A few years ago, to keep in touch with my gaming community, I decided to start using Discord.
I really enjoyed its interface and the plethora of GIF and sticker options which made chats quite interesting.
However, while using the application, I always noticed that the ping suddenly spikes, causing the app to lag.
This rather peculiar issue was quite infuriating since most of the time, it either happened while I was on call or chatting about something important.
After enduring the issue for a few months, I decided to do something.
Naturally, my first instinct was to hop onto the internet and see if other Discord users were facing the same issue.
To my surprise, many were in the same boat as I was. Some of them had found a solution specific to the problem, while others were still dealing with the lag.
That is where my research started. I looked for and tried every possible solution to fix the lag, and found some good troubleshooting methods that helped me deal with it.
If your Discord ping spikes, clear the app cache, close the apps running in the background and activate hardware acceleration on Discord.
If the issue still persists, I have also mentioned other fixes, including checking your network settings, checking for server outages, and ensuring that your drivers are up to date.
Perform a Speed Test to Check Your Network Strength
One of the most common reasons for ping spikes is an unstable internet connection. A poor internet connection will lead to Discord acting up.
Hence, before trying any other troubleshooting method, or changing the settings, check that your internet connection is stable.
The best way to do this is by performing a speed test. You might be getting internet speeds lower than what your package promises.
To perform a speed test, all you have to do is search ‘Internet speed test’ on Google and click the first non-ad link.
If you want to perform a speed test on your phone, you can download an application from the App Store or the Play Store.
If the upload and download speeds are lower than what your ISP promised you, then you need to contact them.
However, if the internet speed is up to the mark and discord ping is still spiking, there might be some other issue.
Check your Network Settings
Sometimes, your computer’s network settings can end up interfering with the applications you are running.
If your internet is stable and the speed is up to the mark, resetting the network connection might help fix the issue.
To reset your network settings on Windows, follow these steps:
- Press the Windows and R key. This will launch the Run box.
- Type cmd in the box and wait for the command prompt to open.
- Type the following commands in the command prompt:
1 | ipconfig /flushdns |
1 | ipconfig /renew |
1 | ipconfig /registerdns |
- Press enter after typing each command.
- Close the command prompt.
- Restart your computer.
This process will reset your network settings and will most likely solve the issue. However, if the issue still persists, move on to the next fix.
Activate Hardware Acceleration on Discord
Although Discord is not exactly hardware intensive, it does have a few hardware restrictions.
Hence, if you are using a relatively older device, it might affect Discord’s functionality.
We will not discuss the hardware restrictions of Discord in this article, but we do have a solution that will help you fix the issue with Discord lagging if you are using an older device.
The application comes with a Hardware acceleration feature that allows you to allocate more computational resources to Discord.
Hence, instead of being invested in other applications, or tasks running in the background, some resources will be dedicated to Discord, making the process smoother.
If the ping is spiking because of hardware inefficiency, the hardware acceleration will help fix that.
To enable the hardware acceleration feature in Discord, follow these steps:
- Go to Discord settings.
- Open the Appearance options.
- Click on Advanced options.
- Activate the Hardware acceleration by turning the toggle on.
- You will be redirected to restart your computer.
After you restart your computer, more resources will be allocated to Discord, making the process smoother and most likely fix the issue.
Clear your Cache
Caches allow apps to load content quicker and make the overall process smoother for the user.
However, when you have used some apps for a long time, the built-up cache can affect performance.
Since Discord is a file and image sharing app, its cache can build up rather quickly. It’s no secret that an overloaded cache can greatly affect the app’s performance and the device you are using.
Since your storage is being exhausted for no reason, it is better to clear the cache.
To clear Discord cache on your windows, follow these steps:
- Press the windows and S key.
- In the search bar, type %appdata%.
- Look for the Discord folder in the list of folders.
- Double click on the folder to open it.
- Find the cache folder and open it.
- Select all the files and press delete.
This will delete all the cache that has built up over time and will most likely make the app smoother.
Quit Other Background Apps
Applications running in the background can hog a lot of RAM and bandwidth. Most internet connections cannot deal with several applications running simultaneously.
This leads to a lower bandwidth which greatly affects the application of all the apps.
Hence, if you are running Discord and the ping keeps spiking, it might be because you are running too many applications in the background.
This does not mean that your internet connection is slow or is not up to the mark; it just means that you are overburdening it.
To quit all the applications running in the background, follow these steps:
- Open the task manager by pressing the ctrl + alt + del keys simultaneously.
- Open the processes tab.
- Under the ‘Apps’ subsection, you will see all the apps running in the background.
- Highlight the app you want to close and click on the ‘End Task’ button at the bottom right corner.
In addition to this, also close any extra tabs that you have opened in the browser. That also helps in clearing up some of the bandwidth and computer resources.
Check for Server Outages
If you have never faced ping issues with Discord but are suddenly facing spiking ping and the app is lagging, the server might have an issue.
In case of an outage, there is not much that can be done on your end. All you can do is wait for the company to fix the problem.
However, know that these outages occur rarely, but it’s not something that cannot happen.
If you feel that the issues you are facing with the app are happening due to a service outage, you can always check on the down detector for more information.
Check for Software Updates
Like many other applications, Discord also has several versions. Currently, there are three versions of the app:
- Stable
- Canary
- PTB
The PTB is the beta version, while the Canary is the alpha version. These both are available for users who are eager to try out new features before they roll out to the stable version.
However, this makes them susceptible to more issues. Hence, the experience might not be as smooth as you would like it to be.
Use the Stable version if you want a smooth experience with fewer issues.
Ensure your Network Drivers are Up to Date
After ensuring that you have installed the latest version of Discord, make sure you are using up-to-date drivers.
The device you are using may have outdated drivers. This will affect the functionality of all the applications.
Go to the windows search bar and type device manager to check for any driver updates. Any device with a caution sign next to it has outdated or improper drivers.
Contact Support
If none of the aforementioned fixes work for you, it is time to contact customer support.
Contact your ISP on their toll-free number and ask if there is any server-side issue that might be causing the problem.
You can also contact Discord Support and use their live chat feature to talk about the issue.
Dealing with Discord Ping Spikes
The fixes mentioned in the article will most likely deal with the issue. However, if you are still facing the issue, try restarting your modem.
This will get rid of any temporary bugs or glitches that might be affecting the internet connection.
In addition to this, check your DNS connection settings. They might interfere with the way your internet connection functions.
The spiking issue can occur due to interruptions with the Discord connection. Using a VPN might solve them. As a last resort, you can try turning the VPN on.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I fix Discord server lag?
You can fix the discord server lag by closing any background applications and checking your network settings.
Why does Discord use so much bandwidth?
Since it is a file and media sharing app, it requires a good chunk of your bandwidth.
Does Discord break RN?
Discord used RN. It initially had issues with the platform, but they have been solved.
Where are Discord servers located?
Discord servers are located in various places, including the US, India, and Eu
Source: robotpoweredhome.com
https://gospeedcheck.com/article/why-is-my-discord-ping-so-high-597
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