Discord RTC Connecting Error is one of the most common voice chat problems affecting Discord users. If you’re seeing the Discord RTC Connecting Error when joining voice channels, Discord calls, or screen sharing sessions, the issue is usually related to your network connection or device settings.
The Discord RTC Connecting Error prevents Discord from establishing a real-time voice connection, leaving users stuck on an endless “RTC Connecting” message.
Fortunately, there are several proven fixes that can help resolve the problem.
What Is Discord RTC Connecting Error?
RTC Connecting Error occurs when Discord is unable to establish a voice connection with its servers.
RTC stands for:
Real-Time Communication
Discord uses RTC technology to power:
- Voice channels
- Direct calls
- Video calls
- Screen sharing
- Group voice chats
When Discord cannot complete the connection process, users may become stuck on the Discord RTC Connecting Error screen indefinitely.
What Causes a RTC Connecting Error?
Several factors can trigger Discord RTC Connecting Error.
| Cause | Description |
|---|---|
| Network Issues | Unstable internet connection |
| VPN Conflicts | VPN services interfering with Discord |
| Firewall Restrictions | Security software blocking Discord |
| DNS Problems | Difficulty reaching Discord servers |
| Router Issues | Network configuration problems |
| Discord Outages | Temporary Discord service issues |
Understanding the cause of Discord RTC Connecting Error can help identify the correct solution.
Restart Discord
One of the simplest fixes is restarting the application.
Steps:
- Completely close Discord.
- End all Discord processes.
- Relaunch Discord.
- Rejoin the voice channel.
Temporary connection problems are often resolved after a restart.
Check If Discord Is Down
Before changing network settings, check whether Discord itself is experiencing problems.
When Discord services are unavailable, users may encounter:
- Discord RTC Connecting Error
- Voice channel failures
- Call connection problems
- Server loading issues
For more information, see our Is Discord Down? guide.
Disable VPN Services
VPN software is one of the most common causes of Discord RTC Connecting Error.
Many VPN providers block or interfere with Discord’s voice traffic.
To test:
- Disconnect from your VPN.
- Restart Discord.
- Join a voice channel again.
If Discord works normally, the VPN is likely responsible.
Restart Your Router
Network issues can sometimes cause Discord RTC Connecting Error.
Restarting your router can:
- Refresh your connection
- Resolve temporary network problems
- Obtain a new IP address
- Improve routing to Discord servers
Allow a few minutes after restarting before testing Discord again.
Change DNS Settings
DNS issues occasionally contribute to Discord RTC Connecting Error.
Popular public DNS providers include:
| Provider | DNS Address |
|---|---|
| Google DNS | 8.8.8.8 / 8.8.4.4 |
| Cloudflare DNS | 1.1.1.1 / 1.0.0.1 |
Switching DNS providers may improve connection reliability.
Check Firewall Settings
Firewalls can sometimes block Discord voice connections.
Verify that:
- Discord is allowed through Windows Firewall
- Antivirus software isn’t blocking Discord
- Network security software isn’t restricting voice traffic
Incorrect firewall settings are a surprisingly common cause of Discord RTC Connecting Error.
Can RTC Connecting Error Happen on Mobile?
Yes.
RTC Connecting Error can affect:
- Android devices
- iPhones
- Tablets
- Mobile data connections
- Wi-Fi networks
If the issue occurs on mobile, switching between Wi-Fi and mobile data can help determine whether the network is responsible.
How Long Does RTC Connecting Error Last?
The length of a Connecting Error depends on the cause of the issue. If Discord is experiencing a temporary outage, the problem may resolve itself once services are restored. However, if the RTC Connecting Error is caused by local network settings, VPN conflicts, firewall restrictions, or DNS issues, the error may continue until those problems are fixed.
Most users can resolve Discord RTC Connecting Error within a few minutes by following the troubleshooting steps outlined above.
Discord RTC Connecting Error
Discord RTC Connecting Error usually occurs when Discord cannot establish a voice connection. Common causes include VPN conflicts, firewall restrictions, DNS issues, network problems, and temporary Discord outages. In most cases, restarting Discord, checking your connection, and reviewing network settings can resolve the issue.
For more troubleshooting help, check out our Discord Stuck on Connecting and Is Discord Down? guides.
