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Currently, the game is only available to people connecting with Japanese IP addresses. Thus, this page guides new users on how to bypass this restriction.
Currently, there are two options to connect to the game: cookie method (essentially a hack) and VPN/proxy (actually using a Japanese IP). Cookie method is recommended, please try using it first.
Additionally, since February 26, 2020, KanColle login (or gadget, or login assets) server is blocking all non-Japanese IP addresses directly; thus, extra steps are required to load the game:
- On Android GotoBrowser can be used: a substitute login server will be used if the "alter gadget URL" option is enabled in settings. The substitute server will serve the login assets, allowing a user to log in without needing to access the actual login server. Additional connection options can be used as well. Clearing cache may be required.
- Poi nightly versions[1][2] can use a local cache folder, allowing to serve the login assets from a local folder, again, bypassing the need to connect to the real login server. The "3rd party cache" folder can be found in common settings, the path to login assets should be
3rd party cache folder/KanColle/gadget_html5. Clearing cache in common settings and restarting the viewer may be required. - Similarly, KCCacheProxy can be used with browsers and viewers that support proxy connections.
- Finally, a Japanese VPN or proxy can be used. Note that it is only required during login (the real login server will be accessed via a Japanese IP address) and can be disabled afterward (game servers do not require a Japanese IP).
- If Japanese VPN or proxy is not used, then the cookie method is still required. The cookie method, together with a non-VPN method listed above, is still recommended.
Cookie Method
To ensure that region-restricted pages are accessed only from Japan DMM is using an IP check to set a region flag in its cookies every time a page is loaded. Then the flag is used to check if a region-restricted page can be accessed. It is possible to bypass this restriction by changing the flag right before loading each page or by setting a path-overriding cookie.
Using Viewers and Browser Extensions
The following tools automatically override the necessary cookies when needed.
- Poi viewer can be used to play the game, make sure to enable cookie editing in settings.
- If you want to browse other DMM games, and not just play KanColle, on Chrome you can use one of the following extensions:
- KC3Kai viewer, the cookie setting should be enabled.
- Specialized extension consisting of few lines of code.
- Note that some games are using IP blocks, so those extensions will not work for them.
Manual Access
The following manual method can be used to access KanColle:
- Log into dmm.com if not logged in already, choose an interface language if asked. Make sure the page is fully loaded once you logged in.
- Open the developer tools.
- Copy-paste the following code into the console:
expires=new Date(+new Date()+31536e6).toUTCString()
document.cookie=`ckcy=1;expires=${expires};path=/netgame;domain=.dmm.com`
- Execute it by pressing Enter or Ctrl + Enter for Internet Explorer.
- Then use the address bar or a bookmark to go directly to the KanColle play page.
Advantages
- You do not need to install any third-party software just to access the game.
- You will have access until you specifically clear your browser cookies.
- It is fast since you'll be using your direct internet connection.
Disadvantages
- Does not work (or does not work as well as other options) for some users due to their ISP. If that is the case, other options should be used.
VPN or Proxy
Different VPN and proxy server providers can be used, as long as they have Japanese locations. Refer to their documentation on how to use them.
One free option is VPN Gate, an "Academic Experiment Project" by the University of Tsukuba. The site can also be used to check your apparent IP address and location.
Windows
- Download and install the client.
- Select a Japanese server in it using "VPN Gate Public VPN Relay Servers".
- Alternatively, L2TP/IPsec, OpenVPN, or MS-SSTP options can be used.
Mac/Linux
- Simply import an OpenVPN config file of a Japanese server in your network manager.
- Alternatively, there is L2TP/IPsec interface, which is usually pre-installed, so it is possible to set it up directly without installing any clients.
Other free options include:
Advantages
- Shows your IP address conveniently as a Japanese IP address.
- May help with some troubleshooting issues.
Disadvantages
- It is NOT recommended to be used when you are handling sensitive data such as when entering your card details.
Troubleshooting
"A network error has occurred, please hit the refresh button in your browser."
DMM error area, cookie issue.
Game/site is on maintenance.
An error has occurred.
You are banned.
- Try doing everything again in incognito mode.
- Try clearing your cache.
- Try logging out of DMM, clearing your cookies, logging in again, and reapplying the cookies.
- Try checking other sites, especially Japanese ones.
- Try logging in normally with your browser if you were using viewers.
- Try checking if you were banned (refer to the gallery - last image).
- Try synchronizing your computer clock.
- Issues stemming from your computer clock settings are common. Make sure to synchronize your time with a time server or manually force a synchronization.
- Try switching to Japanese or your correct timezone.
Mobile Gameplay
Mobile gameplay is only supported on the official KanColle Android app at the moment. The use of other means to play KanColle on mobile devices is highly discouraged, will not receive support if things go wrong, and may result in bans.