Discord RTC Connecting Error? 9 Proven Fixes (2026)

Table of Contents

• Why Discord RTC Connecting Error Occurs
• Method 1: Restart Your Modem, Router, and Computer
• Method 2: Check Discord Server Status
• Method 3: Disable VPN and Proxy Servers
• Method 4: Allow Discord Through Windows Firewall
• Method 5: Change Discord Voice Region
• Method 6: Disable QoS (Quality of Service) in Discord
• Method 7: Flush DNS and Reset Network Stack
• Method 8: Change DNS Servers
• Method 9: Reset Discord Voice Settings
• Frequently Asked Questions

Discord RTC connecting error is one of the most frustrating issues for gamers and streamers. When Discord RTC connecting error occurs, you may get stuck on “RTC Connecting” or “No Route” when trying to join a voice channel, preventing you from talking to your friends. According to Discord’s official support documentation, these errors generally mean there’s something interfering with the connection on your end—like a firewall or possibly a VPN[reference:0]. This guide covers every possible cause and provides clear, step-by-step fixes to resolve Discord RTC connecting error on Windows, Mac, and Linux systems.

For more Discord troubleshooting guides, visit our Discord Troubleshooting Hub. You can also check our guide on mic issues, our guide on audio sharing problems, and our guide on overlay performance for additional help.

For additional assistance, refer to Discord’s official status page and check the server status at DownDetector.

Why Discord RTC Connecting Error Occurs

Several factors can cause the RTC connecting error. According to Discord’s troubleshooting guides and industry experts, the issue is often related to network configuration problems, firewall restrictions, or server-side issues.

Here are the most common reasons why Discord RTC connecting error happens:

• Firewall or Antivirus Blocking: Your firewall or antivirus software may be blocking Discord’s voice traffic[reference:5].
• VPN or Proxy Interference: VPNs and proxies can interfere with Discord’s RTC connection. Discord only works on VPNs that support UDP[reference:6].
• Network Configuration Issues: Incorrect network settings, DNS problems, or IPv6 conflicts can prevent connection[reference:7].
• Discord Server Outage: Discord’s voice servers may be down or experiencing issues[reference:8].
• Regional Server Issues: The voice region selected for your server may be experiencing problems[reference:9].
• Quality of Service (QoS) Settings: Discord’s QoS feature can sometimes conflict with router settings[reference:10].

Method 1: Restart Your Modem, Router, and Computer

According to Discord’s official support documentation, restarting your modem, router, and computer is the first recommended step. You’d be surprised how often the “turn it off and turn it back on again” trick works[reference:12].

1. Restart your computer: Save your work and restart your computer.
2. Restart your modem and router: Unplug both your modem and router from power for 30 seconds.
3. Plug them back in and wait for them to fully restart (about 2-3 minutes).
4. Reopen Discord and try joining a voice channel again.

Method 2: Check Discord Server Status

Before troubleshooting your device, verify that Discord’s servers are operational. If Discord’s voice servers are down, you’ll encounter the Discord RTC connecting error regardless of your network settings[reference:13].

1. Visit Discord’s official status page.
2. Check the status of “Voice” and “Gateway” services.
3. If the status is red or yellow, there is an issue on Discord’s side.
4. If servers are down, wait for Discord to resolve the issue and try again later.

Method 3: Disable VPN and Proxy Servers

VPNs and proxies can interfere with Discord’s RTC connection. According to Discord’s official support, Discord only works on VPNs that support UDP[reference:14]. If Discord RTC connecting error occurs, try disabling any VPN or proxy software[reference:15].

1. Disable VPN software:
   • Close your VPN application completely.
   • If you’re using a browser-based VPN, disable it in your browser settings.
2. Check proxy settings (Windows):
   • Open Windows Settings > Network & Internet > Proxy.
   • Ensure “Use a proxy server” is toggled off.
3. Check proxy settings (Mac):
   • Open System Settings > Network.
   • Select your active network and click Details.
   • Go to the Proxies tab and ensure all proxy options are unchecked.
4. After disabling VPN/proxy, test if the RTC connecting error is resolved.

