Learn How to Fix ‘There Has Been an Error Joining a Session’ in GTA 5 Online. Resolve the GTA 5 error joining a session with tested network and file fixes.
If you’ve been trying to connect to GTA 5 Online and got hit with the frustrating error message: “There has been an error joining a session”, you’re not alone.
This is a common issue for players experiencing GTA 5 joining session problems, whether you’re on PC, PS5, or Xbox. Fortunately, most of the time, this error can be easily resolved with a few simple troubleshooting steps.
In this guide, we will explore the possible causes of the “GTA 5 error joining a session” and provide you with actionable solutions to fix it.
Why You Are Getting “Error Joining a Session” in GTA 5 Online
The GTA 5 joining session problem typically appears when there’s an issue connecting to an online session. Whether you’re encountering GTA V not joining a session or the GTA Online error joining session, it usually points to network issues, corrupted files, or server problems. This can also lead to the timed out joining session GTA 5 error message.
How to Fix ‘There Has Been an Error Joining a Session’ in GTA 5 Online
Restart Your Game and Console/PC
Sometimes, the simplest solution to fix the GTA Online session issue is to take a short break. Restart the game and allow about a 5-minute pause before relaunching it. This can help resolve temporary network problems and refresh your connection, allowing you to join sessions more smoothly. It’s a quick and easy way to tackle the problem without diving into more complex fixes.
Verify Your Game Files (For PC Players)
If you’re playing on PC, corrupted or missing game files are a common cause of the GTA V error joining session issue. Fortunately, you can easily check your game files through the Rockstar Launcher or Steam.
- Steam: Right-click on GTA 5 in your Library > Properties > Local Files > Verify Integrity of Game Files.
- Rockstar Launcher: Go to this guide on Rockstar Official Guide for verifyng game files in the Rockstar Games Launcher
This will resolve most issues related to missing or corrupted files and may fix the GTA V not joining a session error.
Check Your NAT Type for Better Connectivity
One of the most common reasons behind the GTA Online error joining session is your NAT type being set to Strict or Moderate. A Strict NAT type can prevent you from joining sessions or cause GTA timed out joining session errors.
To resolve this, ensure your NAT type is set to Open:
For PlayStation and Xbox players: Go to Network Settings and check your NAT type. If it’s not Open, consider adjusting your router settings to enable port forwarding or use a DMZ (Demilitarized Zone).
For PC players: Use a NAT Type Checker to verify and adjust your settings accordingly.
Fixing your NAT type to Open can resolve the GTA 5 error joining session and help you avoid connection issues.
Clear Cache and Reset Network Settings
Clearing your cache and resetting network settings can help fix the GTA V not joining a session issue. Here’s how you can do it:
- For PS5 and Xbox: Power off your console, unplug it for about 30 seconds, and then restart it. This will reset the connection and can fix the GTA online session fix issue.
- For PC: Reset your router, disconnect and reconnect to your network, and flush your DNS cache by typing the following command in Command Prompt: i
pconfig /flushdns
This is a quick and easy fix for GTA timed out joining session errors.
Disable Firewalls and Antivirus Software
Firewalls or antivirus software can block connections to GTA Online. If you’re on PC, temporarily disable any security software and try to join the session again. If this resolves the GTA 5 joining session problem, make sure to add GTA 5 to your firewall exceptions list.
Fixing Corrupted Files in Your User Folder
Corrupted files in your user folder can also cause the “GTA Online error joining session” issue. Here’s how to fix it:
Step 1: Remove Specific Corrupted Files
- Navigate to User/Documents/Rockstar Games/GTA V/profiles/@#!$%^&* (your profile folder with random letters and numbers).
- Inside the folder, delete the following files:
- cfg.dat
- cloudsavedata.dat
- pc_settings.bin
Deleting these files can fix issues related to GTA V not joining a session and help you resolve the “GTA 5 error joining session fix”.
Step 2: Remove or Rename Rockstar Games Folders
If the above step didn’t work, you can try renaming or deleting the entire Rockstar Games folder in:
- User/Documents
- User/AppData/Local
Make sure to back up any important files, such as your videos created in the creator tool. Once you’ve renamed or deleted these folders, try launching GTA 5 Online again.
Step 3: Reinstall the Rockstar Launcher
If the problem still persists, consider reinstalling just the Rockstar Launcher but keeping your game files. This will ensure the launcher is properly installed without having to reinstall the entire game. This process can help fix the GTA Online session fix problem and the GTA 5 joining session issue.
Additional Tips: Fix Network Issues and Flush DNS
If you continue to encounter the GTA V error joining session, network problems could still be affecting your connection. Try the following tips to resolve the issue:
- Flush your DNS: Open Command Prompt and type: i
pconfig /flushdns
This clears the DNS cache and can help resolve connectivity issues related to the GTA Online error joining session.
When to Contact Rockstar Support
If all else fails, and you’re still facing the GTA Online session fix issue, it’s time to reach out to Rockstar Support. Sometimes, server-side issues or account-specific problems can prevent you from joining GTA 5 Online sessions. Visit the Rockstar Support website for more help.
Conclusion
Experiencing the GTA 5 error joining session can be frustrating, but the solutions outlined above should help you get back into the game. From simple fixes like restarting your game to more advanced solutions like clearing corrupted files or adjusting your network settings, there’s a good chance you’ll resolve the GTA Online error joining session and get back to enjoying GTA 5 Online.
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