Of all the known Origin problems, the worst one is when you can’t log into your account and play the games in your library – products you’ve paid for.
This sometimes happens due to an issue with Origin’s servers, in which case there’s not much you can do but wait, but this isn’t always the case as some users faced the same problem even when Origin’s servers were fully operational.
If it’s a bug preventing you from logging into your account it means you have some power over the situation, and you should try to overcome it using the methods listed in this guide.
Let’s take a look at what you need to know.
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The Problem Explained
Despite this bug being relatively common and easy to solve, many Origin users still require a helping hand when first encountering it, as the error message is vague and doesn’t lead anywhere.
In one of the many Reddit threads covering this topic, the original poster asks for guidance from others on how to solve the problem.
Another user answered with a potential fix, which includes downloading an older Origin version. Although it’s a working solution to the problem, many users prefer not to install older versions of software.
Fortunately, there are a few other fixes you can try first.
Fix 1: Sync Time And Date On Your PC
Despite this being an unorthodox fix, it’s easy to apply and won’t take much of your time. The key here is to sync your system’s date and time with the one Origin uses, and the error will disappear.
To do this, follow the steps below:
- Press Windows + I on your keyboard at the same time. This will open the settings panel.
- Click on Time & Language to access the section where you will sync the time settings.
- Here, enable both the “Select Time Automatically” and “Set Time Zone Automatically” options.
- Click the “Sync now” button to ensure your time and date are in sync with Windows servers.
Now, run Origin as an administrator and try logging into your account again. The “Can’t log in” problem should no longer affect you.
This fix was confirmed as being effective by multiple users, and it should also work for you.
Fix 2: Clear Origin Cache Files
Clearing Origin’s cache files can help you fix many problems with the client. It’s quite easy to do and is worth giving a try.
Follow the steps below:
- Close Origin if it’s running on your PC. Use the Task Manager to double-check that all Origin-related processes are closed.
- Press Windows + R on your keyboard at the same time. This will access the “Run” function on Windows 10.
- In the search field, enter %ProgramData%/Origin, and press OK at the bottom.
- In the folder that opened (by initiating the search during the previous step), delete everything except the folder named Local Content. After deleting the files, close the window.
- Again press Windows + R on your keyboard simultaneously. This time, type %AppData% in the search field and press OK at the bottom.
- The “Roaming” folder will open, and you need to delete the Origin folder. Then, in the address bar, click on AppData, open the Local folder, and delete the Origin folder from there as well.
- Restart your PC (this is optional but recommended).
You have now successfully cleared Origin’s cache, which should eliminate the bug preventing you from logging into your account.
Fix 3: Use The App Instead Of A Web Browser To Log In
According to some users who resolved this issue, signing in via the Origin app instead of a web browser has a greater likelihood of success.
If you can’t reach your account, just get the newest client version from the website and set it up on your computer. After that, sign in using the application. You should be able to accomplish this without facing any issues.
Fix 4: Log In Using Your ID
A few Origin users reported that signing in with your ID instead of your e-mail address works as a solution for the issue.
If you can’t remember your ID, use the “forgot my password” feature. You will receive an e-mail from the Origin support team with your username (ID) in it.
You don’t need to change your password. Simply log in with the same one you used before. The purpose of the e-mail is to help you remember your username.
This is an uncomplicated solution to the problem and should assist you in recovering access to your account and any games linked to it.
Fix 5: Contact Origin Support
If everything else fails, it could be an account-related problem after all. Users occasionally receive a ban for an action that violates Origin rules. If your account faces any limitations, logging in might not be possible.
To determine whether or not this is the case, contact the Origin support team.
Alternative Solution: Download An Older Version Of Origin
As stated earlier in this article, one of the working fixes for this problem is to download an older version of the client. This is useful temporarily but not something you want to do long-term.
Old client versions have security flaws and bugs because they lack the latest updates the developers included in the newer versions.
If you can’t seem to find any other way of regaining access to your Origin account, you can temporarily use this older working version.
Conclusion
You now know how to log into your Origin account and conquer the exasperating glitch preventing access. Enjoy playing your preferred games, and remember to keep your account secure at all times.