VAN 185 is a widely reported error code for Valorant. A Valorant player described that error in a Reddit post as follows: “I have been facing the VAN 185 error for 3-4 days now, it randomly starts popping in my games after 6-8 rounds.” The VAN 185 message says it’s a connection error, which is common for Valorant. This is how you can fix the VAN 185 Valorant error on Windows PCs.
Restart the Riot Client and Sign Back in
The Riot support service recommends players restart the Riot Client. Also, try signing out and back into that client after the restart. This is how you can restart the Riot Client and sign back in:
- Right-click the Riot Client system tray icon to select Exit.
- Then, reopen the Riot Client.
- If you’re not logged out after the restart, click the profile icon at the top right of Riot Client to select Sign out.
- Then, input your credentials and sign in.
The Riot Games sign in box
Disable IPv6
Players have confirmed that disabling the IPv6 protocol can fix the VAN 185 Valorant error on Windows PCs. Applying this possible solution can fix network conflicts causing the error. These are the steps for disabling IPv6:
- Hold the Windows key and press R to access the Run dialog.
- Input the ncpa.cpl command inside of Run and select OK.
- Right-click the adapter for the internet to select its Properties context menu option.
- Unselect the checkbox for Internet Protocol Version 6.
The Internet Protocol Version 6 checkbox
- Click OK to set the network options.
Start the VGC Service
Some players have fixed the VAN 185 Valorant error by setting an automatic startup type for the VGC service. Then, you can also start that service if necessary. You configure the VGC service to start automatically like this:
- First, end Valorant and Riot Client services.
- Bring up Run and input services.msc inside its text box.
- Click OK to view Services.
- Right-click vgc in Services to select Properties.
- Select Automatic in the Startup drop-down menu.
The vgc service settings
- If vgc is stopped, click its Start button.
- To save the service settings, click Apply > OK.
Add Valorant to Your Firewall’s Exclusion List
Windows Defender Firewall can contribute to the VAN 185 Valorant error if the game isn’t allowed through it. To remedy this possible cause, try adding Valorant’s VALORANT-Win64-Shipping file to that firewall’s allowed list with the Private & Public checkboxes selected. This Riot Games page tells you to add that Valorant file and others to the firewall’s allowed list.
The allowed list for Windows Defender Firewall
Reset Your Network Settings
A few players have also fixed the VAN 185 Valorant error by resetting network settings. Doing that will restore the default network settings on your PC, which can remedy numerous connection issues. These are the steps for resetting network settings:
- Activate your Windows file finder tool by clicking on the taskbar’s search box (or the magnifying glass button).
- Enter a network reset search phrase.
- Click on Reset now and Yes option to confirm.
The Network reset button
- Then, you’ll need to reconnect after the restart.
The troubleshooting methods covered above are player-confirmed ways to resolve the VAN 185 Valorant error. That doesn’t mean they’re guaranteed to fix that Valorant connection error, everybody, but they’re worth trying. If those resolutions aren’t enough, you can click the Submit A Ticket button on this Riot support service page to ask the game’s help service for more potential fixes.
