Is Old School RuneScape down or not working today?

You get this error when logging in

Jagex says this known error is commonly associated with periods of high traffic.

• Wait at least 30 minutes between attempts: repeated attempts can make the situation worse.

Waiting doesn't help

• Upgrade your character to a Jagex Account and log in via the Launcher.
• Or log in via Steam, which should bypass the error.

You want to know if it is your account or your connection

• Try logging in with an alternate account: repeated attempts can apply an account-level block.
• Try a different connection (mobile instead of landline, or the reverse) and avoid popular common VPNs.

You use a third-party client or hop worlds a lot

• Use one of the official clients: third-party clients use a tunnelled connection that can contribute to the issue.
• Avoid logging in and out frequently, such as world-hopping or rapidly switching accounts.

You use a VPN, proxy or hosting server

Jagex doesn't support them: they often interfere with access to its games and can cause failed logins.

• Disable it before launching the game.

Lag or repeated disconnections

• Reboot your modem or router; if it persists, turn the router off and leave it off for 30 minutes.
• Connect directly to your modem with an ethernet cable if possible; on mobile, try WiFi.
• Pick a game world located close to you.

You can't connect at all

• Make sure RuneScape and its data are allowed through any security software on your computer or connection.
• Flush your DNS cache.

You don't use an official client

• Switch to the official Old School RuneScape client.

You can't log in or connect to a world

If your firewall blocks RuneScape, you can't reach Jagex's servers.

• Add exceptions for RuneScape in your firewall and antivirus software (see your firewall software's website for instructions).
• On your router, open the ports Jagex lists; the method depends on your router's make and model.

You created your character on mobile with Google, Apple, Facebook or Game Center

That character can't log into the Old School desktop client or the Jagex Launcher as it is.

• Google, Apple or Facebook: install the Jagex Launcher and upgrade to a Jagex account.

Your account is currently hijacked

• Use Jagex's account recovery, linked from its security tips page.

You want to secure your account

• Upgrade to a Jagex account: Jagex's main recommendation.
• Use a unique password for each online account and set up the authenticator.
• Secure your email too: a hijacker with access to your email could disable your authenticator.

Your payment hasn't shown up yet

It can take up to 24 hours for payments to process; a successful purchase is confirmed by a notification to your payment email address.

• Wait up to 24 hours before paying again.

The payment failed but money looks taken

The funds are not sent to Jagex: the payment may show as pre-authorised, and your bank or card issuer can take up to 5 working days to return it.

• Contact your payment provider about the failed transaction, and check they don't block online or international payments (Jagex is based in the UK).

You paid through a third-party provider

Unsuccessful payments may not show up on Jagex's systems.

• Get in touch with that provider directly.