The main reason is often a wrong setup or no support for split-screen on specific platforms or game modes. Also, platform limits, like no split-screen support on PC versions, can cause this issue. Now that you know the causes, let’s discuss the solutions.
1. Ensure the Second Person is Not Logged in (if applicable)
To avoid split-screen issues in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, let the second player join without logging in initially. Once the split-screen is active, the second player can log in, and the game will recognize both players.
2. Restart Console or PC
Restarting your console or PC can help fix problems. Turning it off and on clears temporary bugs or data that might cause split-screen issues. This reset often helps the system correctly recognize the second controller.
2.1 For PC
2.2 For Xbox
2.3 For PlayStation
3. Power-Cycle Console
Power cycling your console removes any bugs or background tasks that might block split-screen from working. This resets the system so the game can detect controllers and run split-screen mode without problems.
3.1 Power-Cycle Xbox One
3.2 Power-cycle Xbox Series S/X
3.3 Power-cycle PlayStation 4
3.4 Power Cycle PlayStation 5
3.5 Clear Cached Data on Steam (PC)
4. Reinstall multiplayer packs (Consoles ONLY)
Split-screen issues in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare can occur if multiplayer packs are missing or damaged. Reinstalling them updates the game’s files and often fixes problems with recognizing extra controllers.
4.1 Reinstall COD Multiplayer packs on Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S
4.2 Reinstall COD Multiplayer packs on PlayStation 5
5. Reinstall the Entire Game on PC or Consoles
A full reinstall updates all game files, removing any that are broken or missing, which can fix split-screen issues. This ensures everything is set up correctly for split-screen mode to work.
5.1 Reinstall the Game on PlayStation 4
5.2 Reinstall the Game on PlayStation 5
5.3 Reinstall the Game on Xbox One or Xbox Series S / X
5.4 Reinstall the game on PC
6. Clear your MAC address (Xbox Consoles)
Resetting the MAC address on an Xbox can fix network issues that block split-screen. This clears bad network data and helps the console connect smoothly.
7. Disable Crossplay
This issue can happen because of crossplay conflicts that affect split-screen on some consoles. Turning off crossplay limits the game to one platform, which can fix these issues. Keeping both players on the same system reduces conflicts and helps maintain a stable split-screen session.
8. Open an Activision Support Ticket
If nothing else works, submitting a support ticket to Activision gives you access to expert help. You can give details about your problem, which Activision can use to check and possibly fix.
