Despite being a problem that first appeared years ago, Apex Legends players are still receiving the error code āleafā when they try to log in.
The problem has been especially rampant in the days following the release of Patch 10.1, which contained the Evolution event and Rampartās Big Maude town takeover. When players attempt to enter the game or join a match, theyāre often booted back to the title screen with an error message reading āConnection to server timed out (code:leaf).āĀ
Here’s what we know about the cause of this error and what you can do to fix it. (Even if youāre reading this long after the 10.1 update, these same steps still apply if youāre getting the error code āleaf.ā)
What causes error code leaf?
Respawn community manager Jayfresh revealed on Reddit in 2019 that error code leaf is caused by a server communication issue. When a player logs into the game, their game client attempts to make a connection with Respawnās server. In the case of the error, the server doesnāt respond to the clientās request for a connection and the player is given the code leaf.
While Jayfresh assured fans at the time that Respawn was looking into the issue and would keep players updated, it appears as though the problem hasnāt quite been fixed yet. So what can you do about it?
Check your connection
This is the easiest and fastest step: Check your internet connection to make sure itās stable and active. Google āspeed testā and run the ensuing connection test to see how fast your connection is. You can also restart your router and/or PC to try re-establishing the connection.
If your internet connection appears to be functional, try opening another internet-connected game. If that game is able to successfully connect, itās likely that the issue concerns Apex rather than your home internet connection.
Change your server
If your internet connection is stable but youāre still getting the code, try changing your server location. Access the Data Centers menu on the title screen by pressing tab if youāre on PC or holding down the right analog stick if youāre on console. Choose a different server with low ping and packet loss thatās within your region, then try entering the game again. Connecting to a different server will sometimes fix the issue.
Swap accounts
If you have another account or can borrow one from a friend, try logging out of your own account and swapping to a different one. This means youāll need to log out of your Origin, Steam, or console account and log into another one, then launch the game again.
If none of these work, itās likely that the issue isnāt on your end. Respawnās servers have been having a difficult time due to player load and other issues in the wake of Patch 10.1. And while the dev team is actively looking into the matter, it’s unclear how long it will take them to fix it.