Discord is an essential app for gamers, streamers, and online communities. But nothing’s more frustrating than getting ready to stream only to see an error pop up. One error many users run into is Error 2012, which stops streams from starting or being watched.
What Is Discord Error 2012?
Error 2012 is called a Video Viewer Timeout. It basically means Discord can’t connect properly when you try to start a stream or watch one. Instead of your stream loading, you might see:
“Stream failed to start- Error: 2012. Having issues with your stream? Let us try to help.”
This error can show up:
- When you’re trying to stream your own screen or game
- When you’re trying to watch someone else’s stream
It happens on the Discord app for Windows and macOS, as well as in web browsers. Sometimes even mobile users see it.
Why Does Discord Error 2012 Happen?
There’s not just one cause. Based on Discord’s help docs and tons of user reports, these are the most common reasons:
1. Hardware Acceleration Conflicts
Hardware acceleration uses your graphics card (GPU) to help Discord run smoother. But on some PCs, it causes issues with streaming.
- For some people, turning hardware acceleration ON fixes it.
- For others, turning it OFF is the solution.
It’s worth trying both ways.
2. Internet or Network Problems
This error can also be caused by:
- A weak or spotty internet connection
- Firewalls or antivirus programs blocking Discord
- VPNs messing with Discord’s connection
- Problems with your internet provider’s routing
One user nailed it perfectly:
“For future Googlers, turn off VPN if using one. That was my issue.”
3. Corrupt App Data
Discord saves data on your computer to help it load faster. But sometimes those files get corrupted and cause problems like Error 2012.
4. Discord Server Issues
Sometimes, the problem isn’t on your end at all. Discord occasionally has big outages that affect streaming. For example:
“Discord users across the U.S. are reporting a widespread outage… Outage reports peaked on DownDetector at 7:40 p.m. EDT.”
When that happens, there’s not much you can do except wait for Discord to fix it.
How to Fix Discord Error-2012
Here’s a step-by-step guide you can try. Test streaming after each step to see if it’s fixed.
1. Check If Discord Is Down
Before diving into fixes, make sure Discord itself isn’t having a service issue. Go to:
If Discord says there’s a problem with video or streaming, wait it out.
2. Restart Discord and Your PC
It might sound simple, but a restart often clears up weird bugs.
- Fully close Discord (not just minimize it)
- Restart your computer
- Open Discord again and try streaming
3. Turn Hardware Acceleration On or Off
Hardware acceleration can be the culprit.
To turn it off:
- Go to User Settings → Advanced
- Toggle Hardware Acceleration off
- Restart Discord
Already off? Turn it on instead and restart Discord again. Some systems prefer it enabled.
4. Clear Discord’s App Data
Clearing Discord’s app data can solve errors caused by corrupted files.
On Windows:
- Press
Win + R - Type
%appdata%and hit Enter - Find the Discord folder and delete it
- Reopen Discord and log in
Don’t worry—your servers and friends list stay intact.
5. Turn Off VPNs and Proxies
If you’re using a VPN, try turning it off and test streaming again. VPNs can mess with how Discord connects.
6. Change Your DNS
Changing your DNS might help if your connection to Discord’s servers is unstable.
Try Google DNS:
- Preferred DNS:
8.8.8.8 - Alternate DNS:
8.8.4.4
Or Cloudflare:
- Preferred DNS:
1.1.1.1 - Alternate DNS:
1.0.0.1
7. Update Your Graphics Drivers
Out-of-date graphics drivers can cause problems with streaming.
- Visit the website for your graphics card (NVIDIA, AMD, Intel)
- Download and install the newest drivers
- Restart your computer
8. Use Windowed Mode for Games
If you’re streaming a game, try running it in windowed or borderless windowed mode instead of full-screen. Full-screen capture sometimes causes issues with Discord.
9. Reinstall Discord
Still no luck?
- Uninstall Discord completely
- Download the latest version from discord.com
- Reinstall it and log back in
10. Contact Discord Support
If none of these steps work, it might be time to get help directly from Discord. Before you reach out, gather this info:
- The exact error message you see
- Your device and operating system (e.g. Windows 11, macOS Ventura)
- Your Discord app version
- Whether it happens on the desktop app, web browser, or mobile
- Screenshots of your Voice & Video settings
- A list of your mic, camera, and audio devices
Contact Discord support at http://dis.gd/contact.
Can You Always Fix Error 2012?
Not always. Sometimes it’s on Discord’s end, and users just have to wait for them to sort things out. As one Reddit user said:
“didn’t help at all, the streams just fixed themselves after some days.”
But in many cases, the steps above will get your streams working again.
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