- What the eFootball store listings say
- Even a match against the computer?
- Wi-Fi for downloads, steady signal for matches
- Smoother matches on mobile data
- Playing with friends in the same room
- Travelling to a match and want to play on the way
- A note for parents
- When there's no signal for football
- The final whistle on eFootball offline
- Frequently asked questions
No, you can't play eFootball offline. Konami's Google Play listing and its App Store listing both say an internet connection is required to play eFootball. The Google Play listing also recommends Wi-Fi for downloading the game and its updates, and a stable connection while you play.
eFootball is one of the biggest football games on phones, with more than 100M installs on Google Play. Plenty of fans would love a kick-about on a coach to an away match or a long flight, so the offline question comes up a lot.
The answer is short, but the details matter if your signal is patchy. Here's what both store listings say, what that means for single matches, and how to keep your games smooth.
What the eFootball store listings say
| Listing | What it says |
|---|---|
| Google Play, Online Connectivity | An internet connection is required to play eFootball |
| Google Play | A Wi-Fi connection is recommended to download the base game and any updates |
| Google Play | A stable connection is recommended while playing |
| App Store | An internet connection is required to play eFootball |
| Google Play labels | KONAMI, rated Everyone, Contains ads, in-app purchases |
Both stores use the same sentence, which makes this one of the clearer answers you'll find. There's no mention of an offline mode on either listing.
Even a match against the computer?
Many players assume a match against the computer should run on its own. The listings don't make that exception. They say an internet connection is required to play eFootball, full stop, so plan on being online for every mode.
That's common for modern football games. Your squad, progress and events live on the publisher's servers, which keeps things consistent between devices and lets new content arrive without a separate download.
Wi-Fi for downloads, steady signal for matches
The Google Play listing makes two separate recommendations. Use Wi-Fi to download the base game and its updates, because they're big, and keep a stable connection while you play, because a drop in the middle of a match can end it.
- Downloads: do them at home on Wi-Fi, never on a weak mobile signal.
- Updates: check for them before a trip so you're not stuck waiting.
- Matches: a steady connection matters more than a fast one.
- Ads: the Google Play listing shows a Contains ads label.
Smoother matches on mobile data
- Move closer to your router, or switch to Wi-Fi when you can.
- Close other apps that might be downloading in the background.
- Avoid playing while moving fast on a train, when signal jumps between masts.
- Keep an eye on your data allowance; online games use it every match.
- If lag starts, finish the match calmly rather than quitting mid-game.
Playing with friends in the same room
Football games are at their best with a mate on the sofa, and it's tempting to think two people sitting side by side shouldn't need the internet. The store listings don't carve out any exception for that, though. If you're planning a game night, make sure the Wi-Fi is working before anyone picks a team.
It also helps to update the game a day before. Nothing kills the mood like a big update starting just as everyone sits down, and the Google Play listing specifically recommends Wi-Fi for those downloads.
Travelling to a match and want to play on the way
Coach and train journeys to away games are exactly when fans reach for a football game, and exactly when signal is weakest. Tunnels, rural stretches and crowded carriages all make a stable connection unlikely, and eFootball won't start a match without one.
If you're determined to play, check the signal at the start of the journey and save your matches for stations or stretches where you know coverage is good. Otherwise, it's kinder to your nerves to keep eFootball for home and pick an offline game for the trip.
A note for parents
eFootball is rated Everyone on Google Play, and both listings show in-app purchases. Because the game always needs a connection, it's a good idea to turn on approval for in-app purchases in the store settings and agree a time limit, especially on a shared family tablet.
When there's no signal for football
For flights and long coach journeys, it's worth having something else downloaded. Here are some free games to play on a plane without wifi.
If you're not sure whether a game will cope without signal, this guide shows how to find offline games that don't need wifi.
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The final whistle on eFootball offline
eFootball needs the internet, every time, according to both of Konami's store listings. Download and update it at home on Wi-Fi, play on a stable connection, and keep an offline game ready for the days when the signal disappears.
Frequently asked questions
Can I play eFootball without internet?
No. Konami's Google Play and App Store listings both say an internet connection is required to play eFootball.
Is there an offline mode in eFootball?
Neither store listing mentions one. Both say an internet connection is required to play.
Does eFootball need Wi-Fi?
The Google Play listing recommends Wi-Fi for downloading the game and its updates, and a stable connection while playing.
Can I play eFootball on mobile data?
You can connect over mobile data, but a stable connection matters, and online matches use data.
Who makes eFootball?
The Google Play listing names KONAMI, and the App Store seller is Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd.
What age rating does eFootball have?
It's rated Everyone on Google Play.
Does eFootball have ads?
The Google Play listing shows a Contains ads label and in-app purchases.
Can two players on one device play eFootball offline?
The listings don't mention any offline exception, so expect to need an internet connection for every match.
Why does eFootball keep disconnecting?
A weak or unstable connection is the usual cause. Try Wi-Fi, close background downloads and avoid moving between signal areas.
