Are you trying to play Valorant, but you keep encountering the "Could Not Enter Matchmaking" error? You're not alone! Many players experience this frustrating issue, preventing them from joining matches.
In this guide, we'll explain why this error occurs and provide easy fixes to get you back in the game as quickly as possible.
Why Does the "Could Not Enter Matchmaking" Error Occur in Valorant?
The "Could Not Enter Matchmaking" error usually happens due to:
🔴 Server Issues: Riot Games servers may be down or under maintenance.
🔴 Network Problems: Slow or unstable internet can cause matchmaking failures.
🔴 Game Bugs or Glitches: Sometimes, a bug in the game prevents matchmaking.
🔴 Account Restrictions: If your account has been flagged for AFK behavior or toxicity, you may be temporarily blocked from matchmaking.
🔴 Riot Vanguard Issues: Valorant’s anti-cheat system (Vanguard) may be blocking access.
How to Fix "Valorant Could Not Enter Matchmaking" Error
✅ 1. Check Valorant Server Status
Before trying anything else, make sure Riot Games servers are online:
- Visit the Valorant Service Status page
- Check social media (Twitter, Reddit, Discord) for server outage reports
If Riot’s servers are down, you’ll need to wait until they are back online.
✅ 2. Restart Your Game and PC
- Close Valorant and Riot Client completely.
- Restart your PC to clear any temporary bugs.
- Launch Valorant again and try matchmaking.
✅ 3. Restart Your Internet Connection
- Unplug your router/modem for 30 seconds, then plug it back in.
- Try switching to a wired (Ethernet) connection for a more stable connection.
- If you're using Wi-Fi, move closer to the router.
✅ 4. Flush Your DNS Cache
Flushing the DNS cache can help fix connection issues:
1️⃣ Press Windows + R and type cmd, then press Enter
2️⃣ Type the following command and press Enter:
ipconfig /flushdns
3️⃣ Restart your PC and relaunch Valorant
✅ 5. Run Valorant as Administrator
Sometimes, Windows permissions can block matchmaking.
- Right-click on Valorant and select Run as administrator
- Do the same for the Riot Client
✅ 6. Update Your Network Drivers
Outdated network drivers can cause connection problems:
1️⃣ Press Windows + X and select Device Manager
2️⃣ Expand Network Adapters
3️⃣ Right-click on your Wi-Fi or Ethernet adapter
4️⃣ Click Update Driver
✅ 7. Disable VPN or Proxy
Using a VPN or proxy can interfere with Riot’s servers:
- Turn off any VPN or proxy and try again.
- If you must use a VPN, switch to a different server region.
✅ 8. Repair Valorant Game Files
Corrupted game files can cause matchmaking errors:
1️⃣ Open the Riot Client
2️⃣ Click on Valorant
3️⃣ Click on the ⚙️ Settings icon
4️⃣ Select Repair and wait for the process to finish
✅ 9. Restart Riot Vanguard (Anti-Cheat System)
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager
- Find Vanguard and click End Task
- Relaunch Valorant, and Vanguard will restart automatically
✅ 10. Contact Riot Support
If none of the fixes work, submit a ticket to Riot Games Support.
Provide details like:
📌 Your Riot ID
📌 Your internet provider and connection type
📌 A screenshot of the error
Final Thoughts
The "Could Not Enter Matchmaking" error in Valorant is frustrating but can often be fixed with simple troubleshooting. Start by checking Riot’s servers, restarting your game and router, and flushing your DNS cache. If all else fails, repair the game files or contact Riot support for assistance.
Now, get back into the game and dominate your matches! 🎮🔥
