How to Fix Borderlands 3 Network Error

Experiencing the infamous "Network Error You must connect to the online service to play online" issue or connection errors while trying to play Borderlands 3 with your friends? You're not alone. This error has been bothering many players and can be frustrating, especially when you just want to enjoy some multiplayer fun.

In this detailed guide, we will provide several solutions to help you fix this error and get back to gaming with your friends. We'll also touch on related issues such as SHiFT account login and other network problems.

Creating and Logging into Your SHiFT Account

Before diving into the methods to resolve the network error, it's important to ensure you have a SHiFT account and are logged in. The SHiFT account is necessary to access the online features in Borderlands 3. To create and log into your SHiFT account, follow these steps:

1. Open Borderlands 3 and navigate to the Main or Pause menu.
2. Click on the Socials tab.
3. If you have an existing SHiFT account, enter your email and password.
4. If you need to create a new account, enter a valid email address and create a password. Your password should be at least eight characters long with one uppercase letter and one special symbol.
5. Verify your account through the email you provided.

BL3 Network Error: Comprehensive Solutions

With your SHiFT account set up and verified, you can now proceed to the various methods to fix the Borderlands 3 network error.

Method 1: Unblock lsass.exe in Your Firewall

One possible reason for the network error is that the lsass.exe application is blocked by your firewall. To unblock it, follow these steps:

1. Open Windows Security by clicking on the Start menu and typing "Windows Security" in the search bar.
2. Click on Firewall & network protection.
3. Select Allow an app through the firewall.
   
4. Click the Change settings button.
5. Choose Allow another app and click on Browse.
6. Locate and select the Lsass.exe application (Location: C:\Windows\System32\Lsass.exe).
7. Add an exception for both PRIVATE and PUBLIC networks.
8. Click OK and restart the game.

If you use a different antivirus or antimalware software, remember to exclude the lsass.exe application as well.

Method 2: Enable UPnP and DMZ Features

Enabling Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) and Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) features on your modem or router can help fix borderlands 3 connection error. Make sure to enter your computer's IP address in the DMZ settings.

Method 3: Flush DNS Cache

Clearing your DNS cache can help improve your network connectivity. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Close Borderlands 3 and the Epic Games launcher (and Steam).
2. Press the Windows logo key and R simultaneously to open the Run dialog box.
3. Type "ipconfig /flushdns" (without quotes) and press Enter.
4. Restart your computer and try playing the game again.

Method 4: Check Your Network Connection

Sometimes, network errors can be caused by issues with your own network connection. To check and fix your connection, follow these steps:

1. Turn your network connection off and on again on your device.
2. Restart your router or modem.
3. Ensure there aren't too many devices connected to the same network.
4. Maintain a stable network connection throughout.

Method 5: Update Borderlands 3 and Windows

Outdated game files and Windows updates can also cause network errors. To update your game and Windows, follow these steps:

1. Open the Epic Games launcher (or Steam) and check for any available updates for Borderlands 3. Install them if necessary.
2. Click the Start menu, type "Check for updates" in the search bar, and press Enter. Install any available updates for Windows.
3. Restart your computer after installing updates.

Method 6: Verify Game Files and Cache

Corrupted game files or cache can also lead to BL 3 network errors. To verify your game files and cache for both Epic Games and Steam, follow these steps:

Epic Games

1. Open the Epic Games launcher.
2. Go to your Library and find Borderlands 3.
3. Click the three-dot menu next to the game's title and select Manage > Verify.
4. Wait for the verification process to complete and fix any issues found.

Steam

1. Launch the Steam client.
2. Navigate to your Library and locate Borderlands 3.
3. Right-click on the game title and select Properties.
4. Click on the Local Files tab.
5. Select the "Verify Integrity of Game Files" option.
6. Allow the verification process to finish, and let it address any identified issues automatically.

After verifying the game files and cache for either Epic Games or Steam, launch Borderlands 3 and check if the network error persists.

Method 7: Link and Unlink SHiFT Account

Linking and unlinking your SHiFT account from your Epic Games profile can help resolve network errors. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Visit the SHiFT website and log in to your account.
2. Go to the Gaming Platforms section.
3. If your Steam or Epic Games account is already linked, click Unlink. If not, click Link and follow the prompts to link your account.
4. Log in to Borderlands 3 and check if the network error is resolved.

Method 8: Contact 2K Support

If none of the above methods work, the final step is to contact 2K Support. They can help investigate and resolve the bl3 connection error. To submit a support ticket, follow these steps:

1. Visit the 2K Support website.
2. Click on "Submit a Request" at the top right corner.
3. Choose Borderlands 3 as your product and provide a detailed description of the issue.
4. Attach any necessary screenshots or files and submit your request.

Troubleshooting BL3 Network Error on PlayStation and Xbox

Experiencing network errors, such as the "borderlands 3 wifi symbol with x," while playing Borderlands 3 on your PlayStation or Xbox consoles can be frustrating, especially when you're eager to jump into the action with your friends. In this section, we'll explore several troubleshooting methods to help you overcome network issues on both PlayStation and Xbox platforms. By following these steps, you'll be back to enjoying Borderlands 3's online features in no time.

PlayStation

Check PlayStation Network (PSN) Status

Network errors might be due to a temporary issue with the PlayStation Network. Visit the PSN Service Status page to check if there are any ongoing issues or maintenance.

Test Your Internet Connection

1. Go to Settings > Network.
2. Select Test Internet Connection.
3. If the test results show a problem, try restarting your router and console, and then retest your connection.

Update Borderlands 3 and System Software

1. To update Borderlands 3, highlight the game on the home screen, press the Options button, and select Check for Update.
2. To update your PlayStation system software, go to Settings > System Software Update and follow the on-screen instructions.

Xbox

Check Xbox Live Service Status

Network errors may occur as a result of temporary issues or maintenance with Xbox Live. To ensure that the problem is not related to Xbox Live services, visit the Xbox Live Service Status page. This page will provide you with up-to-date information on any ongoing problems or scheduled maintenance events. By keeping an eye on the service status, you can better understand if the network error is a wider issue or something specific to your console.

Test Your Network Connection

1. Press the Xbox button to open the guide.
2. Go to Profile & System > Settings > General > Network settings.
3. Select Test network connection.
4. If the test results show a problem, try restarting your router and console, and then retest your connection.

Update BL 3 and System Software

To ensure that Borderlands 3 is up-to-date on your Xbox console, navigate to the home screen and highlight the game. Next, press the Menu button on your controller and choose the Manage game & add-ons option. Once there, look for any available updates by going to the Updates tab. If you find any updates, proceed to install them to keep your game current and possibly resolve any Borderlands 3 network issues.

To update your Xbox system software, go to Profile & System > Settings > System > Updates and follow the on-screen instructions.

By applying these methods on your PlayStation or Xbox consoles, you can resolve network errors and enjoy playing Borderlands 3 with your friends. Remember to also create and log in to your SHiFT account to access the game's online features.

In Conclusion

Network errors can be a major nuisance, but with the help of the methods provided in this comprehensive guide, you should be able to fix the "You must connect to the online service to play online" error in Borderlands 3. Start by creating and logging into your SHiFT account, and then work your way through the various methods until you find the one that resolves the issue. Most importantly, enjoy your gaming experience and have fun playing Borderlands 3 with your friends!

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