How to Fix Riot Client Timeout 2023

The Riot client is pretty handy and is a common sight for players of League of Legends and Valorant, two heavy hitting games with immense fanbases. However, one very common issue this client has is that it tends to give the 'Timeout - Something unusual has happened' error. This takes the fun out of playing games pretty much instantly and can chase major infuriation.

To fix the 'Timeout - Something unusual has happened' error, there are a total of three potential fixes. The first is, of course, to ensure your internet connection is working fine. If it is, then run the client as admin to see if it works that way. If it still doesn't work, then you'll have to restart after a while, we chances are that Riot will work on a fix to the issue just like they have in the past.

If you've been getting the Riot client timeout error then keep reading because we know how to fix it.

Check Your Internet Connection

A stable and reliable internet connection is crucial for a seamless gaming experience. When encountering a Riot Client Timeout error, the first step is to ensure that your internet connection is functioning properly. After all, a bad internet connection can cause issues like the LoL patching failed one. Here are a couple of things you can try to ensure your internet is working as well as possible.

• Begin by restarting your router and modem. Wait for about 30 seconds, then plug them back in. Allow them to fully reboot before proceeding.
• To eliminate any potential Wi-Fi-related issues, consider connecting your computer directly to the modem using an Ethernet cable. 
• Temporarily disable any VPN or proxy services you may be using and attempt to connect to the game servers again.
• Perform an internet speed test to determine if your connection meets the recommended requirements for playing Riot Games.

By following these steps to check your internet connection, you can ensure that your network setup is not causing the Riot Client Timeout error. If the error persists, then move on to the next method.

Run Riot Client as Administrator

Running Riot Client with administrative privileges can sometimes help resolve the timeout issue by ensuring that the client has the necessary permissions to access network resources. As a matter of fact, this is one of the most common fixes for this specific issue. Here's a guide on running Riot Client as an administrator:

1. If the Riot Client is currently open, close it before proceeding. 
2. Now, Locate the Riot Client shortcut. It's typically located on your desktop or in the Start menu.
3. Right click on it to open the context menu.
4. In the context menu, you'll find the option "Run as administrator." Left click on this option to launch the Riot Client with administrative privileges.

Once the Riot Client launches with administrative privileges, check if the timeout issue persists. Open the game you wish to play and attempt to connect to the game servers. If the connection is successful without any timeout errors, you can proceed with your gaming session.

Change DNS Servers

In some cases, using alternative DNS servers can improve your connection to Riot's game servers. You can try using public DNS servers like Google DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1). 

Here's how to change your DNS settings:

1. Open the Control Panel on your computer.
2. Go to Network and Internet then Network and Sharing Center.
3. Click on "Change adapter settings" on the left hand side.
4. Right click on your active network connection and select "Properties."
5. In the Properties window, select "Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)" and click on "Properties."
6. Choose the option "Use the following DNS server addresses" and enter the preferred DNS server addresses.
7. Click "OK" to save the changes.

Constantly Restart the Riot Client

Now, we're certain that you must have restarted the client at least once already. If not by yourself, then when you closed and started it again as admin. However, it seems as though constantly restarting the client until it eventually ends up working by itself is the most common fix for when your Riot client times out.

So, well, that's what you have to do. Simply close the Riot client and then launch it again. If it times out again then repeat the process until it eventually ends up working. Now, we understand that this could be a major pain, especially since you don't know how many times you'll have to restart the client, but it shouldn't take too long.

Wait For Riot to Fix it

For those who were playing League of Legends and Valorant back in 2021 as well, you'll probably know how this error had seen a major surge around that time. This was because of the fact that Riot's Vanguard was seeing certain antivirus software as a threat, and as such, wasn't able to run the Riot client as intended.

However, within a week, Riot successfully communicated with their community that there was indeed a problem, and then continued to fix the issue as well. Ever since not too many players have seen this specific error. The same thing happened with the issue that didn't allow Valorant players to change their resolution.

With that being said, if you do get this error, then the safest and most reliable thing to do would be to simply wait for Riot to fix the issue for you. Hey, if you still want to play then you could always use the method we mentioned before this one and continuously restart the client until it fixes.