Fix: Discord "RTC Connecting" Error Stuck Loop (No Voice)

The dreaded "RTC Connecting" loop in Discord is a common network-related error that prevents you from joining voice channels. RTC stands for Real-Time Communication, and this error indicates Discord is failing to establish the necessary connection for voice chat. If you're stuck looking at this message with no voice, this comprehensive guide will walk you through proven fixes, from quick solutions to advanced technical steps.

Table of Contents

• Troubleshooting Flow: Start Here
• Section 1: Quick & Easy Fixes
• Section 2: Network & Connection Settings
• Section 3: Discord App & System Settings
• Section 4: Browser-Specific Fix (For Discord Web)
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Troubleshooting Flow: Start Here

Before diving deep, follow this logical sequence. Start with the simplest solutions in Section 1, as they resolve a large percentage of issues.

1. Perform the Basic Power Cycle: Restart Discord, your computer, and your router/modem.
2. Check Your Connection: Run an internet speed test and a WebRTC diagnostic.
3. Inspect VPN & Security Software: Temporarily disable VPNs, firewalls, or antivirus to check for interference.
4. Adjust Network Settings: Change your DNS, flush your DNS cache, or update network drivers.
5. Tweak Discord Settings: Disable QoS, change the audio subsystem, or try a different voice server region.
6. Check Browser Settings (If using Discord Web): Ensure WebRTC is not being blocked by your browser.

Section 1: Quick & Easy Fixes

1. The Full Power Cycle (Restart Everything)

This classic fix clears temporary glitches in Discord, your computer, and your network hardware.

1. Fully Close Discord: Don't just minimize it. Use Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) to end the "Discord.exe" process.
2. Restart Your Computer.
3. Power Cycle Your Network: Unplug your router and modem from power, wait 60 seconds, then plug them back in and wait for all lights to stabilize.
4. Launch Discord and try joining a voice channel again.

2. Diagnose Your Connection

Since RTC is a network error, confirming your connection is healthy is crucial.

• Speed Test: Visit a site like fast.com to check your internet speed and stability. A slow or unstable connection is a common cause.
• WebRTC Test: Visit a "WebRTC testing" website. Click "Start Test" and see if any connectivity errors are reported. This directly tests the technology Discord uses for voice.

3. Check VPN and Security Software

These programs can accidentally block Discord's voice traffic.

• VPNs: If you use a VPN, try disabling it. Some VPNs don't support UDP, a protocol Discord requires. If you must use a VPN, ensure it has UDP support.
• Firewall/Antivirus: Temporarily disable your firewall (Windows Defender or third-party) and antivirus software as a test. Remember to re-enable them immediately afterward for security. If this works, add Discord as an exception in your security software's settings.

Section 2: Network & Connection Settings

4. Change Your DNS Server

Your Internet Service Provider's default DNS can sometimes be slow or unreliable. Switching to a public DNS can improve connectivity.

1. Open Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center > Change adapter settings.
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" and enter:
   • Preferred DNS server: 8.8.8.8 (Google)
   • Alternate DNS server: 8.8.4.4 (Google) or 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare)
5. Click OK, restart your computer, and test Discord.

5. Flush Your DNS Cache & Reset IP

Clearing old, corrupted network data can resolve connection hiccups.

1. Type "cmd" in the Windows Start search, right-click Command Prompt, and select "Run as administrator".
2. Type the following commands, pressing Enter after each:
   • ipconfig /release
   • ipconfig /flushdns
   • ipconfig /renew
   • netsh winsock reset
3. Restart your computer after completing the commands.

6. Update Network Drivers

Outdated network adapter drivers can cause a host of connectivity issues.

1. Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
2. Expand the "Network adapters" section.
3. Right-click your network adapter (like Wi-Fi or Ethernet controller) and select Update driver.
4. Choose "Search automatically for updated driver software" and follow the prompts.
5. Restart your PC after updating.

Section 3: Discord App & System Settings

7. Disable QoS in Discord

Discord's Quality of Service (QoS) packet priority can sometimes conflict with routers.

1. In Discord, go to User Settings (gear icon) > Voice & Video.
2. Scroll down to the Quality of Service section.
3. Toggle off "Enable Quality of Service High Packet Priority".
4. Restart Discord.

8. Change Discord's Audio Subsystem

Switching the audio processing method can bypass certain driver conflicts.

1. In Discord, go to User Settings > Voice & Video.
2. Scroll to the Audio Subsystem setting (near the bottom).
3. Change it from "Standard" to "Legacy".
4. Restart Discord for the change to take effect.

9. Change the Voice Server Region

There might be a temporary issue with the server region you're connected to.

1. If you are the server admin or have permissions, go to the voice channel's settings.
2. Find the "Region Override" setting (under "Voice Settings").
3. Change it from "Automatic" to a different region (e.g., US East, US Central, Europe).
4. Try connecting. You can set it back to "Automatic" later.

Section 4: Browser-Specific Fix (For Discord Web)

If you are using Discord in a web browser (like Chrome, Opera GX, Vivaldi, or Edge) and encounter this error, this fix is often the solution. The browser may be blocking the WebRTC protocol.

1. Go to your browser's Settings.
2. Look for Privacy and Security or Advanced Settings.
3. Search for a setting related to WebRTC.
4. Ensure that WebRTC is enabled and that any option like "Disable non-proxied UDP" or "Hide my local IP address" is turned OFF.
5. The ideal setting is often "Use any suitable network interface (recommended)".
6. Restart your browser and try Discord Web again.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What does "RTC Connecting" actually mean?

RTC stands for Real-Time Communication. The error means Discord's client is trying but failing to establish a stable voice data connection with its servers. It's almost always related to your local network, internet connection, or software configuration blocking the path.

Why does it work for my friends but not for me?

This confirms the problem is on your end, not with Discord's servers. The issue is specific to your device, network configuration, or local software (like your VPN, firewall, or browser settings). Following the steps in this guide will help you identify your unique blockage.

I've tried everything and nothing works. What now?

As a final step, try a clean reinstall of Discord. Uninstall it completely, delete any leftover Discord folders in AppData (Local and Roaming), restart your PC, and download a fresh installer from discord.com. If the problem persists even after this, the most effective step is to contact Discord Support. When you do, provide details about the steps you've tried to help them assist you faster.

Can my school or workplace network cause this?

Absolutely. Many institutional networks (schools, offices, universities) block VoIP (Voice over IP) services like Discord or restrict the ports and protocols they use. If you're on such a network, you may not be able to fix this yourself and would need to use your personal mobile data or a different network.

Final Tip: After fixing the issue, it's a good practice to keep your Windows OS, network drivers, and Discord client updated to prevent similar connectivity glitches in the future.