How to Fix Battlefield 2042 Error ‘1:4688822970:100J:1004G’ on PC?
After a recent patch pushed by EA, a lot of Battlefield 2052 players are reporting that they can’t get past the initial screen. They are stuck with the error ‘Unable to connect to the EA server (1:4688822970:100J:1004G)’ every time they attempt to launch the game. This problem seems to be exclusive for PC users.
After we’ve investigated this issue thoroughly, it turns out that there are several different scenarios that might end up producing this error. Here’s a list of scenarios that might be applicable:
- Ongoing server issue – As it turns out, this problem can also be caused by an ongoing server issue that EA is busy mitigating or a scenario in which there’s currently scheduled maintenance taking place for the game servers in your area. In this case, all you can do is confirm the issue and wait for the involved developers to fix the problem.
- Inconsistent DNS range – According to a lot of affected users, this type of error code is often associated with an inconsistent DNS range. If your ISP is using a level 3 node, you might be able to fix the problem by moving away from your default DNS range to the Google range.
- Insufficient bandwidth – If you’re working with a limited ISP plan and you’re connected to a Wireless network with a lot of connected devices, the reason you’re getting this error might be because there’s not enough available bandwidth to accommodate your connection to the server. In this case, it might help if you migrate to a wired connection instead.
- Conflicting Wi-Fi channel – If your PC is connected to a Wi-Fi network that’s active in a crowded space that hosts multiple Wi-Fi networks, Wi-Fi channel interference might be responsible for this type of issue. If this scenario is applicable, you should be able to fix the problem by modifying the Wi-Fi channel, making sure it’s unique.
- Router inconsistency – According to some affected users, temporary network data accumulated by your router can also be responsible for this problem. If this scenario is applicable, you should be able to fix the problem by clearing the temporary data accumulated by your router (either by restarting or resetting your router).
- Steam game folder glitch – According to some affected users launching the game via Steam, this problem can also occur due to a game folder glitch that tends to affect game releases published by EA. In this case, you should be able to fix the problem by moving the Local files in Steam to a new location.
- The game executable is blocked by an active Firewall – There’s also a scenario in which you are unable to connect to the EA servers because the connection to the game servers is being blocked by your active firewall. In this case, you should be able to fix the problem by whitelisting the executable of the launcher you’re using in your AV settings.
1. Check for ongoing server issues
Since the 1:4688822970:100J:1004G error is often tied to a server problem, start this troubleshooting guide by verifying whether DICE is currently busy mitigating a server issue. It’s also possible that scheduled maintenance denies you the connection with the game server impossible.
Check if this scenario is applicable by accessing a website like Down Detector or Is the Service Down and see if any users in your area are currently reporting the same type of issue.
Note: Get a clear view of the scope of the issue by scrolling down to the comment section and checking whether other users are currently reporting the same issue.
If your search has revealed that Battlefield 2042 is currently dealing with a server issue, there’s nothing you can really do other than wait for the problem to be fixed by Dice and EA.
However, if you haven’t uncovered any evidence of a server issue, move down to the next fix below that should treat a potential problem caused by a restrictive DNS.
2. Change the DNS to Google Equivalents
Once you made sure that the problem has nothing to do with a server problem, the next thing you should troubleshoot against is an inconsistent DNS range as a potential culprit that’s causing the Unable to connect to the EA server (1:4688822970:100J:1004G) error.
If this scenario is applicable, you can fix the problem by migrating your default DNS (Domain Name Address) range to a range supplied by Google.
This is applicable in scenarios where ISP (Internet Service Providers) are actually using Level 3 nodes that might ultimately be responsible for connection inconsistencies with certain servers outside the network.
To adjust the DNS range of your PC, you’ll need to access the Network Connections window from the classic Control panel menu. From this dedicated menu, you will be able to establish a custom DNS range for the network that you’re currently connected to.
Follow the guide below for step by step instructions on how to do this:
- Open up a Run dialog box by pressing Windows key + R.
- Type ‘ncpa.cpl’ and press Enter to open up the Network Connections window.
Open up the Network Connections menu - At the User Account Control (UAC) prompt, click Yes to grant administrative privileges.
- Next, from the Network Connections tab, locate the connection that you’re currently using as the gateway to the internet. Next, right-click on it and choose Properties from the context menu.
Accessing the Properties menu - Inside the Properties screen for your Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection, navigate to the Networking tab and then turn your attention to the settings under This connection uses the following items.
