If you’ve recently opened Discord and seen the message “awaiting endpoint,” you might be wondering what it means and why it’s stopping you from connecting to your favorite servers. Understanding why does it say awaiting endpoint on Discord is crucial for resolving this annoying problem quickly and getting back to your chats and gaming sessions. This article will explore the root causes of this issue, what “awaiting endpoint” actually signifies, and practical steps you can take to fix it.
Why Does It Say Awaiting Endpoint on Discord?
The “awaiting endpoint” message appears on Discord when the app is trying — but struggling — to establish a connection to a specific server endpoint. An endpoint, in this context, refers to a network address or a gateway that Discord uses to route your connection to the appropriate voice or text server. When your client cannot reach that endpoint, you’ll be stuck in a state where Discord is “awaiting” it.
This can happen due to several reasons:
- Network issues on your end (Wi-Fi problems, router issues, firewall settings)
- Discord server downtime or issues
- VPN or proxy interference
- Outdated Discord app or corrupted cache
- Restrictions by firewalls or antivirus programs
Understanding Endpoints in Discord’s Context
Endpoints serve as the points of communication between your Discord client and Discord’s backend servers. For example, voice servers use specific endpoints to host voice channels. When you join a voice channel, your app searches for the nearest or best-performing endpoint to connect to. If Discord shows “awaiting endpoint,” it’s essentially waiting to be assigned or to establish a link to that endpoint so that your connection can proceed.
Common Reasons for “Awaiting Endpoint” and How to Fix Them
When you encounter the “awaiting endpoint” error, there might be a variety of underlying issues. Here’s a breakdown of common culprits and actionable solutions:
1. Internet Connectivity Problems
Poor or unstable internet can prevent Discord from reaching the endpoint. If your connection is slow or unstable, try these steps:
- Restart your router or modem.
- Switch from Wi-Fi to Ethernet for a stable wired connection.
- Close bandwidth-heavy applications running in the background.
2. Discord Server Outage or Maintenance
Sometimes the problem is on Discord’s side. You can check the status at Discord Status. If there’s an ongoing outage, waiting it out is the only option.
3. VPN or Proxy Interference
Using a VPN or proxy may interfere with Discord’s ability to assign an endpoint properly. Try disabling your VPN or proxy and reconnecting.
4. Firewall or Antivirus Blocking Discord
Network security software sometimes blocks connections that Discord needs. To fix:
- Allow Discord through your firewall.
- Temporarily disable antivirus and check if the problem resolves.
- Add Discord to the antivirus exception list.
5. Outdated or Corrupted Discord Application
An outdated app or corrupted cache files can cause connection errors.
- Update Discord to the latest version.
- Clear Discord’s cache by:
- Closing Discord completely.
- On Windows, press Windows + R, type “%appdata%”, and press Enter.
- Find the Discord folder and delete it.
- Restart Discord and log in again.
Advanced Troubleshooting Tips
Switching Discord Voice Region
If you have admin rights on a server or in a voice channel, changing the voice region can sometimes bypass endpoint issues:
- Open the server settings.
- Navigate to “Voice Channels” settings.
- Change voice region to another nearby location.
Resetting Network Settings
On your device, resetting network settings can resolve misconfigurations affecting the connection:
- On Windows, use Command Prompt commands such as
ipconfig /flushdnsandnetsh winsock reset. - On mobile devices, look for options to reset network settings in system preferences.
Conclusion
The message “awaiting endpoint” on Discord means your app is trying to connect to a voice or text server but is unable to reach the necessary network point. This is usually due to internet problems, Discord server issues, VPN interference, firewall restrictions, or app problems. By following the steps outlined above, including checking your internet connection, updating the app, disabling VPNs, and adjusting firewall settings, you can usually fix the problem quickly and resume your Discord activities without further disruptions.
Remember, if the issue persists and no fixes seem to work, it might be worth reaching out to Discord Support or checking the community forums for additional assistance. Understanding why does it say awaiting endpoint on Discord is your first step toward finding the right solution.
