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How to fix the unknown player error in League of Legends
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Hamza Rashid
Gamer
13 Jun 2025
Posted On
Despite the fact that Riot Games has a dedicated team of developers who ensure the game is as polished as possible, the game still has a handful of errors. One of the more confusing one is the unknown player error in League of Legends [1] that could have even the most veteran players scratching their heads.
The unknown player error in League of Legends is one of the most random errors in the game, and it’s primarily caused by network errors. Players should check their internet connection to ensure there aren’t any issues on that end before checking the League of Legends network status in case there’s an issue there.
Worry not, because we’re here to help you fix the League of Legends unknown player error for good.
What is the LoL unknown player error?
The unknown player error is one of the frustrating and random errors League of Legends players can get. The player’s profile acts strangely when this error happens, where the summoner name in the top-right corner of the client is replaced by the phrase “unknown player,” and the account becomes inaccessible. The client may display a black screen or a loading screen, preventing players from queuing for games or accessing features, thereby locking them out of their accounts within the client.
This error is caused by connectivity issues between the player’s computer and Riot Games’ servers. It signifies an interruption in communication between both sides, making it difficult to determine whether the problem is due to the player or Riot.
What are the first steps to fix the LoL unknown player error?
Since the unknown player error is usually due to connectivity, the player’s first actions should focus on their internet connection. Issues with the Wi-Fi router are a common offender. A simple and effective solution is to reset it. Players can properly restart it by turning it off for at least 10 seconds and then turning it back on. Also, unplug the router from the power source, wait 10 seconds, and plug it back in. Players should restart their PC and attempt to launch League of Legends after trying these resets to see if the connection is restored.
If the error remains after resetting the network hardware, players should attempt to change their connection point. A temporary solution involves switching from a router connection to a mobile hotspot. If connecting to a mobile hotspot fixes the issue, then the problem is likely the router or the ISP. Also, players should check sites like Downdetector to look for a spike in outage reports for League of Legends in their region, where a surge indicates that the problem is probably on Riot’s end. For Riot-related issues, waiting a few hours or even a day can resolve the problems.
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Advanced fixes for the unknown player error in LoL
If basic resets and connection changes don’t work, then the player might have to use more technical solutions like flushing their DNS cache. Flushing the DNS clears potentially corrupted or outdated address information stored on the PC. Follow these steps to flush the DNS cache:
Press the Windows key.
Type CMD and open the command prompt.
Type “ipconfig /flushdns” and hit enter.
Wait for the process to finish.
Close the command prompt and try launching League to see if the issue is resolved. If not, players can try changing their DNS server to a public one, Google DNS, which is 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4.
Network configuration conflicts can trigger the unknown player error. Players can check their network configuration and firewall settings by typing firewall.cpl into the Windows run dialog to access firewall settings. Players can open the Windows run dialog by using the hotkey Win + R. Ensure League of Legends is allowed through the firewall and disable any proxies that might interfere with the game.
Update security programs and ensure that League of Legends is added to their exception or allow lists. Closing unnecessary background applications can help resolve potential software conflicts that might be spoiling the client’s connection.
Could the LoL unknown player error indicate a ban?
Sometimes, the unknown player error can signal a server account penalty instead of a connectivity issue. It happens because Riot Games has imposed a ban on the player’s account. Common reasons for bans include cheating, severe toxic behavior, account boosting, account sharing or selling, and exploiting game bugs for an unfair advantage. Riot might also enforce hardware ID bans, linking the suspension to a machine and preventing new accounts from playing on that hardware. Sometimes, the error might appear if the account is temporarily suspended during an investigation.
Players should check their email inboxes and spam/junk folders and look for any emails from Riot Games regarding account bans. They can also visit the Riot Games support page and submit a ticket regarding their account status, where their team will confirm whether the account is banned and provide specifics. If the player feels like they don’t deserve the ban, they can appeal it through Riot Support and explain why the ban was a mistake, providing any evidence. If Riot confirms that the suspension is temporary, then the only thing players can do is wait.
FAQs
What does the “Unknown Player” error in League of Legends mean?
This error usually shows up when the game fails to retrieve or display your summoner profile correctly. It might happen on the client home screen, during loading, or while trying to invite friends. The cause is often a temporary server issue or a connection hiccup between your client and Riot’s servers [2].
How can I fix the “Unknown Player” error?
Start by restarting the League client and logging back in. If that doesn’t work, check the Riot Games Service Status page to confirm if there’s a regional outage. Also, make sure your internet connection is stable, and try running the client as administrator or using the Hextech Repair Tool for further diagnostics.
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