Long load times are still worth the wait if you are guaranteed error-free gameplay. But waiting out long times only for the game to crash without finding a session can be really frustrating. Well, this is exactly what many like yourself are having to deal with in GTA 5 Online with the “There has been an error joining a session” issue. So, if you are encountering the issue from time to time and are unable to play the game, consider reading this guide for workarounds to fix the issue for good.
Being a decade-old game, GTA 5 Online has no error that is new at this moment. This error, too, is not new, and players have been dealing with it since the game’s release. It is one of those dreadful issues that you hope will never have to face. But here you are, not finding a session and kept out of the game. So, let’s get you back to the game with the help of effective workarounds.
GTA 5 Online There has been an error joining a session Issue: Is there any fix yet
We do not have a sure-shot workaround that is going to solve the issue for everyone. What we do have, however, are some tried and tested fixes that have come in handy in the past. So, here are those potential fixes.
First things first
The first and simplest step to try is to restart your device and check your internet connection. Similarly, do make sure that you have a stable and active internet connection, which is crucial for connecting to Rockstar’s servers. Restart your router or modem, and if possible, use a wired connection instead of Wi-Fi for improved stability.
Other Modes
Try switching characters by pressing the options button, navigating to the online section, and selecting the “Choose Character” screen. If this doesn’t work, it could be related to high server traffic, so playing during off-hours might help. Another method is to join a friend’s session by accessing the base game, selecting a friend who is online, and joining their session. Alternatively, you can try going to the “Play GTA Online” option and selecting “Join Crew Session” or “Invite-Only Session” for a more controlled, solo experience where others can’t join, though activities will be limited.
Deleting Specific Files in the Profile Folder
For this fix, head over to the folder located at C/Users/UsernameFolder/Documents/Rockstar Games/GTA V/profiles/@#!$%^&*. This folder contains files specific to your GTA V profile. Within it, locate and delete the following files: cfg.dat, cloudsavedata.dat, and pc_settings.bin. These files store settings, cloud data, and configurations, and removing them forces the game to regenerate fresh copies upon launch. After deleting the files, restart the game and attempt to join an online session.
Removing or Renaming Entire Rockstar Games Folders
If the previous workaround doesn’t work, the next option is to remove or rename the entire Rockstar Games folders. These can be found in the following directories: C/Users/Usernamefolder/Documents/Rockstar Games/ and Users/Usernamefolder/AppData/Local/Rockstar Games/. These folders store various game settings, cached files, and other data that may interfere with the online connection. To ensure no critical data is lost, back up the folders by renaming them. Then either delete or leave the renamed folders in place and relaunch the game.
Flush the DNS
Network issues, such as cached DNS errors, can also lead to session errors. To clear these, open the Command Prompt by pressing Win + R, typing cmd, and hitting Enter. In the Command Prompt, type the command ipconfig /flushdns and press Enter. After flushing the DNS, restart GTA 5 and attempt to join an online session.
Reinstalling the Rockstar Launcher
If the issue persists, try reinstalling the Rockstar Launcher. Start by uninstalling the launcher through the Control Panel or Apps Settings on your PC. During the uninstallation process, select the option to retain your game files, so you don’t need to re-download the entire game. Once uninstalled, download the latest version of the launcher from Rockstar’s official website and reinstall it. After reinstalling, launch GTA 5 through the new launcher and check if the error is resolved.
With those workarounds, we hope that you were able to get back to your online sessions in GTA 5 Online without any hassle. That is all for this guide but before you leave, consider bookmarking Android Gram for more awesome guides like this.
