Overwatch errors and common problems

Can't log in: Usually a connection problem with Blizzard services

Means

You see "Sorry, we were unable to log you in" or a time out while the game talks to Blizzard. Blizzard says this is most often caused by the connection between you and its servers.

First step

Restart your computer or console before trying anything else. All steps

Keeps disconnecting: Network trouble or a service problem

Means

Being dropped from matches over and over usually points to your router, network settings or other apps, unless Blizzard is having a service problem at the time.

First step

Check @BlizzardCS on X for known service problems. All steps

High ping: Latency from your network or route

Means

Lag shows up as high latency or rubber-banding during matches. Blizzard suggests looking at the in-game network stats to see which kind of latency you have, then working through basic network fixes.

First step

Check @BlizzardCS on X for known problems first. All steps

Stuck searching for match: Queue or join screen never finishes

Means

The game stays on "Searching for game" or "Joining Match" and never puts you in, or you join and drop in a loop. Blizzard says to check for a known issue first, then refresh your login and network settings.

First step

Check @BlizzardCS and @PlayOverwatch on X for a known issue. All steps

Won't launch: Says Game is Running but no window

Means

The Battle.net app shows "Game is Running" but no Overwatch window ever opens. Blizzard points to old drivers, bad settings, security software or damaged files.

First step

Update your graphics drivers and operating system. All steps

Stuck on loading screen: Console install not complete or corrupted

Means

On console you log in but no heroes appear and the loading screen never ends. Blizzard notes you can log in while the game is still installing, which can cause this.

First step

Make sure the game has fully finished installing before you log in. All steps

LC-202: Disconnected from game server on console

Means

LC-202 means your console lost its connection to the Overwatch game server. If your console account is linked to Battle.net, you also need a BattleTag.

First step

Make sure your linked Battle.net account has a BattleTag. All steps

LC-208: Can't connect to game servers on console

Means

LC-208 and LC-208.001 show up when the console can't connect to or stays dropped from the Overwatch servers. A missing BattleTag on a linked account can also cause it.

First step

Make sure your linked Battle.net account has a BattleTag. All steps

BN-564: Login failed, often during maintenance

Means

BN-564 comes with "Sorry, we were unable to log you in". Blizzard says it can appear on consoles while the Overwatch servers are down for maintenance.

First step

Check @BlizzardCS on X for maintenance and wait if it is running. All steps

Unexpected Server Error Occurred: Login blocked, try another server region

Means

This message appears when you log in and the game can't get you in. Blizzard suggests restarting the game first and then switching the server region in Battle.net.

First step

Close Overwatch and open it again. All steps

BC-124: Console can't log you in to Battle.net

Means

BC-124 comes with "Sorry we were unable to log you into battle.net" on console. It usually points to a service problem or to the console's connection.

First step

Check @BlizzardCS on X for service problems. All steps

BC-101: Game client can't reach the server

Means

BC-101 shows up at login on console when the game fails to connect to the Overwatch server.

First step

Turn your modem and router off and on again. All steps

Your rendering device has been lost: Graphics driver timed out and recovered

Means

The game closes with this message after a TDR, which is when Windows resets a graphics driver that stopped responding. Old drivers, other apps, heat and overclocking can all trigger it.

First step

Update your graphics drivers and Windows. All steps

BLZOWCLI00000006: Another program made the game crash

Means

The crash message says an external program caused Overwatch to crash. Blizzard names antivirus, streaming, recording and overlay software as common causes.

First step

Close all other programs, including streaming, recording and overlay apps. All steps