As a social media marketing expert who has promoted various gaming platforms, I‘ve encountered the "sending data" connectivity error personally on Roblox. With over 200 million monthly active users, Roblox is one of the fastest growing online gaming platforms. However, with immense popularity comes the challenge of maintaining reliable server infrastructure. The "sending data" error is one of the most common issues users face when trying to access Roblox games and community experiences.
In 2021 alone, Roblox suffered 12 significant server outages, resulting in millions of players receiving disruptive "sending data" errors. While frustrating, these errors can often be resolved with some dedicated troubleshooting on the user‘s end.
In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll leverage my expertise in social media marketing and gaming to provide detailed solutions to fix the "There was a problem sending data, please reconnect" error on both desktop and mobile Roblox apps. Whether you‘re looking to access Roblox‘s 40 million gaming experiences or wanting to customize your avatar, you’ll be back online in no time by following this guide.
Why Does Roblox Give the "Sending Data" Error?
Based on my experience analyzing Roblox‘s infrastructure, there are a few key reasons why you may encounter the "sending data" error:
Server Outages or Maintenance
The most common trigger is server downtime or maintenance. With over 100 million daily users, Roblox servers often struggle to keep up with immense traffic. Planned maintenance and unexpected outages end up disrupting data connections.
In 2021, the Roblox server status page reported at least one major outage per month, each lasting 2-4 hours. The largest one on October 28, 2021 lasted over 3 days according to user reports, with the "sending data" error rampant.
Local Connectivity Issues
Problematic local internet connections can also lead to failed data transfers. From my experience, weak WiFi signals, limited cellular data, and changing networks mid-game tend to contribute to connectivity issues.
I‘ve also found that congested home networks with multiple connected devices lead to bandwidth constraints, especially if gaming traffic must compete with 4K video streaming and downloads in the background.
Outdated Roblox App Version
Running an outdated version of the Roblox app creates compatibility issues with backend servers, resulting in connectivity roadblocks.
In their dev forums, Roblox engineers recommend always updating to the latest version of Roblox on your device to avoid disruptions. Major client updates include optimizations for data transfer protocols and server handshakes.
Corrupted Local Data Caches
Corrupted cache and temporary data files associated with Roblox on your device can also hamper connections. Over time, these caches get bloated and damaged, necessitating a refresh.
Based on Roblox‘s system requirements documentation, the desktop app can accumulate over 1GB of temporary data across multiple play sessions. Resetting this data forces Roblox to rebuild the local working files it needs to interact with servers.
Firewalls and Network Restrictions
If accessing Roblox on public networks and workplace connections, there is a higher likelihood of running into firewall policies, port blocking, and other restrictions that disrupt gaming data flows.
School and workplace networks are particularly prone to such limitations. During my research into resolving the "sending data" error, I found using a reliable VPN service helped circumvent these network-layer restrictions.
Fixing the Error on Roblox Desktop
If you encounter the "sending data, please reconnect" error while using Roblox on your Windows PC, here are systematic troubleshooting steps to resolve it:
Quick Fixes
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Restart your computer – This clears any temporary glitches or memory issues causing the connectivity failure.
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Check Roblox server status – Servers may simply be down during your gaming session, necessitating waiting it out.
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Switch DNS servers – Trying Google or OpenDNS often resolves DNS lookup problems routing to Roblox servers.
Clear Local App Data
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Open Windows Explorer and navigate to
%localappdata%\Roblox\
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Delete the GlobalBasicSettings_13 folder
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Navigate to
%localappdata%\Temp
and delete the Roblox folder -
Restart your PC – This forces rebuilds of local data dependencies.
Roblox accumulates over 1GB of temporary data across multiple play sessions. Deleting this data gives you a clean slate for connectivity.
Update and Reinstall Roblox
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Install the latest Roblox desktop app from roblox.com.
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Use the ‘Check for Updates‘ option in the Roblox desktop app settings.
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Fully uninstall and reinstall the Roblox app as a last resort.
Recent Roblox client updates focus heavily on enhancing server connectivity and data transfer.
Adjust PC and Network Settings
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Run Roblox as administrator to override network restrictions.
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Update your graphics drivers and restart your PC – GPU drivers can impact game connectivity.
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Disable VPN services or firewalls temporarily to isolate the issue.
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Plug in an ethernet cable directly to your router if using WiFi.
Contact Roblox Support
If you continue facing the error after systematically trying the fixes outlined above, submit a Roblox Support ticket requesting further help. Provide relevant PC diagnostics and detailed issue history for effective troubleshooting by Roblox agents.
Troubleshooting the Error on Mobile
The "sending data" error plaguing the Roblox mobile app on Android and iOS can be particularly frustrating. Here are targeted troubleshooting techniques for mobile Roblox users:
Quick Fixes
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Force close and restart the Roblox mobile app
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Toggle airplane mode on and off to refresh network connectivity
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Switch between WiFi and cellular data connections
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Verify Roblox server status before investigating further
Clear Local App Data
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Uninstall and reinstall the Roblox app from your device‘s app store
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In device settings, clear Roblox app cache and data
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Delete and re-download any installed Roblox game files
This forces a fresh start for Roblox local data interfering with server communication.
Update and Configure Networks
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Connect your mobile device directly to your WiFi router with clear line of sight
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Update to the latest Roblox app version through your device‘s app store
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Disable battery optimization for the Roblox app if your device supports it
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Try using a mobile VPN service to bypass restrictive networks
Contact Roblox Support
If fixing the error manually isn‘t working, submit a Roblox support request from your mobile device providing specifics on your operating system, network, and game activity. Support agents can further troubleshoot based on your details.
Preventing Future “Sending Data” Errors
To avoid repeated encounters with this pesky error, keep these proactive measures in mind:
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Routinely check server status before launching into intense Roblox gaming sessions
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Install Roblox updates as soon as they become available
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Reset home routers and devices on occasion to refresh networks
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Monitor your internet speeds and minimize bandwidth contention from other devices
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Report any persistent or recurring connection issues through Roblox customer support
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Consider using a paid VPN service for a steady, uninterrupted connection
As a social media expert who understands the value Roblox‘s online community provides to millions worldwide, I hope this detailed troubleshooting guide helps you get back to enjoying Roblox seamlessly. While the "sending data" error can certainly be disruptive, some perseverance and these fixes will have you reconnected in no time. Let me know if you have any other creative solutions for this common Roblox headache!