Why GearUP doesn't detect Valorant
Valorant runs the Riot Vanguard anti-cheat system at the kernel level of your operating system. This makes the game highly secure against cheats, but it also creates friction for network optimizers like GearUP. When GearUP fails to detect the game or cannot apply its routing, the culprit is almost always a conflict with Vanguard or an incorrect launch order.
Root causes
- Valorant and GearUP launched in the wrong order. GearUP must be connected before the game starts.
- Vanguard blocks GearUP's network processes. The anti-cheat may treat traffic interception as a threat.
- Valorant isn't added to GearUP's game list. The game profile needs to be set up manually.
- GearUP not running as administrator. Elevated privileges are needed to interact with kernel-level processes.
- Conflict with a VPN or other booster. Another active network tool prevents GearUP from capturing Valorant's traffic.
Step-by-step fix
Step 1. Add Valorant to GearUP manually
Open GearUP and go to "My Games" or "Add Game." Find Valorant in the supported games list. If it doesn't appear, use the search bar or add it manually by pointing to VALORANT-Win64-Shipping.exe.
Step 2. Follow the correct launch order
- Start GearUP and wait until it shows a connected status.
- Only then launch Valorant through the Riot client.
If you start the game first, Vanguard loads before GearUP can insert its driver, making detection impossible.
Step 3. Run GearUP as administrator
Right-click the GearUP shortcut or executable and select "Run as administrator." Elevated permissions are required to interact with processes protected by Vanguard.
Step 4. Disable any VPN or competing booster
Close all active VPN connections and quit any other game booster before starting GearUP. Running multiple network optimization tools simultaneously causes routing conflicts that prevent detection.
Step 5. Add GearUP to Vanguard exceptions (via Riot Support)
If the Vanguard conflict is persistent, contact Riot Support and ask whether GearUP is permitted. Some network tools are officially allowed by Riot because they operate at the routing layer without modifying game data.
Step 6. Update GearUP to the latest version
Download the newest release from the official GearUP website. Developers frequently push compatibility updates when Vanguard is updated.
Step 7. Check GearUP's log files
In AppData\Roaming\GearUP\Logs, open the most recent log file. Errors like "Access Denied" or "Process not found" confirm the issue is a permissions problem or a Vanguard block.
Frequently asked questions
Is GearUP compatible with Vanguard? Riot does not officially certify third-party boosters, but GearUP operates at the network routing layer and does not modify game data, making it acceptable for most players.
Can I get banned for using GearUP in Valorant? GearUP optimizes packet routing — it does not touch game memory or files. No bans related to legitimate GearUP use in Valorant have been reported.
Where can I buy a GearUP subscription? On Marix — official keys with instant delivery at competitive prices.
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