Troubleshooting High Ping When Using Discord in Games

When playing games with a normal ping, but experiencing high ping while using Discord, there are a few possible reasons why this might happen and steps you can take to resolve the issue.

Possible Reasons for High Ping

There are three main reasons that could lead to a discrepancy in your ping when gaming and using Discord:

Your Internet is Bad

This issue can stem from either a poor Wi-Fi router or a faulty Network Interface Card (NIC) in your computer. There are a few steps you can take to address this problem:

Upgrade to a better Wi-Fi router for a more stable connection. Consider purchasing a new laptop or desktop if the issue lies with your computer's NIC.

If you are unsure about the condition of your router or NIC, it may be worth consulting a professional for assistance.

The Server You Are Trying to Connect To Is Far Away

If the Discord server you are trying to connect to is geographically distant, your ping may suffer as there is more latency involved in the communication. Here's what you can do:

Go to the Voice Channel's settings and change the Region Override to the country you are in or the closest one to you. This adjustment can significantly reduce latency and improve your experience. However, you will need either the "Administration" permission or the "Manage Channels" permission to make these changes.

The Server's Internet Is Bad (Extremely Unlikely)

While it is possible that the server's internet could be problematic, this scenario is highly unlikely. Discord generally has robust and reliable servers, and it is not likely to be the cause of your high ping.

Additional Tips to Reduce Ping

Even if none of the above steps help, there are a few more strategies you can try to reduce your ping:

Check Your Internet Speed

I recommend checking your internet speed to see if it is sufficient for both gaming and Discord. If your internet speed is consistently slow, you may need to consider upgrading to a faster connection with your internet service provider.

Adjust Discord Settings

Discord can often consume a significant amount of bandwidth, leading to higher ping. Consider adjusting your Discord settings to reduce lag. For example, you could set Discord to only let you speak when you press a button instead of continuously. This can help redirect some of the bandwidth to your gaming activities.

Monitor Bandwidth Usage

Keep an eye on your overall bandwidth usage to ensure that no other applications are hogging your internet connection. Use built-in tools or third-party apps to monitor your network usage and make sure there is enough bandwidth for both gaming and Discord.

Conclusion

High ping while using Discord in games can be frustrating, but there are solutions to the issue. Whether it's improving your internet hardware, adjusting server settings, or tweaking Discord's behavior, you can significantly reduce the impact of high ping on your gaming experience.