Fix: “Sorry, There Was A Socket Open Error” Error When Logging In Epic Games Launcher

The error indicates Sorry There Was A Socket Open while logging into Epic Games Launcher. The error may occur due to the server problem or a temporary glitch, which will be fixed soon if it’s from the backend. Besides, the firewall might be interfering, or you are having network connection issues. If we look further, the socket is a module that connects the client and server across the network. When the FTP server communicates with the socket after making a connection request, and if the request accepts, then the client can communicate with the server, and if the request rejects, you will see this type of error.

How to Fix Sorry There Was A Socket Open Error
How to Fix Sorry There Was A Socket Open Error

Above, we have outlined some of the main reasons, but there is more explanation needed, and for that, we describe them in detail:-

  • Server Problem- If there is a server problem from the backend, you may experience network errors while trying to sign in. So make sure to check the server status as we mentioned below.
  • Network Issues- Incorrect DNS or Network Settings can cause this error. You may face network issues if you recently set your network settings incorrectly.
  • Not Having Administrator Privileges- When the application runs without administrator permission, the app can’t access some settings requiring administrator privileges.
  • A firewall may be blocking- The firewall can block the application for accessing a network connection. In most cases, network issues appear while playing when the firewall blocks the network permit.
  • Temporary Glitch or Bug- Besides, it could be a temporary bug or glitch that can be fixed by restarting the Epic Launcher. If you have not tried this yet, go for it.

1. Check Server Status

Before proceeding and applying significant changes to the computer, we advise you to check the server status because it most likely happens when the servers are down. You can check the Epic Games Server Status, which can be down for maintenance.

2. Run Epic Games As Administrator

Running a program as an administrator can hardly fix this error. When the user runs a program as an administrator, that means they are giving full authority to the app to make any changes to the system. If the system is blocking epic games for not having proper administrator privileges, then running a program as an administrator will fix this issue.

  1.  To run Epic Games as Administrator, right-click on the launcher and click Properties

    Open Application Properties
    Open Application Properties
  2. Go to the Compatibility tab, and tick the option named Run This Program As An Administrator
  3. Once done, click Apply and click OK

    Configuring Application Compatibility Settings
    Configuring Application Compatibility Settings
  4. Now open Epic Games Launcher and try to log in with the credentials to check if the error is fixed.

3. Check Your Network connection

Having Bad network bandwidth can prevent the application from running or even launching if the application requires a network bandwidth. Almost every application requires a good network speed to run its components. If your network speed is less than 1 Mbps, you may run into network problems. If it’s not, you can proceed to the other solutions. Inspect the network connection to ensure there is no problem with your internet.

Speed Test
Speed Test

4. Power Cycle Your Router/Modem

If the issue is still there and you did not restart or power cycle your router, then go for it because power cycling the router means disconnecting from the electric source for at least 2-3 minutes as it helps in releasing heat from the device which can affect the router performance. Additionally, it will re-establish the connection to your ISP (Internet Service provider).

  1. To power cycle, disconnect the Power Cables from the router and the electric switch
  2. Wait for at least 3-2 minutes then plug the power cables back
  3. Once done, turn on the router and wait for the lights to turn green
  4. Now check the internet connection and see if the error persists.

5. Allow Epic Games Through Firewall

The firewall has the authority to block the application if the application is suspicious. When the user allows the application to the firewall, then the application will never block. Allowing the application through the firewall will fix the error if the error occurs due to the firewall’s interference. If the method does not work, then try disabling the antivirus temporarily.

Follow the below steps to allow Epic Games through the firewall:-

  1. Click Start Menu and type Control Panel

    Launching Control Panel
    Launching Control Panel
  2. Open the control panel and navigate to the following path
    System and Security\Windows Defender Firewall
  3. Click Allow An App or Feature Through Windows Defender Firewall

    Navigating to Firewall Settings
    Navigating to Firewall Settings
  4. Click on Change Settings and find the unrealEngineLauncherProxy under Allowed Apps And Features

    Click Change Settings
    Click Change Settings
  5. If you are unable to find Epic Games, then click on Allows Another App
  6. Click Browse and navigate to the directory where you have installed Epic Games
  7. The default installation directory is mentioned below. You can copy and paste it to the explorer
    C:\Program Files (x86)\Epic Games\Launcher\Portal\Binaries\Win32
  8. Now select Epic Games Launcher and click Open

    Select Epic Games Launcher
    Select Epic Games Launcher
  9. Click Add and make sure to check the box boxes under Public and Private

    Allowing Private and Public Networks
    Allowing Private and Public Networks
  10. Once done, close all Windows and launch Epic Games to see if the error is fixed.

6. Try Google DNS

Google DNS offers users reliable services and faster internet browsing compared to other DNS servers. It prevents malware from the computer while browsing and provides the best gaming experience. Changing the DNS server might fix this error.

