How to Fix Discord Awaiting Endpoint Issue

For most Discord users, a seamless voice or text communication experience is expected. However, there are times when things go awry — one such frustrating issue is the infamous “Awaiting Endpoint” message. This issue can halt voice communications entirely, leaving users staring at a loading icon, wondering what’s gone wrong. Thankfully, this guide will walk you through how to fix the Discord Awaiting Endpoint issue with recommended solutions, explained clearly and thoroughly.

TL;DR

The Discord “Awaiting Endpoint” error usually means Discord is having trouble connecting to your desired voice server. You can fix this by checking your internet connection, restarting the app, changing server regions (if you manage one), or reinstalling Discord. If all else fails, the problem may be on Discord’s end and could require waiting until it’s resolved. Read on for a full troubleshooting guide.

What is the “Awaiting Endpoint” Error?

The “Awaiting Endpoint” message appears when Discord attempts to connect to a voice server but is unable to do so. Essentially, an endpoint is the server Discord uses to establish a voice connection. If it can’t reach that server, your voice chat gets stuck. This could be due to regional server outages, problems with your connection, outdated software, or even privacy/security software blocking Discord’s network activities.

Common Causes of the Error

Before jumping into solutions, it’s helpful to understand the possible reasons behind the issue:

• Poor internet connection or local network issues
• Discord server outages in specific regions
• Firewall or antivirus blocking Discord connections
• Outdated Discord version causing compatibility problems
• Corrupted cache files via Discord or system-level issues

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide

1. Check Discord Server Status

Before diving into any setting changes, the first step should be to check whether the issue is on Discord’s end. Visit Discord Status Page and look for ongoing incidents or outages in your region. If a voice region is down, your connection may be queued, hence the “Awaiting Endpoint” message.

2. Restart Discord and Your Device

Sometimes it’s the simplest actions that resolve complicated issues. Try the following:

• Close Discord completely using the system tray menu (not just the “X” button).
• Right-click the Discord icon and select Quit Discord.
• Restart your computer or mobile device.
• Reopen Discord and try joining the voice channel again.

This clears temporary inconsistencies and resets your network stack, which can resolve endpoint connection problems.

3. Change the Voice Server Region (For Server Admins)

Discord automatically assigns the best server region based on your location, but sometimes the chosen server can experience downtime. If you’re an admin or have permission, try changing the server region manually. Here’s how:

1. Open your server and click the down arrow next to the server name.
2. Click on Server Settings.
3. Select Overview in the sidebar.
4. Under Server Region, change it to a nearby alternative (e.g., from US Central to US East).

This reroutes your voice connection to a different endpoint, often solving persistent “awaiting endpoint” issues.

4. Verify Your Internet Connection

A weak or unstable internet connection can cause failed voice connections. Run through these checks:

• Use a speed test site like Speedtest.net to confirm your internet speed and stability.
• If you’re on Wi-Fi, switch to a wired Ethernet connection for a more reliable experience.
• Reset your router or modem to ensure it’s functioning correctly.

5. Flush DNS Cache

Your local DNS cache might contain outdated info that leads to Discord connection failures. Flushing it can help:

On Windows:

Press Windows Key + R → Type: cmd → Press Enter
In the Command Prompt, type:
ipconfig /flushdns
Press Enter and wait for confirmation.

On macOS:

Open Terminal and type:
sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder
Enter your admin password when prompted.

6. Temporarily Disable Antivirus and Firewall

Sometimes security software mistakenly flags Discord’s network traffic as malicious. Disable your antivirus and firewall temporarily to test if they’re causing the interruption:

• Disable third-party antivirus and check Discord status.
• Navigate to Windows Defender Firewall in Control Panel, and temporarily turn it off.

Important: Be sure to re-enable them afterward. If disabling them fixes the issue, add Discord to the exception list in your security software.

7. Reinstall Discord

Corrupted or missing files in your Discord installation can also be the culprit. A clean reinstall can eliminate these issues:

1. Go to Control Panel > Programs > Uninstall a program.
2. Select Discord and uninstall it.
3. Navigate to %AppData% and delete the Discord folder.
4. Download the latest version from Discord’s official site and reinstall it.

8. Use Discord Web as a Temporary Workaround

If nothing else works, use Discord’s web application accessible via any modern browser. It doesn’t rely on the desktop client’s local files and might bypass issues causing voice endpoint failures.

Visit https://discord.com/app, log in, and join your voice channel as usual.

When to Contact Discord Support

If all solutions fail, consider reaching out to Discord Support. Include the following details:

• Problem description and how long it has persisted
• Your operating system and Discord version
• Details about your network (wired or wireless, ISP)
• Any error logs or screenshots you have

This will help their support team diagnose the situation and provide specific assistance.

Preventing Future Issues

Maintain good Discord and system hygiene to avoid this error in the future:

• Keep Discord updated to the latest version
• Avoid beta versions unless you’re testing
• Regularly clear Discord cache and temporary files
• Ensure your antivirus and firewall are appropriately configured

Final Thoughts

The “Awaiting Endpoint” issue can be frustrating, especially when you’re trying to connect with friends or join an important voice chat. However, with the steps outlined above, you should be able to identify the cause and resolve the problem quickly. Whether it’s a server-side hiccup or something local like a firewall setting, being methodical in your troubleshooting will help you get back online smoothly.

Staying informed and keeping your setup clean and updated is the best long-term prevention strategy. Discord is a powerful communication tool, and with a bit of maintenance, it will continue to serve you well.