How to Fix Apex Legends Infinite Loading Screen Error

Updated 6 November 2026 · Standard formula, shown below

This guide walks you through the most effective fixes for the Apex Legends infinite loading screen error, where the game hangs on the splash screen or a match loading screen indefinitely. You’ll start with quick checks and progress to deeper system-level solutions, covering common causes like corrupted game files, server issues, and outdated drivers.

What You’ll Need

Admin access to your Windows PC (or console account with internet access)
Stable internet connection
Approximately 30 minutes of time
Your EA account credentials (in case you need to re-login)

Step-by-Step

Check Apex Legends server status. Visit the official EA Help Twitter/X account or a site like Downdetector. If servers are down, wait and try again later. This is the #1 cause of infinite loading screens.
Restart the game and your platform. Close Apex Legends completely (check Task Manager on PC for background processes), then restart your PC or console. This clears temporary glitches.
Verify game files (PC – Steam). In your Steam Library, right-click Apex Legends → Properties → Local Files → Verify Integrity of Game Files. Wait for the process to finish, then relaunch.
Verify game files (PC – EA app). In the EA app, go to My Library → click the three dots on Apex Legends → Repair. This re-downloads any corrupted files.
Clear the game cache (PC). Press Win+R, type %ProgramData% and delete the Origin folder (or EA folder if present). Then press Win+R again, type %AppData% and delete the Origin and EA folders. Restart your PC and launch the game.
Update your graphics drivers. Outdated GPU drivers often cause loading hangs. Go to NVIDIA GeForce Experience or AMD Software to check for updates, or download directly from the manufacturer’s website.
Set the game to run as administrator (PC). Right-click the Apex Legends shortcut → Properties → Compatibility tab → check “Run this program as an administrator� → Apply. This can fix permission-related freezes.
Disable fullscreen optimizations (PC). In the same Compatibility tab, check “Disable fullscreen optimizations� and click Apply. This helps with some Windows 10/11 rendering issues.
Change your DNS settings. Sometimes network hiccups cause loading loops. Go to Windows Settings → Network & Internet → Change adapter options → right-click your connection → Properties → select “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)� → Properties → use these DNS servers: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4. Then restart your PC.
Re-login to EA servers. In the game, if you get past the splash screen but hang on the main menu, sign out and sign back in from the in-game settings. If that fails, restart the game and try again.
Reinstall the game (last resort). Uninstall Apex Legends, then reinstall it. This fixes any deep file corruption but takes time and bandwidth.

Common Mistakes

Skipping the server check. Many players waste hours on fixes when the problem is simply that EA’s servers are down.
Not closing background processes. Overlays from Discord, GeForce Experience, or MSI Afterburner can interfere with loading. Close them before launching.
Deleting the wrong cache files. Be careful to only delete the folders mentioned in Step 5. Do not delete the entire %AppData% folder.
Ignoring Windows updates. Outdated Windows versions can cause compatibility issues. Check for updates in Settings → Update & Security.

Tips

Use a wired connection. Wi-Fi can be unstable; an Ethernet cable provides a more consistent connection.
Lower your in-game video settings. If you eventually get in, try reducing graphics settings to reduce stress on your system.
Keep your system clean. Regularly update drivers and Windows to prevent future issues.
Play during off-peak hours. If the issue is server-related, late night or early morning may be less congested.

Troubleshooting

If you’ve followed all steps and still see the infinite loading screen:

Try a different network. Connect to a mobile hotspot (if you have data) to see if the issue is your ISP or router. If it works on hotspot, reset your router.
Check for background downloads. Make sure Windows or Steam isn’t downloading updates in the background, which can saturate bandwidth.
Run a clean boot (PC). Type msconfig in Start, go to Services, check “Hide all Microsoft services�, then click “Disable all�. Restart and try the game. If it works, re-enable services one by one to find the culprit.
Contact EA Support. If nothing works, there may be an account-specific issue. Provide them with your system specs and the steps you’ve tried.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Apex Legends get stuck on the loading screen?

Common causes include server outages, corrupted game files, outdated drivers, or network issues. The steps above address each of these.

Will verifying game files delete my progress?

No, verifying files only checks and repairs game data. Your progress is stored on EA’s servers, not locally.

Can I fix this on console?

Yes, on console you can restart the game, restart the console, and check server status. You can also reinstall the game if needed, but you cannot verify files or change DNS easily.

Does clearing the cache affect my settings?

Clearing the Origin/EA cache may reset some in-game settings (like video options) but not your account progress. You may need to reconfigure your preferences after.

How long does a server outage last?

Most outages last a few hours, but it varies. Keep an eye on official channels for updates.

Is there a way to bypass the loading screen?

No, the loading screen is essential. The only “bypass� is to fix the underlying issue so the game loads properly.

Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.