Below are the steps that will help you in setting up Google DNS:-

  1. Go to Settings by pressing the Windows + I keys simultaneously
  2. Navigate to Network & Internet
  3. Click Change Adapter Options and right-click on the network connection then select Properties
    Navigating to Network Control Panel settings
    Navigating to Network Control Panel settings
  4. A short window will pop up and you will select the Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)
  5. Then, click Properties

    Navigating to Protocol Settings
    Navigating to Protocol Settings
  6. On the next Windows, tick the option Use The Following DNS Server Addresses
  7. Insert 8.8.8.8 in the Preferred DNS Server and put 8.8.4.4 in the Alternate DNS Server

    Implementing Google DNS
    Implementing Google DNS
  8. Once done, click OK and launch the Epic Games Launcher to check if the issue is fixed.

7. Reset Network Settings

Incorrect network or DNS settings can lead you to this issue. If you set the network settings improperly, you may face problems in the applications that require a network connection. Try resetting the network settings as it can help in fixing this issue.

  1. To reset the Network Settings, click the Start Menu from the bottom left corner and type Settings
  2. Open Settings, and go to Network & Inernet
  3. Scroll down to the bottom and click Network Reset

    Click Network Reset
    Click Network Reset
  4. Click Reset Now and wait for the PC to restart
    Resetting the Network Settings
    Resetting the Network Settings
  5. Once the computer restarted, click the Start Menu and type Command Prompt
  6. Right-click on the command prompt and choose Run As Administrator
  7. Now Insert the below command and hit Enter
    ipconfig /flushdns
    Flushing IP Address
    Flushing IP Address
  8. Once done, try to sign in with the credentials to check if the error persists.

8. Reinstall Network Adapters

If the error is still not fixed, you can try reinstalling the network adapters. Reinstalling the network adapters will uninstall any corrupted adapters that cause slow internet.

  1. To reinstall network adapters, press Windows + X keys on the keyboard
  2. Select Device Manager from the listed options
    Open Device Manager
    Open Device Manager
  3. Once the page is opened, right-click the Network Adapters and select Uninstall Device

    Uninstalling Network Adapters
    Uninstalling Network Adapters
  4. Once the adapters are fully uninstalled, restart your computer to reinstall the network adapters
    Note: In case the network drivers are not installed, you have to reset the network settings as mentioned above. If you used third-party network drivers, you may need to install them from the website. Make sure to download the network drivers before uninstalling them.
  5. Now launch the Epic Games to see if the error is resolved.

9. Do Port Forwarding

Network Ports allow users to redirect the communication to the server. Ports are known as gates that allow different types of network connections. When the ports are closed, the user cannot communicate with the server. By enabling the port-forwarding, the launcher will get the information that needs to be run. Below are the steps that will help you in enabling port forwarding:-

  1. Press the Windows + R keys at the same time
  2. Type Control Panel and press Enter

    Open Control Panel
    Open Control Panel
  3. Navigate to the following path
    System and Security\Windows Defender Firewall
  4. Click Advanced Settings from the left pane
  5. Right-click on Inbound Rules then click New Rule

    Creating New Rule
    Creating New Rule
  6. Select Port and click Next

    Select Port
    Select Port
  7. Select TCP and leave Specific Local Ports selected
  8. Put the following port numbers and click Next
    80, 433, 443, 3478, 3479, 5060, 5062, 5222, 6250, 12000-65000

    Enabling Port Forwarding
    Enabling Port Forwarding
  9. Leave the Allow Connection checked and click Next
  10. Make sure Domain Private and Public options are selected then click Next
  11. Enter the port name such as Epic Games and click Finish

    Click Finish
    Click Finish
  12. Once done, launch the Epic Games and sign in with the credentials to check if the error is fixed.

10. Try Another Account

If the error is still appearing try switching to another account to see if this fixes Error: Sorry There Was A Socket Open.

11. Reinstall Epic Games

If all else fails and the error is still persisting, then we recommend you reinstall the Epic Games because there may be a file corruption in Epic Games that causes Error: Sorry There Was A Socket Open.

  1. To reinstall Epic Games, press the Windows + R keys on the keyboard
  2. Type appwiz.cpl and press Enter
  3. Now find Epic Games and right-click on it
  4. Click Uninstall

    Uninstalling Epic Games
    Uninstalling Epic Games
  5. Once done, Download Epic Games from the official website
  6. Open the installer and follow the on-screen instructions
  7. Once done, check if the error is fixed.

12. Contact Your ISP (Internet Service Provider)

If none of the methods worked and the servers are not down, we advise you to contact your ISP (Internet Service Provider) to describe your issue. They will fix your issue soon if it’s related to your internet.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Hamza Mohammad Anwar


Hamza Mohammad Anwar is an intermediate JavaScript web developer with a focus on developing high-performance applications using MERN technologies. His skill set includes expertise in ReactJS, MongoDB, Express NodeJS, and other related technologies. Hamza is also a Google IT Certified professional, which highlights his competence in IT support. As an avid problem-solver, he recreates errors on his computer to troubleshoot and find solutions to various technical issues.