Quick Summary
The "Discord RTC Connecting" error indicates that Discord is having trouble establishing a Real-Time Communication (RTC) connection for voice or video chat. This can prevent you from hearing or being heard by others in voice channels.
Common Causes
- Network Connectivity Issues: A weak or unstable internet connection is a primary cause. Packet loss, high latency (ping), or general internet outages can disrupt the RTC connection.
- Firewall or Antivirus Interference: Firewall or antivirus software might be blocking Discord's access to the network, preventing it from establishing the necessary connections for voice and video chat.
- Incorrect Discord Voice Settings: Having the wrong input/output devices selected, incorrect region settings, or other misconfigured voice settings in Discord can prevent a connection from being established.
- Discord Server Issues: Although less common, issues with the Discord server itself, such as outages or maintenance, can cause connection problems.
- Outdated or Corrupted Discord Client: An outdated or corrupted installation of the Discord application can lead to various errors, including RTC connection problems.
- VPN Issues: VPNs can sometimes interfere with Discord's ability to establish a stable connection, especially if the VPN server is far away or experiencing issues.
Step-by-Step Fixes
Method 1: Check Your Internet Connection Show Steps ↓
Step 1: Restart your modem and router. Power them off, wait 30 seconds, and then power them back on.
Step 2: Run a speed test (e.g., speedtest.net) to ensure you have sufficient bandwidth and low ping.
Step 3: Ensure that other devices on your network aren't consuming excessive bandwidth (e.g., large downloads or streaming).
Method 2: Check Discord's Server Status Show Steps ↓
Step 1: Visit the Discord Status page (discordstatus.com) to check for any reported outages or ongoing issues.
Step 2: If there are server issues, the only solution is to wait for Discord to resolve them.
Method 3: Restart Discord Show Steps ↓
Step 1: Completely close the Discord application (including the system tray icon).
Step 2: Reopen Discord and attempt to connect to the voice channel again.
Method 4: Flush Your DNS and Renew IP Address Show Steps ↓
Step 1: Open Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (macOS).
Step 2: Type ipconfig /flushdns and press Enter.
Step 3: Type ipconfig /release and press Enter.
Step 4: Type ipconfig /renew and press Enter.
Step 5: Restart Discord and try connecting to voice chat again.
Method 5: Check Firewall and Antivirus Settings Show Steps ↓
Step 1: Temporarily disable your firewall and antivirus software.
Step 2: Restart Discord and try connecting to a voice channel.
Step 3: If the issue is resolved, add Discord as an exception to your firewall and antivirus software.
Method 6: Change Discord Region Show Steps ↓
Step 1: If you are a server administrator, go to Server Settings > Server Overview.
Step 2: Change the Server Region to a different location (e.g., try a region closer to you).
Step 3: Save the changes and have users reconnect to the voice channel.
Method 7: Change Voice Region (Individual Channel) Show Steps ↓
Step 1: Right-click the voice channel name and select 'Edit Channel'.
Step 2: Go to 'Overview' and change the 'Region Override'.
Step 3: Save the changes.
Method 8: Update Discord Show Steps ↓
Step 1: Close Discord completely.
Step 2: Reopen Discord. It should automatically check for and install updates.
Step 3: If it doesn't update automatically, download the latest version from the Discord website (discord.com).
Method 9: Clear Discord Roaming Data Show Steps ↓
Step 1: Close Discord completely.
Step 2: Press Windows Key + R, type %appdata%, and press Enter.
Step 3: Locate the "Discord" folder and delete it.
Step 4: Reopen Discord. Note this will reset your Discord settings.
Method 10: Disable Quality of Service High Packet Priority Show Steps ↓
Step 1: Open Discord Settings by clicking on the gear icon near your username.
Step 2: Click on 'Voice & Video'.
Step 3: Scroll down to 'Quality of Service' and disable "Enable Quality of Service High Packet Priority".
Step 4: Restart Discord.
Method 11: Disable VPN (If Applicable) Show Steps ↓
Step 1: Disconnect from your VPN.
Step 2: Restart Discord and try connecting to a voice channel.