Getting hit with that annoying "This game is currently unavailable" message is a total mood killer, especially when you're just trying to hop into a session with your friends. If you're trying to figure out how to fix Roblox error code 517 join game, you're definitely not the only one staring at a grey screen right now. It's one of those glitches that feels like it's personal, but it's usually just a hiccup between your computer and the Roblox servers.
The good news is that while this error looks technical, it's almost always something you can handle yourself without needing a degree in computer science. Usually, it boils down to a few specific things: the server is shutting down, you were just kicked, or your internet is being a bit dramatic. Let's walk through the actual steps to get you back into the game.
Why is this even happening?
Before we dive into the fixes, it helps to know what you're actually fighting. Error 517 basically tells you that the connection to the game server was interrupted or can't be established in the first place. This happens a lot if you try to rejoin a server immediately after leaving it, or if the developer just pushed an update and the server is in the middle of closing.
Sometimes, it's a bit more annoying—it could be a sign that you've been kicked or banned from a specific game, though usually, you'd get a different message for that. More often than not, it's just a "ghost" session where Roblox thinks you're still in the game, so it won't let you join again.
The classic "Have you tried turning it off and on?"
I know, I know. It sounds like the most basic advice ever, but there's a reason people say it. If you're seeing the 517 error, the first thing you should do is completely close Roblox. Don't just click the 'X' on the error message; actually close the client and, if you're on a PC, check your Task Manager to make sure no background processes are still running.
Give it a solid 30 seconds. This gives the Roblox servers enough time to realize your previous session is actually over. Once you've waited, try joining a different game first. If you can join a random game but not the one you want, the problem is likely with that specific server, not your account or your internet.
Clearing out the junk in your files
If a simple restart didn't do the trick, it's time to get a little deeper. Roblox stores a lot of temporary data on your computer to help games load faster, but sometimes this data gets corrupted. When that happens, you get errors like 517 because the game is trying to use old, broken information to connect to a new session.
To fix this on Windows, you'll want to clear your AppData. Close Roblox completely, then hit the Windows Key + R on your keyboard. Type in %localappdata% and hit Enter. Look for the "Roblox" folder and just delete it. Don't worry—this won't delete your account or your inventory; it just forces the app to download fresh, clean files the next time you open it. This is honestly one of the most effective ways to solve the "how to fix Roblox error code 517 join game" mystery.
Browser issues and the Roblox app
Are you playing through a web browser or using the dedicated Roblox app from the Microsoft Store or Mac App Store? This matters more than you'd think. If you're using Chrome, Edge, or Firefox, your browser's cache might be holding onto a "stale" version of the game page.
Try this: log out of the Roblox website, clear your browser's cookies and cache for the last hour, and then log back in. If you're still getting the error, try switching to the standalone Roblox app. In my experience, the app tends to be a bit more stable when it comes to joining and rejoining servers because it doesn't have to deal with all the extra baggage that a web browser carries.
Refreshing your internet connection
Sometimes the problem isn't Roblox; it's your router acting up. Even if your internet seems fine for YouTube or Discord, a tiny "blip" in your connection can cause the 517 error.
A quick way to fix this is to flush your DNS. It sounds fancy, but it just clears out your computer's "address book" for the internet. Open the Command Prompt on your PC (type 'cmd' in the search bar) and type ipconfig /flushdns, then hit Enter.
If that feels like too much, just go the old-school route: unplug your router, count to ten, and plug it back in. It gives your network a fresh start and can clear up any weird communication hurdles that were stopping you from joining the game.
What about Private Servers?
If you're getting error 517 specifically when trying to join a private server (VIP server), the situation is a bit different. Usually, this means the owner of the server has let their subscription lapse, or they've changed the permissions and forgot to tell you.
If you're the owner, check your billing tab to make sure the server is still active. If you're a guest, try asking the owner to send you a new invite link. Sometimes the old links just "break" after an update, and a fresh link is all you need to bypass the error.
The "Nuclear Option": Reinstalling Roblox
If you've tried everything above and you're still staring at that 517 code, it's time to reinstall. I call this the nuclear option because it's a bit of a hassle, but it fixes almost any client-side issue.
- Uninstall Roblox from your "Add or Remove Programs" menu.
- Go back into
%localappdata%and make sure the Roblox folder is gone. - Restart your computer (this is important to clear the RAM).
- Go to the Roblox website and download a fresh installer.
By doing a totally clean install, you're getting rid of any weird settings or hidden bugs that might have survived the previous steps. It's a bit of a pain to wait for the download, but it's better than spending hours clicking "Reconnect" over and over.
Check if Roblox is actually down
Before you pull your hair out, it's always worth checking a site like Downdetector or the official Roblox status page. Sometimes, the 517 error isn't something you can fix because the problem is on Roblox's end. If their servers are having a meltdown, no amount of clearing your cache or restarting your router is going to help. If you see a massive spike in reports from other players, the best thing to do is honestly just go grab a snack and wait for them to patch things up.
Final thoughts
Dealing with connection glitches is never fun, but knowing how to fix Roblox error code 517 join game usually comes down to just being patient and clearing out some old files. Most of the time, it's just a temporary disagreement between your computer and the server.
Don't let it ruin your day. Try the quick restart first, move on to clearing the cache if that fails, and keep the reinstall as your backup plan. Usually, you'll be back to building, racing, or roleplaying within five or ten minutes. See you in-game!