If you're trying to figure out how to fix roblox error code 517 join game, you've probably already hit a wall of frustration. You're sitting there, ready to jump into your favorite experience, maybe meet up with some friends, and then—bam. A gray box pops up telling you that "This game is currently unavailable" or that you've been disconnected. It's a total mood killer, especially when you have no idea why it's happening.
The truth is, Error 517 is one of those annoying, slightly vague errors that Roblox throws your way. It usually happens when you're trying to join a server that's either shutting down, or the game thinks you're still technically "in" another session. It could even be a sign that the developer is updating the game right at the exact second you tried to click "Play." Whatever the reason, we're going to walk through some ways to get you back into the game without losing your mind.
What is Error Code 517 Anyway?
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty fixes, let's talk about what this error actually means. Most of the time, it's a communication breakdown between your computer and the Roblox servers. It's basically the game saying, "Hey, I can't let you in right now because something isn't lining up."
Sometimes it's because you were just kicked from a server and tried to rejoin too fast. Other times, it's because the server itself is having a bit of a meltdown. It's rarely a "you" problem in the sense that your computer is broken, but rather a "connection" problem that needs a little nudge to clear up.
The First Move: The "Wait and See" Approach
I know, I know. Nobody likes to hear "just wait," but honestly, with Error 517, this is often the most effective fix. Because this error frequently pops up when a server is in the middle of closing or updating, simply giving it five to ten minutes can solve the problem.
If the developer just pushed an update, the old servers are being killed off to make room for the new ones. If you try to jump back in immediately, you might get caught in that "limbo" phase. Go grab a snack, stretch your legs, and try again in a bit. If it still doesn't work, then it's time to get a bit more hands-on.
Clearing Out the Junk: Deleting Roblox Cache
If waiting didn't do the trick, the next logical step in how to fix roblox error code 517 join game is to clear out your temporary files. Roblox stores a lot of data locally on your computer to help games load faster, but sometimes this data gets corrupted. When that happens, the game gets confused and keeps throwing errors at you.
Here is how you can clear that cache on a Windows PC:
- Press the Windows Key + R on your keyboard to open the Run box.
- Type in
%localappdata%and hit Enter. - Look for a folder named Roblox.
- Inside that folder, find the Versions folder.
- Honestly, you can often just delete the whole Roblox folder in LocalAppData (you'll just have to log back in later), but if you want to be surgical, deleting the contents of the "Downloads" and "Temp" folders inside the Roblox directory usually does the trick.
By clearing these files, you're essentially giving the Roblox launcher a fresh start. It'll have to redownload the necessary bits, which often clears out whatever was causing that 517 hang-up.
Log Out and Back In
It sounds like "Tech Support 101," but logging out of your account and logging back in actually refreshes your session ID. Sometimes Error 517 happens because Roblox thinks you are already in a game. By logging out, you're telling the master server to "reset" your status to offline.
- Click the gear icon (settings) on the Roblox website or app.
- Hit Logout.
- Wait a few seconds.
- Log back in with your credentials.
While you're at it, if you're playing on a browser, try switching browsers. If you usually use Chrome, give Firefox or Microsoft Edge a shot. Sometimes a specific browser extension or a weird cookie is the silent culprit behind your connection issues.
Check the Server Status
Before you go uninstalling everything, it's worth checking if Roblox itself is having a bad day. If the entire platform is struggling, no amount of tweaking on your end will fix it.
You can head over to the official Roblox Status page or check out third-party sites like DownDetector. If you see a massive spike in reports from other players, you can stop troubleshooting. It's out of your hands, and you just have to wait for the engineers at Roblox HQ to fix their servers.
Reset Your Internet Connection
Sometimes your router gets a bit "tired." If your IP address is having trouble communicating with the Roblox game servers, you're going to see Error 517 a lot.
A quick way to fix this is to power cycle your router. Unplug it from the wall, wait about 30 seconds (this lets the capacitors fully discharge), and plug it back in. Once your internet is back up and running, try joining the game again.
If you're on a PC, you can also try flushing your DNS. It sounds technical, but it's easy: 1. Type cmd in your Windows search bar and open the Command Prompt. 2. Type ipconfig /flushdns and hit Enter. 3. You should see a message saying it was successful. This clears out your computer's "map" of the internet, forcing it to find a fresh path to the Roblox servers.
The Nuclear Option: Reinstalling Roblox
If you've tried everything above and you're still searching for how to fix roblox error code 517 join game, it might be time for a clean slate. Sometimes the installation itself gets a bug that a simple cache clear won't fix.
- Go to your Control Panel and select "Uninstall a program."
- Find Roblox and remove it.
- Once it's gone, go back to the Roblox website and try to join a game.
- The site will prompt you to download and install the launcher again.
This ensures you have the absolute latest version of the client without any leftover "ghost" files from the previous installation causing issues.
A Word on Bans and Private Servers
There is one more thing to consider, though it's a bit of a bummer. Sometimes Error 517 can show up if you've been kicked or banned from a specific server. If you can join other games just fine but that one specific game keeps giving you the error, there's a chance the game's script has flagged your account.
Also, if you're trying to join a Private Server, make sure the link is still valid or that the owner hasn't revoked your access. If a private server is shut down while you're trying to join, 517 is the "go-to" error code that the system displays.
Final Thoughts
Dealing with errors is never fun, especially when you just want to relax and play. Most of the time, the secret to how to fix roblox error code 517 join game is really just a mix of patience and a few quick resets. Whether it's clearing your cache, refreshing your internet, or just waiting for a game update to finish, one of these steps usually gets the job done.
Don't let a little gray box ruin your day. Try the simple stuff first—refresh, log out, wait a few—and only move on to the more "techy" stuff if you really have to. Most likely, you'll be back to jumping, building, or battling in no time. Good luck, and hopefully, you won't be seeing that 517 code again anytime soon!