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To run a speed test, choose your data center from the list below. Run this test from your local device, and not within Shadow.

If you're not sure where your Shadow is located, or you don't have an active Shadow account, choose the data center most relevant to your location.

Data Center	Abbreviation
Amsterdam	AMS
California	SV2
Chicago	CH1
New York	NY1
Paris	PA1
Paris (Ultra/Infinite)	DFR
Texas	TX1

 

Click Run speedtest, then wait until the download, upload, ping, and jitter tests have finished.

When the test is running, it will display your connection as a graph. This will help you determine whether you're getting a consistent connection over an extended period of time, which is important for streaming.

For the best experience on Shadow, make sure you meet the following requirements:

1. Have a download speed of at least 15Mb/s or more. If your download speed falls below 15Mb/s, the connection is unstable, or there's packet loss on your connection, this will cause issues with your stream.
2. Your upload speed should be 5Mb/s or higher. An upload speed of 5Mb/s is enough to use a basic mouse, keyboard, and controller. More bandwidth-heavy devices like webcams, microphones, external storage drives, racing wheels, and other gamepads can require up to 100Mb/s.
3. Use a connection that has only 30ms of latency or less. Latency (or ping) is the amount of time it takes your internet to connect to a server and send a response to your device. The faster Shadow can communicate with your device, the better.
4. Check for any signs of packet loss. Packet loss occurs when data fails to reach its destination. You'll see packet loss on a speed test when there are "gaps" or "breaks" in the graph, as shown below. This can make the stream stutter and even lose connection. You can also check the Stats for packet loss.
   
5. Connect your device to the internet via an Ethernet cable or a 5GHz Wi-Fi channel. Ethernet and 5GHz Wi-Fi channels are typically much faster and stable than 2.4GHz Wi-Fi channels or 4G LTE. Shadow is compatible with 4G LTE, but the connection will depend on your location.

See hardware requirements for using Shadow.

Your test results are based on the connection provided by your Internet Service Provider (ISP) and your distance from the data center. Watch the video and see the list below for tips on reducing your latency.

 

1. Power-cycle your modem / router. Power cycling your modem and router allows them to reset and re-establish a connection to your Internet Service Provider (ISP). Shut down your computer and unplug your modem/router. Plug them back in after 60 seconds and watch the lights on your modem/router. Once the lights are on, start your computer.
2. Keep all your local components up-to-date. Check that your modem/router and your local computer are totally up-to-date. That includes the operating system and driver updates (for GPU and controllers).
3. Disconnect/turn off any devices that are not in use. Some devices could be using bandwidth on while on standby. Gaming consoles, for example, might download and install updates. Turn off these devices to keep your bandwidth free.
4. Use an Ethernet cable. Using a wired Ethernet connection will make your connection more stable and eliminate additional latency compared to a wireless connection.
5. Change your Wi-Fi configuration. If a wired Ethernet connection is not possible or your device requires a wireless connection:
   • Connect to a 5GHz network. Some routers offer both 2.4GHz connections and 5GHz.
   • Place your devices (such as a computer or smartphone) and your router closer to each other.

Open the Shadow launcher on your device to modify the following settings:

1. Lower Your Allocated Bandwidth. Allocated Bandwidth is the amount of bandwidth Shadow can use on your connection. We recommend setting Shadow approximately 10Mb/s less than your current internet speeds. For example, if your speeds are approximately 42Mb/s, Shadow's Allocated Bandwidth should be set to 32Mb/s.
   You can change this one on four ways:
   • Use the Automatic setting to let Shadow choose your Allocated Bandwidth. Restart the automatic bandwidth setting to have Shadow test your connection again.
     
   • Use the Manual setting to choose your own Allocated Bandwidth. Use the slider or enter your own bandwidth setting to change this amount.
   • Open Quick Menu > Video Stream while you're connected to your Shadow. Click the arrows or enter your own bandwidth setting to change this amount.
   • You can also test your connection by setting your Allocated Bandwidth to 5Mb/s. Slowly increase the bandwidth until you find a comfortable balance between stability and video quality that works for you.
2. Change Optimize Streaming to Prefer Reliability. In the launcher Settings, go to Optimize Streaming, then use the arrows to choose Prefer Reliability. This will change which protocols Shadow will use to stream to your device.
3. Enable Low Bandwidth Mode. If your internet connection is not fast enough, enable Low Bandwidth Mode. If your device was made before 2014, it may not support H.265 encoding.
4. Enable Low-End Configuration Optimization. If you have a device more than 6 years old, enable Low-End Configuration Optimization.