- From the next menu that just appeared, choose Internet Protocol (TCP / IP4) and click on Properties.
Modifying the IPV4 settings - In the General tab, then check the toggle associated with Use the following DNS server address.
- Replace Preferred DNS server and Alternate DNS Server with the following values:
8.8.8.8 8.8.4.4
- Next, you’ll need to change the values for IPV6. You can do this by returning to the previous menu and accessing the Properties screen of Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6).
- Replace the Preferred DNS server and Alternate DNS server with the following values:
2001:4860:4860::8888 2001:4860:4860::8844
- Finally, save the changes that you just enforced, then reboot both your PC and your router before you attempt to launch Battlefield 2042 once again and see if the error is fixed.
If you’re still dealing with the same Unable to connect to the EA server (1:4688822970:100J:1004G) error, move down to the next potential fix below.
3. Change to a wired connection
If you’re forced to use a Wi-Fi connection when playing BattleField 2042, you need to make sure that you have enough available bandwidth to pass the minimum bandwidth requirement.
If you have no other way but to use a Wi-Fi connection, make sure you’re connected on a 5G network if you want to avoid the 1:4688822970:100J:1004G error.
Note: DICE recommends an Internet connection of at least 512 KBPS. This is the bare minimum, but in order to play without fear of being booted out, you’ll need at least 5 MB for Upload and Download.
If you want to ensure that you meet this minimum threshold, follow the instructions below:
- Start by disabling every non-essential program and service that might how your available network bandwidth.
- Access the home page of SpeedTest and wait until the speed test script is loaded.
- When you’re ready to test your network, click on Go and wait until the test is complete.
Testing the local network - After the test is finished, check the results and see if the Upload and Download are larger than 5 Mbps.
Test Internet speed
Note: You might need the test a couple of times to see if the Upload and Download values are stable.
In case the test you just did has confirmed that you meet the minimum network requirements but the error still occurs, you should migrate over to a LAN connection (if that’s possible).
If you can connect your PC to the internet via cable, you should definitely do it. It will definitely improve your online gaming experience with every game, not just BattleField 2042.
In case you’re already using a LAN cable or your Internet connection is more than enough to handle a connection but you’re still getting the same error, move down to the next potential fix below.
4. Restart or reset your router
Several Battlefield 2042 players have all but confirmed that this problem can also be caused by inconsistent temporary network data accumulated by your router.
Most users dealing with this problem have fixed this issue by rebooting their router or by resetting it (avoid this if possible).
To avoid any unnecessary hustle, start simple with a simple reboot. This operation will clear the temporary network data without overriding any custom settings that you previously established.
To go for a router reboot, turn your router off via the physical button and disconnect it from the power outlet and wait for at least 30 seconds – this is done in order to ensure that the power capacitors are completely drained.
After the 30 seconds have passed, plug your router back in, wait for Internet access to be re-established and see if you are able to launch Battlefield 2042 and get past the initial screen without the same ‘Unable to connect to the EA server (1:4688822970:100J:1004G).
If this procedure didn’t improve things at all, your only option is to go for a router reset.
Do this by pressing and holding the dedicated RESET button on the back for at least 10 seconds. You’ll know when to let go because you’ll suddenly see all the front router LEDs flashing at the same time.
IMPORTANT: This operation will end up resetting any previously established custom settings, login credentials, and forwarded ports.
If restarting and resetting your router didn’t fix the error you’re currently experiencing with Battlefield 2042, try the next potential fix below.
5. Change Wi-Fi Channel
If you are trying to play the game in an environment where there are a lot of different WiFi networks stacked on top of each other, chances are you are experiencing this problem because there’s some sort of interference or conflict going on between the WiFi network that your PC is currently connected to and a different network.
Keep in mind that the vast majority of WiFi routers these days are built to broadcast data using either 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz frequency bands. However, these bands are divided into distinct channels that are used for data exchanges.
Depending on your router’s frequency bands, the channel that you’d want to choose (ideally) is different:
- If you’re on 2.4 GHz, you should pick between the 1, 6, and 11 Wi-Fi channels since these are typically options that won’t overlap with other networks.
- If you’re on 5 GHz, you have a lot of options that you should not have trouble with. You can theoretically choose between all 24 non-overlapping channels without fear of running into interferences.
Note: Most router models have the same channel by default. If you don’t change your WiFI channel, your router will most likely use the same channels as neighboring networks which will slow down or down-right break your WIFI signal.
