This guide covers EA SPORTS FC 27 (sometimes searched for as "FIFA 27") on PC when you cannot play against or join a friend who plays on console. In most cases, the cause lies in the cross-play rules set by EA (console generation, setting turned off, unsupported mode) rather than a technical problem with the PC. For lag or connection problems during matches, see the guide Lag and high ping online in EA SPORTS FC 27 on PC: causes and solutions instead.
Problem
- Your friend on console does not appear, or you cannot join their lobby.
- Invites do not work between the PC and the console.
- You cannot find a Steam friend in the game.
- Your progress on console does not appear on PC.
Step 1: check that the platforms are compatible
When to use it: always first.
Suggested solution
According to EA, cross-play in FC is available on PC, PlayStation® and Xbox, but players are grouped by generation:
| Group | Platforms |
|---|---|
| Latest generation | PC, PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S |
| Previous generation | PlayStation®4, Xbox One |
- Your friend plays on PS5 or Xbox Series X|S: cross-play with PC is possible; go to step 2.
- Your friend plays on PS4 or Xbox One: EA states that you cannot play against someone in another generation group. No setting allows it.
- Your friend plays on Nintendo Switch™ or Nintendo Switch™ 2: these consoles do not support cross-play in FC.
Expected result: you know whether cross-play is possible between your two platforms.
Step 2: check the cross-play setting on both sides
When to use it: the platforms are compatible, but you cannot join your friend. EA states that you will not be able to join a friend in a lobby if you or your friend have disabled cross-play.
Suggested solution
Cross-play is enabled by default the first time you play, but it may have been turned off. On each device:
- From the Main Menu, open EA Connect.
- Open Social settings.
- Select Cross-play, then Cross-play settings.
- Under Cross-play Enabled, toggle to Yes.
The same screen can be reached through Main Menu > Customise > Online Settings > Matchmaking Options, or from Ultimate Team™ through Main Menu > Ultimate Team > Settings > Matchmaking Settings. This setting cannot be changed during a match.
Expected result: cross-play is set to Yes on the PC and on your friend's console.
Step 3: add your friend in EA Connect
When to use it: your friend does not appear in your list.
Suggested solution
- Open EA Connect and go to the Player search tab.
- Enter your friend's EA ID or their platform username.
- Select their name, then Add friend.
- Your friend accepts the request in the Friend requests tab.
If you play on Steam: according to EA, in FC 27 Steam Friends are available automatically through EA Connect, making it easier to find them and add them as EA Friends before playing together.
Expected result: your friend appears in the Friends tab of EA Connect, with their platform and online status.
Step 4: invite in a mode that supports cross-play
When to use it: you are friends in EA Connect, but the invite fails.
Suggested solution
- First enter the game mode you want to play together.
- In the Friends tab of EA Connect, select your online friend, then Invite to lobby.
- Your friend opens the Game invites tab and chooses Join lobby.
EA states that you will not be able to join a friend if the game mode does not support cross-play. If the invite fails in a specific mode while everything else is correct, try another mode.
Expected result: your friend joins your lobby.
Special cases
- Progress not shared between PC and console: cross-play lets you play together, but it is not cross-progression. EA states that cross-progression is available on the same platform (for example PlayStation®4 to PlayStation®5), but not from one platform to another. Your PC progress therefore does not carry over to console, and vice versa.
- EA Connect unavailable: EA Connect requires an EA Account and an Internet connection. If you have trouble, check the EA Help server status page.
Final check
- ☐ Both platforms belong to the same generation group (PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S).
- ☐ Cross-play is set to Yes on both sides.
- ☐ Your friend is listed in the Friends tab of EA Connect.
- ☐ The invite is sent from a mode that supports cross-play.
Sources
- EA Help: How do I cross-play in EA SPORTS FC™?
- EA Help: How to use EA Connect
- EA: EA SPORTS FC™ 27 | PC Deep Dive (September 2, 2026, "Steam Friends" section)
Still having the problem?
Reply to this topic with:
- Your PC platform (EA app, Steam or Epic Games Store) and your friend's console.
- The state of the cross-play setting on each side.
- The game mode in which the invite fails and any message shown.
Do not share your EA ID, your friend's ID or any password.