How to Fix Riot Client Not Working With VPN (Quick Fix)

The Riot Client is required to launch and manage games like League of Legends or Valorant, but many players encounter connection issues when using a VPN.

This usually happens because Riot actively monitors for unusual traffic, blocks suspicious IP ranges, or conflicts occur with your VPN’s tunneling protocol. The good news is that there are reliable ways to make both Riot and your VPN work together.

Why Does Riot Client Fail to Work With VPN?

When you try to launch the Riot Client with a VPN, it may fail to log in, update, or even connect to the game servers. This often happens because:

• Riot blocks known VPN IPs to prevent fraud or region bypassing.
• VPN tunneling conflicts with Riot’s anti-cheat system.
• DNS or routing issues prevent the client from authenticating.
• Overly strict VPN firewalls block necessary Riot ports.

If you’re specifically struggling to get League of Legends working with VPN, check out this detailed guide that covers common fixes.

Steps to Fix Riot Client Not Working With VPN

Before diving into advanced solutions, try these methods step by step:

1. Switch to a Different VPN Server

Some Riot servers block certain VPN IP ranges. Switching to another server in the same region often resolves the issue.

• Open your VPN app.
• Disconnect from the current server.
• Choose another server close to your game region.
• Reconnect and relaunch the Riot Client.

2. Use Split Tunneling

If your VPN supports split tunneling, you can exclude Riot Client traffic while keeping the VPN active for browsing or streaming.

• Go to your VPN settings.
• Find the Split Tunneling option.
• Add RiotClientServices.exe or your game’s executable to the exclusion list.
• Restart your VPN and launch Riot.

This way, Riot connects directly while the rest of your apps still use the VPN.

3. Change VPN Protocol

Riot may block specific VPN protocols like PPTP or L2TP. Switching to OpenVPN (UDP/TCP) or WireGuard often fixes the connection.

• Open VPN settings.
• Navigate to the protocol section.
• Try OpenVPN UDP first, then WireGuard.
• Reconnect and test Riot Client again.

4. Clear DNS Cache and Reset Network

Cached DNS entries or network misconfigurations may prevent Riot from authenticating with VPN.

• Press Win + R, type cmd, and hit Enter.
• Run these commands one by one:

ipconfig /flushdns
netsh int ip reset
netsh winsock reset

Restart your PC and reconnect to VPN before launching Riot.

5. Allow Riot Ports in VPN/Firewall

Make sure your VPN or firewall isn’t blocking required Riot ports. Riot games typically use:

• TCP: 80, 443, 2099, 5222–5223, 8088
• UDP: 5000–5500, 8393–8400

If you’ve already checked your ports and still face a League of Legends reconnect loop, there are specific steps to resolve that persistent issue.

6. Try Another VPN Provider

If Riot consistently blocks your VPN, switching providers may be the only fix. Look for one with:

• Obfuscated servers to bypass VPN detection.
• Stable ping and gaming-optimized servers.
• Split tunneling support.

For a breakdown of the best VPN options tailored to gaming, see this analysis on choosing the right VPN for League of Legends.

Smart Ways to Avoid Riot VPN Issues

• Always connect to a VPN server close to your actual region.
• Keep Riot Client updated before enabling VPN.
• Use VPN providers known for gaming support.
• Avoid free VPNs with recycled IPs, as they’re often blacklisted.

Riot Client VPN Fix Summary

If the Riot Client is not working with VPN, switching servers, enabling split tunneling, or changing protocols usually helps. For stubborn cases, clearing DNS or choosing a better VPN provider ensures smoother access without interruptions.

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