Discord Troubleshooting Guide

Bubbles
  • Updated

Welcome to the Discord troubleshooting guide. Identify and discover solutions for common technical issues and find the right support channels to help resolve your concerns quickly and effectively.

What this article covers:

Understanding the Difference: Bugs vs. Troubleshooting Issues

Before diving into specific problems, it's important to understand the difference between a bug and a troubleshooting issue:

  • Troubleshooting Issues: These are common problems that can be resolved through standard solutions, settings adjustments, or basic fixes. Examples include connection problems, audio issues, or display settings.
  • Bugs: These are unexpected behaviors or malfunctions in Discord's software that cannot be resolved through standard troubleshooting steps and require attention from Discord's development team.

Common Troubleshooting Categories

Connection Issues

Server connection problems

  • Check if Discord is down using our Status page
  • Test your internet connection at speedtest.net
  • Try switching to a different DNS server

Voice chat disconnections

  • Ensure your network has adequate bandwidth (minimum 300kbps up/down)
  • Try selecting a different voice server region
  • Check for VPN or firewall interference

Loading screen freezes

  • Clear Discord's cache and temporary files
  • Try running Discord as administrator
  • Disable hardware acceleration in User Settings > Advance. 
Info: Check the Discord Status page for real-time updates on service availability.
For detailed connection troubleshooting, check these helpful articles:

Audio and Video Issues

1. Quick fixes to try first

  • Restart Discord completely
  • Check your default audio/video devices in Discord Voice & Video Settings
  • Make sure Discord has permission to access your mic/camera
  • Try both Standard and Legacy audio subsystems

2. Microphone not working

  • Verify mic permissions in your OS settings
  • Check input/output device selection in Voice Settings
  • Test mic in Discord's Voice Settings

3. Speaker/headphone issues

  • Confirm correct output device is selected
  • Check volume mixer settings
  • Try toggling between Legacy and Standard audio subsystem

4. Video and camera problems

  • Check camera permissions in OS and Discord settings
  • Try a different browser if using Discord web
  • Ensure other apps aren't using your camera

5. Echo or feedback in calls

  • Lower input sensitivity in Voice Settings
  • Use push-to-talk instead of voice activity
  • Ensure speakers aren't too close to your microphone
For additional audio and video troubleshooting steps, check Discord's Voice and Video Troubleshooting Guide.

Installation & Update Issues

Mobile Installation Problems

  • Clear app cache and data in device settings
  • Ensure adequate storage space is available
  • Try uninstalling and reinstalling from official app store
  • Check device compatibility and OS version

Windows Installation Errors

  • Run installer as administrator
  • Disable antivirus temporarily during installation
  • Clear temporary files and previous installation remnants
  • Use the Clean Install tool for corrupt installations

macOS Installation Issues

  • Check system requirements (macOS 11 or later)
  • Clear ~/Library/Application Support/discord directory
  • Verify disk permissions
  • Download fresh installer from Discord website

Update Problems

  • Force quit Discord from Task Manager/Activity Monitor
  • Delete Discord AppData folder (Windows) or Application Support folder (macOS)
  • Disable proxy/VPN during installation
  • Check firewall settings
Before attempting any installation fixes, back up your Discord settings and data. Visit these guides for platform-specific troubleshooting:

Common Troubleshooting Steps

Following these common troubleshooting steps can help resolve many common Discord issues quickly, from connection problems to audio glitches, without needing to contact support or wait for assistance:  

1. Check your internet connection

  • Run a speed test to verify adequate bandwidth
  • Try connecting to a different network if possible

2. Restart Discord

  • Fully close Discord (check Task Manager)
  • Wait 30 seconds before reopening

3. Clear Discord cache

  • Windows: %appdata%/discord/Cache
  • Mac: ~/Library/Application Support/discord/Cache

4. Update Discord to the latest version

  • Check for updates in Settings > App Settings
  • Download fresh install from discord.com if needed

5. Check system requirements

  • Windows 10+ or macOS 11 (Big Sur)
  • Minimum 4GB RAM recommended

When to Report a Bug

If you've tried all relevant troubleshooting steps and the issue persists, you may have encountered a bug. Follow these steps:

1. Document the issue with screenshots or recordings

  • Include error messages if any appear
  • Record steps that consistently reproduce the issue

2. Note the steps to reproduce the problem

  • Be specific about actions taken
  • Include your system specifications

3. Check if others are experiencing the same issue

  • Search Discord's support forum
  • Check Discord's Twitter for known issues

4. Submit a bug report through Discord's support portal

  • Include all gathered information
  • Be clear and concise in your description
Before reporting a bug, search the Troubleshooting Help section to ensure your issue hasn't already been documented.
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