Method 4: Allow Discord Through Windows Firewall

Windows Firewall or third-party antivirus software may be blocking Discord’s voice traffic, causing Discord RTC connecting error. According to Discord’s support, you should check your firewall/antivirus and make sure that Discord is allowlisted or temporarily disabled[reference:16].

1. Open Windows Security (search for it in the Start menu).
2. Select “Firewall & network protection”.
3. Click “Allow an app through firewall”.
4. Click “Change settings” (you may need administrator permissions).
5. Find Discord in the list and ensure both “Private” and “Public” checkboxes are checked.
6. If Discord is not listed, click “Allow another app”, browse to Discord’s installation folder, and add it.
7. If you’re using third-party antivirus software, check its firewall settings and add Discord to the exceptions list.
8. Click “OK” to save changes.
9. Restart Discord and test joining a voice channel.

Method 5: Change Discord Voice Region

If you’re a server admin, changing the voice region can resolve Discord RTC connecting error caused by regional server issues[reference:17].

1. Open Discord and navigate to your server.
2. Click the server name at the top of the channel list.
3. Select “Server Settings”.
4. Scroll down to the “Server Region” section.
5. Click “Change” and select a different region (e.g., switch from “Automatic” to “US Central” or “Europe”).
6. Wait for the server to update and test joining a voice channel.
7. You’re also able to change a voice region in private voice calls[reference:18].

Method 6: Disable QoS (Quality of Service) in Discord

Discord’s Quality of Service feature prioritizes voice traffic but can sometimes conflict with router settings. Disabling QoS can resolve Discord RTC connecting error[reference:19].

1. Open Discord and click the gear icon (User Settings).
2. Select Voice & Video from the left sidebar.
3. Scroll down to “Quality of Service”.
4. Toggle “Enable Quality of Service High Packet Priority” to the off position.
5. Restart Discord and test joining a voice channel.

Method 7: Flush DNS and Reset Network Stack

Corrupted DNS cache or network stack can cause Discord RTC connecting error. Flushing DNS and resetting the network stack can resolve these issues[reference:20].

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator (right-click Start > Command Prompt (Admin) or Terminal (Admin)).
2. Run the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:
   • ipconfig /flushdns
   • ipconfig /release
   • ipconfig /renew
   • netsh int ip reset
   • netsh winsock reset
3. Restart your computer.
4. Open Discord and test joining a voice channel.

Method 8: Change DNS Servers

Changing your DNS servers can help resolve Discord RTC connecting error by providing a more reliable connection to Discord’s servers[reference:21].

1. Open Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center > Change adapter settings[reference:22].
2. Right-click your active network connection and select “Properties”.
3. Select “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” and click “Properties”.
4. Select “Use the following DNS server addresses”.
5. Enter the following DNS servers:
   • Preferred DNS server: 8.8.8.8 (Google DNS)
   • Alternate DNS server: 8.8.4.4 (Google DNS)
6. Alternatively, use Cloudflare DNS: 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1.
7. Click “OK” to save changes.
8. Restart Discord and test joining a voice channel.

Method 9: Reset Discord Voice Settings

If none of the above methods work, resetting Discord’s voice settings can clear corrupted preferences that cause Discord RTC connecting error[reference:23].

1. In Discord, go to User Settings > Voice & Video.
2. Scroll to the bottom of the page.
3. Click “Reset Voice Settings”.
4. Confirm the reset.
5. Restart Discord and test joining a voice channel.

Conclusion: Resolving This Discord RTC Error

When Discord RTC connecting error occurs, start with the simplest fixes: restart your modem, router, and computer[reference:24]. Most cases of this error resolve with this step. If the problem persists, check Discord’s server status, disable any VPN or proxy software, and ensure Discord is allowlisted in your firewall settings[reference:25]. For more stubborn cases, change the voice region, disable QoS, flush DNS, change DNS servers, or reset voice settings. If all else fails, contact Discord’s support team with a screenshot of your console logs[reference:26]. By following this guide, you can resolve Discord RTC connecting error and get back to talking with your friends.

Frequently Asked Questions