GTA Online: How to Go AFK
A Guide to Staying Idle and Making Passive Income in GTA Online
Grand Theft Auto Online remains one of the most popular multiplayer games ever, and with GTA 6 still on the horizon, Rockstar continues to keep the game fresh with regular updates. The recent Lunar New Year update introduced new collectibles and rewards, keeping players engaged.
However, sometimes you might want to go AFK (away from keyboard/controller) without being kicked from the game. GTA Online automatically removes idle players after 15 minutes, which can be frustrating if you're trying to earn passive income from businesses. Fortunately, there are simple methods to stay AFK safely without getting booted from your session.
Why Go AFK in GTA Online?
Going AFK in GTA Online can be beneficial, especially if you're running businesses like:
Nightclubs
Arcades
Auto Shops
Bunkers
These businesses generate passive income over time, but you need to stay online to keep the money flowing. A full in-game day lasts 48 minutes in real-time, so staying AFK allows your businesses to accumulate cash, which you can later collect from your business safes before they reach their storage limits.
How to Go AFK in GTA Online Without Being Kicked
Step 1: Start a Private Session
To avoid being killed by random players, start a private session:
Pause the game and go to the Online tab.
Select Find New Session and choose Invite Only, Crew, or Friends Session.
Step 2: Use a Taxi to Stay AFK
The best way to stay AFK is by calling a cab:
Open your character’s in-game phone and call Downtown Cab Co.
Wait for a taxi to arrive and enter the backseat by holding Triangle (PS) / Y (Xbox). (Avoid tapping the button, or you’ll steal the taxi!)
Once inside, do not select a destination—just sit there and let the game run.
Step 3: Prevent Idle Disconnections
Disable power-saving settings on your console or PC to prevent auto-shutdown.
Plug in your controller so it doesn’t turn off.
With these steps, you can safely go AFK, earn passive income, and return to the game whenever you're ready. Whether you’re grinding for more cash or just need a break, this method ensures you won’t be kicked from the session while staying idle.