How to fix VALORANT error code VAN-185
Experiencing connectivity issues with VALORANT? You're not alone! One common error code that has recently caught the attention of players is VAN-185. Especially after popular Japanese Valorant player okinawapex saw it on his screen alongside with VAL 5 error. Is this because of cheating? Although not officially listed among the game's error codes, Riot Games has acknowledged its presence in similar situations within other games and it may not be caused by a ban & can be fixed!
What causes VALORANT error code VAN-185?
Essentially, the game client starts having trouble communicating with the Riot servers, leading to connection failures.
How to fix VALORANT error code VAN-185
While the root cause of VAN-185 is still being investigated, there are several solutions players can try to resolve the issue:
Restart the Riot Client & logout of the Client on other devices
Restarting the Riot Client is often the quickest and easiest way to fix Error Code VAN-185. This refreshes the client and its connection to the servers.
- Find the Riot Client icon in the bottom-right corner of your screen (next to the clock).
- Right-click on the icon and choose Exit to close it.
- Press the Windows key and search for “Riot Client.”
- Open the Riot Client again.
- Wait for it to fully load, then try starting VALORANT. Don’t forget to logout & login back. This method usually solves the issue for most players.
Reinstall VALORANT
If restarting the client doesn’t work, the next step is to reinstall VALORANT. Sometimes files get corrupted or outdated, which can cause errors.
Restart your PC
Sometimes, restarting your entire PC can help resolve connection errors like VAN-185. This clears out any temporary issues with the system that could be causing problems.
Disable background programs
Certain programs running in the background—like VPNs, firewalls, or other software—might interfere with VALORANT’s connection to the servers. Try disabling or closing unnecessary apps.
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.
- Look for any programs that might be using up a lot of memory or internet.
- Right-click them and select End Task.
- Try running VALORANT again to see if the error is resolved.
Reset your Internet connection
A poor or unstable internet connection could be causing the VAN-185 error. Restarting your router can refresh the connection and possibly solve the issue. If none of the above steps work, you can reach out to Riot Games VALORANT Support. Submit a ticket on their official support page, and they will help you with more advanced troubleshooting.
While VALORANT error code VAN-185 can be frustrating, it's important to remember that it's not necessarily tied to cheating or bans. The issue often arises due to client-server communication problems, particularly after extended login periods or logging in on multiple devices. Thankfully, several troubleshooting methods, such as restarting the Riot Client, reinstalling VALORANT, and resetting your internet connection, can help resolve the issue.
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