Open Multiplayer, tap the three-line menu, and choose Private. Invite one friend after creating the private lobby, place that player on the opposite team, choose the map, mode, and match settings, then tap Start. The host must create and start the lobby; joining Multiplayer as an existing group does not create the private match.
Confirm the other player appears in your Friends list. If not, open the two-person Friends button, search the exact case-sensitive username under Add Friends, send the request, and wait for acceptance.
From the home screen, tap Multiplayer. In the Multiplayer lobby, open the three-line menu in the top-right and tap Private. Create the lobby before inviting the opponent; Activision notes that an existing group cannot enter a private lobby together.
3
Invite one friend
Expand Invite Friends in the top-right of the private lobby and tap the + beside the intended player. Wait until that player accepts and appears in the lobby.
4
Place the opponent on the other team
Keep your account on one team row and move the friend to an empty slot on the opposite row. The invited player may need to unready before changing teams. Confirm there is exactly one active player on each side.
5
Choose the match rules
Tap the mode and map control at the bottom-right and select an available mode and map. Open Match Settings on the left to review the score or kill limit, time limit, spectators, and other rules you want for this duel.
As host, tap Start. The setup is correct when the chosen map loads with only you and the invited friend on opposing teams and the selected match limits are shown.
If it does not work
If the friend is absent from Invite Friends, confirm the request was accepted and both players are running the same current regional version.
If Private is missing, enter Multiplayer first and open its three-line menu; it is not created from the normal home-screen party lobby.
If Start is unavailable, confirm the host created the lobby, both players occupy opposing team slots, and the required map and mode are selected.
ⓘ Sources and verification
Checked against official documentation on . Scope: Android, iPhone, or iPad.
Activision's current 2026 esports instructions document the private-lobby creation, invitation, team placement, match-settings, map, mode, and Start controls.