If you suspect that you’re encountering that the ‘Unable to connect to the EA server (1:4688822970:100J:1004G)’ error is occurring due to a conflicting WiFi channel, follow the instructions below to change the active WiFi channel:
- On a PC connected to the WiFi network, open any browser and type one of the following addresses and press Enter to access your router settings:
192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1
- At the login screen, enter the appropriate credentials to gain access to your router settings.
Access the router settings Note: If you didn’t change the default login credentials, you should be able to get in by using admin or 1234 as username and password. If that doesn’t work, search online for specific steps on accessing your router settings.
- Once you’re inside your router settings, access the Advanced settings from the menu at the top.
- From the advanced menu, use the menu on the left to select Wireless > Wireless Settings.
Access the Wireless Settings Note: These settings will be different depending on your router settings.
- Next, move over to the right-hand side menu, start by disabling Smart Connect (if your router supports this feature) in order to prevent your router from picking a Wi-Fi band automatically.
- Once Smart Connect has been disabled, access your Wireless settings, choose between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz (depending on the network that you’re connected to) and then pick an appropriate Wi-Fi channel according to the instructions above.
Change the WiFi channel - Click Save to enforce the change, then reboot your network and see if the problem is now fixed.
In case the same kind of problem is still occurring and you’re still unable to get past the initial screen of Battlefield 2042, move down to the next method below.
6. Add launcher to Windows Firewall Exception list (if applicable)
As it turns out, the 1:4688822970:100J:1004G in Battlefield 2042 can also occur if your active antivirus ends up blocking the connection between the game’s launcher and the game’s server.
In the event that this is caused by a false positive (like your AV overreacting), you can fix this elegantly by whitelisting the game launcher (Steam or Origin) + the main Battlefield 2042 executable from your AV settings.
Note: In case whitelisting ends up not working, you will need to uninstall the 3rd party security suite altogether in order to be certain that you’re not dealing with an AV-induced security interference.
Whitelist Steam or Origin + the main WOW executable via Windows Firewall
If you’re using Windows Defender, follow the instructions below to whitelist Origin or Steam + the main Battlefield 2042 executable from Windows Firewall:
Note: These instructions below will work for every recent Windows version (Windows 7, Windows 8.1, Windows 10, and Windows 11). If you are using a 3rd party Antivirus + firewall, you need to search online for specific steps of whitelisting the two executables or follow the second guide below for steps of uninstalling it.
- Start by pressing Windows key + R to open up a Run dialog box. Next, type ”control firewall.cpl” and press Enter to open up the classic interface of Windows Firewall.
Access the Firewall settings - From the Windows Defender Firewall menu, move to the left-hand side click on Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall.
Allowing an app through the Windows Firewall program - Next, from the Allowed apps menu, click on Change settings button and allow admin access by clicking Yes at the UAC (User Account Control) prompt.
Changing the firewall settings - Next, scroll down through the list of allowed applications and see if you spot the entries associated with Battlefield 2042 and Origin or Steam. In case they are missing, click the Allow another app button, then click Browse, navigate to their location, and add the two entries manually by clicking Add.
- After both entries appear inside the list of Allowed apps and features, ensure that the two associated boxes (Private and Public) are checked for both of them. Do this for the Origin app or Steam app and click Ok to save the changes.
Whitelisting Steam - Once these modifications have been enforced, launch Origin or Steam once again, run Battlefield 2042 and see if the problem is now fixed.
7. Uninstall 3rd party suite via Programs and features
If you are using a 3rd party Antivirus that doesn’t allow you to whitelist items or you’re looking to remove it, follow the instructions below:
Note: In case the whitelisting guide above didn’t work, try disabling Windows Defender while running the game.
- Start by opening a Run dialog box by pressing Windows key + R. Next, type ‘appwiz.cpl’ inside the text box and press Enter to open up the Programs and Features screen.
Open up the Programs and Features menu - Inside Programs and Features screen, move over to the right section, scroll down through the list of installed programs, and locate the 3rd party AV that you’re trying to uninstall.
- Next, right-click on its entry and choose to Uninstall from the newly appeared context menu.
Uninstalling Antivirus - At the uninstallation screen, follow the on-screen prompts to complete the uninstallation process.
- Restart your computer and launch Battlefield 2042 once again once the next startup is complete to see if Unable to connect to the EA server (1:4688822970:100J:1004G) has been fixed.
