Forgot password
Enter the email address you used when you joined and we'll send you instructions to reset your password.
If you used Apple or Google to create your account, this process will create a password for your existing account.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Reset password instructions sent. If you have an account with us, you will receive an email within a few minutes.
Something went wrong. Try again or contact support if the problem persists.
Image via Riot Games

Valorant: How to Fix Connection Error

Here is a quick fix for the pesky connection error message that doesn't let you play Valorant.

Wondering how to fix the connection error in Valorant? Running into any issues when trying to play the game can be frustrating, especially when they appear right when you’ve sat down to play. This one usually appears right after you’ve attempted to launch Riot’s multiplayer FPS, keeping you from getting past the launcher and into the game when it asks you to “please relaunch the client to connect.”

Recommended Videos

How to Fix the Connection Error in Valorant

The connection error in Valorant can have a few causes, but the primary cause stems from Vanguard, the game’s anti-cheat software. Every time you launch Valorant, this software has a chance to crash.

Here’s a list of the possible fixes for the connection error in Valorant:

  • Restart Valorant and the Riot client.
  • Check your internet connect.
  • Restart your router.
  • Hard restart your computer.
  • Use a wired connection instead of Wi-Fi.
  • Uninstall and reinstall Vanguard.

Related: How to Fix the Matchmaking Error in Valorant

How to Uninstall Vanguard

While I suggest trying all of the methods above first since it’s possible one can remedy the issue, you may need to take more drastic measures. Though you can now turn Vanguard off in the system tray in your Taskbar, it won’t help with the connection error. Indeed, you must have Vanguard on to play Valorant at all. Here’s how to uninstall and reinstall the anti-cheat software.

  1. Go to Control Panel.
  2. Go to Program.
  3. Select the “Uninstall a program” option.
  4. Find “Riot Vanguard” software in the list.
  5. Right-click and uninstall.
  6. Confirm operation.

Now restart your computer. Next, open the Riot launcher. Vanguard will start to reinstall automatically. Once it’s done, restart your computer again. If you try to play before the anti-cheat software finishes installing, you may encounter the “Vanguard Not Initialized.” Keep your fingers crossed that the connection error doesn’t appear again.

    That’s it on how to fix the connection error in Valorant. You can find more Valorant guides right here.


    GameSkinny is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy
    Author
    Image of Serhii Patskan
    Serhii Patskan
    Serhii is the Writer at GameSkinny. He's been writing for GameSkinny since 2015. Before that, he's been writing for various outlets and playing video games, which eventually turned into a passion. The video games that have contributed the most to his enthusiasm for writing about this industry are Magic: The Gathering, Dark Souls, and The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim.