Unfortunately, GTA 5 Online doesn’t have a feature to make setting up a solo public lobby easy, but that doesn’t mean it’s not possible. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to get one set up.
How to Get into a Solo Public Lobby in GTA 5 Online
How to Set Up a Solo Public Lobby on Console
Getting into a solo public lobby on console requires you to pull some internet connection shenanigans with an Ethernet cable. If you don’t have an Ethernet cable, you can replicate this process using two wireless connections. If you want to use a hotspot as your second connection to create a solo public lobby, make sure to start with your main wireless connection setup, then switch to the hotspot for the second step.
Boot up GTA 5 and jump into the story mode with your console connected via an Ethernet cable or wireless connection. Once in the game, unplug the Ethernet cable, or alternatively, the router. This will disconnect you from the internet, and you can then reconnect to a wireless connection (a hotspot works here).
Join a public lobby with your new connection and make a beeline to the nearest building that you own. This can be any property, including auto shops. Once you are inside, reconnect your Ethernet cable or swap back to your original wireless connection to kick other players from the lobby.
Give it a few seconds, and you will have a solo public lobby! However, it is not guaranteed that players will not join later on. In that case, you can repeat the process to isolate yourself in the lobby once again.
How to Set Up a Solo Public Lobby on PC
The process for getting into a solo public lobby on PC is much less involved than it is on console and involves some task manager play, as opposed to messing around with internet connections. It does start the same, however. Load into a public session and head into a property that you own.
Once inside your building, alt-tab out of the game and load up Task Manager. Hit “More details”, then jump to the Performance tab; click “Open Resource Monitor”. Find GTA5.exe in the active programs list.
Right-click the process, then choose “Suspend Process”. Count to five, then right-click that same process and resume it. Tab back into GTA 5 Online and you will find yourself totally alone in a solo public lobby.
That’s all you need to know about how to get into a solo public lobby in GTA 5 Online, and with it, you won’t need to deal with pesky griefers or watching your six as you complete jobs or sit AFK in the online game. If you’re interested in learning more about GTA 5 Online, consider checking out our other guides in our guides hub!
