (4G/5G) or vice versa. This will help you determine whether the problem lies with your home network or the device's communications method. IP address The device must be received correctly, without conflicts with other devices on the network. In rare cases, the ISP may block certain gaming ports, which can also cause the connection to freeze during the waiting phase.
It's also worth paying attention to your use of VPN services. Many games block connections through suspicious proxy servers, interpreting them as attempts to bypass regional restrictions or DDoS attacks.
⚠️ Note: If you're using public Wi-Fi in a cafe or on public transport, the likelihood of encountering the "waiting for Wi-Fi" error increases. These networks often require browser authentication, which gaming apps can't handle automatically.
Check if your device has Airplane Mode or Power Saving Mode enabled, which may be restricting background network activity. Disabling these modes often restores full network access.
Configuring DNS and resetting network settings
One of the most effective solutions is changing DNS servers. ISPs use their own DNS servers by default, which can be slow to respond to game server requests or filter them. Switching to public, fast servers, such as Google DNS or Cloudflare, often resolves the freeze. To do this, go to your Wi-Fi connection settings, select your network, and change the IP settings from DHCP to "Manual (Static)."
In the DNS 1 field, enter 8.8.8.8, and in the DNS 2 field - 8.8.4.4These are Google's server addresses, which are known for their high stability. If that doesn't work, try Cloudflare's servers: 1.1.1.1 And 1.0.0.1After saving the settings, be sure to reconnect to the Wi-Fi network.
If manual setup seems too complicated, you can perform a full reset of your device's network settings. This will return all network settings to factory defaults, deleting saved Wi-Fi passwords and Bluetooth settings, but it often resolves deep-seated software conflicts. On Android, this is done through the menu. Settings → System → Reset settings → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile data, and Bluetooth.
Clearing app cache and data
Accumulated temporary files may contain erroneous network connection data, which can prevent the game from launching online. Clearing the cache is a safe procedure that doesn't delete your progress but frees up space and removes junk files. Go to Android Settings, select "Apps," and find it in the list. Mortal Kombat and go to the "Memory" or "Storage" section.
Click the "Clear Cache" button. If the problem persists, you can try a more radical method: "Clear Data" (or "Reset"). Important: In some cases, resetting your data may require you to re-authorize your WB Games or Google Play Games account, but your achievements and unlocked characters are usually saved on the server.
After cleaning, restart the game. The system will redownload the necessary configuration files, and the "waiting for Wi-Fi" error may disappear. Make sure your device has enough free memory for the app to function properly.
☑️ App Cleaning Checklist
Game and system software update
The developers regularly release patches that fix connection errors and optimize network modules. If you have an outdated version installed, Mortal Kombat, the servers may simply refuse to connect. Check for updates in the Google Play Store or App Store. It's best to enable auto-updates in the app store settings to always have the latest version.
It's equally important to keep your smartphone's operating system up to date. Older versions of Android or iOS may have vulnerabilities in the network stack or may not support new encryption protocols required by modern games. Go to Settings → About phone → System update and check for new software versions.
Sometimes the problem occurs after a game update, when the servers are undergoing maintenance. In this case, you should wait a few hours or check the developers' official social media channels.
| Action | Where to find | Risk of data loss |
|---|---|---|
| Game update | Google Play / App Store | No |
| Clearing the cache | Settings → Applications | No |
| Reset game data | Settings → Applications | Low (login required) |
| Changing DNS | Wi-Fi settings | No |
Conflicts with antiviruses and firewalls
Third-party antivirus and memory cleaning apps may aggressively block online game activity, considering it suspicious. If you have antivirus or firewall, try temporarily disabling them or adding Mortal Kombat to the list of exceptions (white list).
Often, such programs have a "Game" or "Do Not Disturb" mode, which, paradoxically, can limit background traffic to save battery or data. Check your security software settings. It's also worth making sure your device's date and time settings are set to automatic. Even a few minutes' time desynchronization can lead to security certificate errors when connecting to the server.
Why is my antivirus blocking the game?
Modern mobile antiviruses analyze network requests. If a game attempts to connect to an unknown or rarely used server for telemetry or multiplayer, the antivirus may detect a data leak and block the connection, leaving the game in "waiting for Wi-Fi" status.
Server and account issues
Sometimes, all device manipulations are futile because the problem lies with NetherRealm's servers or platforms (Google Play, Game Center). Servers can be overloaded during new updates or tournaments. In this case, the "waiting for wifi" screen will appear for all players.
You can check the server status on specialized resources or on the game's social media. It's also worth making sure your account hasn't been blocked and hasn't been used to violate community rules. Frequent IP address changes (for example, when using a dynamic IP or frequently switching between Wi-Fi and mobile networks) may cause a temporary block from the anti-cheat system.
If you're using a modded version of the game or a rooted device, access to online modes may be restricted by the developers for security reasons. In this case, reverting to the official version is your only option.
⚠️ Please note: Online service terms and connection rules are subject to change by the developer. For up-to-date information on server status, always check the game's official support channels.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why does the "waiting for wifi" error appear even though the internet is working?
This means the device is connected to the router, but the game cannot connect to the game server. Possible causes include blocked ports by the ISP, DNS issues, an outdated game version, or temporary outages on the developer's servers.
Do I need to reinstall the game to fix the problem?
Reinstalling the game helps when the game files are corrupted. However, before doing so, we recommend clearing the app's cache and data, as this is a less drastic method that preserves your settings.
Can a VPN help fix the waiting error?
Yes, in some cases, enabling a VPN can reroute traffic and allow you to bypass ISP blocks or regional restrictions. However, VPNs often actually worsen your connection, so it's best to try disabling them if they're enabled.
Does the date and time affect connection in Mortal Kombat?
Yes, it does. If the device's time is significantly different from the actual time, security certificates will fail verification, and the server will reject the connection. Set automatic time synchronization.