Pings are visual and audio signals that players use to communicate on the map or during gameplay without needing to type. The classic smart ping wheel includes commands like Danger, On My Way, Assist Me, and Enemy Missing. Riot has also expanded the system over the years to include vision alerts, objective timers, and cooldown indicators.
Used well, pings help teams win fights, secure objectives, and avoid unnecessary deaths. Used poorly—or not at all—they can leave your teammates in the dark.
How to Enable or Check Ping Functionality
In most cases, the ping system is enabled by default. But if your pings aren’t working, or you want to customize the controls, you’ll need to check your settings.
Step 1: Open Client Settings
Launch the Riot Client and click the gear icon in the top right to open settings.
Step 2: Go to Hotkeys > Communication
This section controls how your pings work. Look for the keybinds related to “Smart Ping” or the “Ping Wheel”—these are typically set to “Alt + Left Click” or “Ctrl + Left Click” to bring up the wheel. The basic “Alert Ping” is often bound to “G”.
Step 3: Test Your Pings In-Game
Enter a custom game or the Practice Tool. Hold the keybind for the Smart Ping wheel (typically Alt or Ctrl + Left Click) and move your mouse in one of the four primary directions to test if the ping wheel appears and functions. You can also test the basic “G” + Left Click ping.
If your pings aren’t showing or making sound, try resetting your keybinds to default and testing again.
How to Use Pings In-Game
League of Legends (LoL) offers multiple ways to use the ping system beyond just map alerts.
Here are the most common methods:
- Hold the Smart Ping keybind (typically Alt or Ctrl + Left Click) and drag to select a specific ping type on the map or in-world
- Press the basic Alert Ping key (typically G) + Left Click for a standard alert ping
- Alt + Left Click on abilities, summoner spells, or items to show their cooldown status
- Ctrl + Click on the scoreboard or champion icons to signal things like ultimate availability or gold needs
- Click directly on wards or objectives to notify your team of vision, danger, or intentions
- The “Caution Ping” is typically bound to “V” + Left Click
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Customizing Ping Controls
If the default ping bindings don’t suit you, customize them in the settings:
- Go to Hotkeys > Communication
- Set unique keys for each ping type such as Danger, On My Way, or Area is Warded
- You can also set quick pings for rapid signaling without using the wheel
- If you frequently use a specific ping (for example, to warn teammates or alert to enemy positioning), consider assigning it to an easily accessible key
Troubleshooting: When Pings Don’t Work
If the ping system isn’t functioning, try the following steps:
- Double-check keybindings in the settings
- Reset to default settings if any are missing or overlapping
- Repair the Riot Client via Settings > General > Initiate Full Repair
- Ensure your game is up to date, as outdated versions can cause functionality issues
- Reinstall League of Legends if the problem persists after all else fails
Smart Ping Etiquette
Pings are powerful, but with great power comes great responsibility. To avoid tilting your teammates or being muted:
- Ping important info once or twice—never spam
- Use combo pings for clarity, like “Enemy Missing” followed by “Danger.”
- Avoid using pings to blame or shame teammates during or after plays
Effective pinging helps everyone focus on the game and reduces misunderstandings that often lead to mistakes or frustration.
Final Thoughts
Turning on and effectively using the ping system in League of Legends is one of the simplest ways to become a better teammate and improve your win rate. It’s fast, reliable, and works in every match—whether you’re duoing with a friend or solo in ranked.
So next time you head into a match, make sure your pings are ready. Because in League, silence isn’t golden—it’s dangerous.
Written by:
Christian