How to Fix “Could Not Enter Matchmaking” in VALORANT

Trying to queue up in VALORANT and suddenly getting hit with a “Could not Enter Matchmaking” error? You’re not alone. This frustrating message prevents players from starting competitive, unrated, or even custom matches, and it often shows up without any clear reason.

Here’s a simple guide to explain what this error means, why it happens, and how you can fix it.

What Does “Could Not Enter Matchmaking” Mean?

What Does “Could Not Enter Matchmaking” Mean in Valorant?

This error appears when VALORANT fails to connect you to Riot’s matchmaking servers. It means your game client isn’t able to enter the queue system. That might sound technical, but in most cases, it’s caused by simple things like software glitches, background services not running, or a short-term Riot server problem.

It does not always mean you’re banned or under penalty. But it’s important to know what triggered it so you can fix it quickly.

Why This Error Happens?

There are a few possible reasons for this error. Sometimes it’s on your end, and sometimes it’s on Riot’s side. These are the most common causes:

The Riot matchmaking servers may be experiencing downtime, overload, or undergoing maintenance. If so, you won’t be able to queue until the issue is resolved. Another cause is a temporary queue restriction, such as penalties from dodging matches, being AFK, or leaving early. If you’ve received any of those recently, the system may block you from matchmaking for a set time.

You may also see this error if your Vanguard anti-cheat system isn’t running properly. Vanguard must be active for the game to launch and connect to servers. Other times, it could be a local issue—like poor internet, a firewall blocking the game, or a VPN interfering with Riot’s systems.

How to Fix the “Could Not Enter Matchmaking” Error

Try the following steps one by one until the error is resolved:

Restart VALORANT and the Riot Client
Close the game and Riot Client fully. Restarting both often clears out temporary issues and forces a fresh connection to the matchmaking system.
Reboot Your PC
Sometimes background services like Vanguard or your network adapter need a full restart to work properly.
Check Riot Server Status
Go to status.riotgames.com and select VALORANT. If there’s a known issue with matchmaking, it will be listed there.
Ensure Vanguard Anti-Cheat Is Active
Vanguard must be running in the background for VALORANT to connect. If not, reinstalling it through the Riot Client usually fixes the issue.
Log Out and Back Into Riot Client
Sign out of your Riot account and sign in again to refresh your session. This can help if the issue is tied to your current login state.
Disable VPN or Check Firewall Settings
VPNs can block matchmaking requests or route them through high-latency servers. Firewalls can also block necessary ports. Try disabling any VPN temporarily and allowing Riot Client and VALORANT through your firewall.
Wait Out Penalties
If you left a game or were AFK, a queue lockout may be active. These usually range from a few minutes to an hour depending on your penalty history.
Reinstall VALORANT (Last Resort)
If nothing else works, uninstall and reinstall the game. Be sure to also delete leftover files in the Riot Games folder before reinstalling to ensure a clean setup.

How to Tell if You’re Under Penalty or Banned

If you’re temporarily banned from matchmaking due to leaving games, going AFK, or dodging lobbies, VALORANT usually shows a countdown timer. You’ll need to wait until the timer expires before queuing again.

If the error message is different or shows no timer, and you believe you’re banned or restricted by mistake, you’ll need to contact Riot Support for clarification. Serious account issues or repeat offenses can lead to longer penalties or permanent bans, which require official resolution.