Alex Ruben
How To Fix the Error When Joining a Session in GTA V
If you’re like many trying to jump into GTA V online and hit that annoying “There has been an error joining a session” message, you’re probably pulling your hair out. It’s kind of weird, but sometimes the fix is just doing a few simple tweaks rather than reinstalling the whole game. Here’s what’s worked on multiple setups, even if it’s not 100% guaranteed for everyone.
Pre-requisites
Just to keep things smooth, make sure:
- You’ve got a steady internet connection—no shaky Wi-Fi going on.
- The game’s running on the latest update—no outdated versions causing conflicts.
- You’ve got admin rights on your system—sometimes you need those for network tweaks or software installs.
Method 1: Launch in Story Mode First
This one’s kinda weird, but it helps. Starting straight in online mode can sometimes mess with your session data or server handshake. So, boot into Story Mode first. Here’s how:
- Start GTA V and pick Story Mode.
- Play around a little—maybe do some missions, or just run around for a few minutes.
- When you’re done, go back to the main menu, and select Online then try joining a session again.
It resets some session info on Rockstar’s servers and in the game files, which might be why it suddenly connects without errors. On some setups it works the first try, on others… not so much, but hey, it’s a quick win.
Method 2: Tweak Network Settings
If starting in story mode doesn’t help, fiddling with your network might make a difference. Often, connection hiccups are caused by DNS or network firewalls that just don’t play nice with Rockstar’s servers.
- Go into Settings on your PC or console.
- Navigate to Network & Internet.
- Turn off Wi-Fi then toggle it back on after a few seconds. Or, better yet, restart your router.
- If you’re wired, unplug the Ethernet cable, wait a few seconds, then plug back in.
- For a more drastic step, you can switch to your phone’s hotspot—just connect your PC to that and see if it’s better.
This can clear out some network locks, and switching networks sometimes helps get around local ISP routing issues that cause session errors.
Method 3: Use a VPN (Kind of a Hail Mary)
OK, this one’s a little controversial because of the added latency, but it might be the trick. Some folks report that using a VPN bypasses regional probs or ISP blocks. Here’s what to do:
- Grab a VPN app — ProtonVPN is free and decent for starters.
- Install and open it. Pick a server location that’s not too far, but still different from your usual one.
- Connect and then launch GTA V, trying to join a session right after.
Some users say this helps with server handshake issues. Not sure why it works, maybe Rockstar’s servers get less confused when the IP looks like it’s in a different region. On one setup it worked after I turned VPN on, on another… not so much. Worth a shot if nothing else works.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
Because of course, Windows or your security software can block some of Rockstar’s network traffic. Make sure:
- Your firewall or antivirus isn’t blocking GTA V or related services. Check the Firewall Settings in Windows Defender or your antivirus control panel and add exceptions if needed.
- You cleared your DNS cache recently? Open
cmdand runipconfig /flushdns. Sometimes that helps with tricky DNS resolution issues. - Check Rockstar’s server status at their support page. If they’re having outages, no amount of tweaking will help until that’s sorted.
Summing it up — hopefully not too painful
Following these steps can sometimes fix the dreaded ‘error joining a session’ mess in GTA V. Not foolproof, but better than staring at that error screen forever. If it still persists — maybe try waiting a bit, or reach out to Rockstar support if you think it’s actually on their side.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I do if none of this works after a few tries?
Sometimes Rockstar servers go completely sideways. Check their social media or support page for outage notices. Also, rebooting your router or waiting a bit might help because yeah, the servers could be overloaded.
Is VPN really safe for gaming?
Mostly, yeah. Just go with reputable providers—free VPNs are tempting but often slow or shady. A solid paid one isn’t much more, and it can boost your security, too.
Can I play GTA V offline forever?
Offline in Story Mode? Sure. Online features? Nope, gotta connect to Rockstar’s servers for that, which is exactly what causes this error.
Summary
- Start game in Story Mode before going online.
- Refresh or switch your network to fix connection hiccups.
- Use a VPN if regional or ISP issues might be in play.
- Check your firewall and DNS settings — often overlooked but crucial.
Fingers crossed this helps. Worked for me — hope it works for you.