Discord Not Opening on Mac

Why Discord might not open on Mac

If you're trying to fix Discord not opening on Mac, it's important to understand some of the key reasons behind the issue. From our experience, several common problems can prevent the app from launching:

• Outdated Discord version. If the app hasn't been updated, it might not work correctly with your current macOS version.
• Network connection issues. Discord needs a stable internet connection. Weak or unstable Wi-Fi can block it from starting or connecting to servers.
• Corrupted cache files. Damaged or overloaded cache folders often stop Discord from launching until files are manually cleared.
• macOS compatibility problems. System updates may introduce changes that Discord hasn't adapted to yet, causing significant launch errors.
• Interference from background processes. Antivirus apps, VPNs, or memory-heavy software can interfere with Discord and prevent it from opening.

A note from our experts: 

 

Trying every manual fix to resolve the Discord not opening on Mac issue can be time-consuming and frustrating, especially if you're unsure what's outdated or broken. Instead of guessing which solution might work, MacKeeper's Update Tracker scans your system and shows you exactly which apps need updates, including Discord. It helps you skip trial-and-error, instead enabling you to fix the problem quickly and professionally by keeping everything current.

 

Here's how to use MacKeeper's Update Tracker to troubleshoot Discord issues:

1. Download and open MacKeeper, then click Update Tracker from the sidebar.
2. Click Start Scan to check your Mac for apps with available updates, including Discord.
3. Locate Discord in the results. If an update is available, click Update to install the latest version.
4. MacKeeper will automatically handle updates and remove outdated files or broken support data.

How to fix Discord not opening on Mac

When Discord won’t open on your Mac, you might see it freeze while loading, crash immediately after starting, or just stay stuck on a blank screen. To get things working again, try restarting your Mac, clearing Discord’s cache, or completely reinstalling the app.

1. Restart your Mac

Our team always recommends beginning troubleshooting with a full system restart—it’s the fastest way to clear temporary glitches that may prevent Discord for Mac from loading.  

Steps to take:

1. Click the Apple logo in the top-left corner.
2. Select Restart from the dropdown menu.
3. Wait for your Mac to reboot, then try relaunching Discord.

2. Check for macOS compatibility

Sometimes Discord won't open simply because your macOS version is too old. Our experts have often seen this on Macs that haven't been updated in a while. If you're getting errors like you don't have permission to open the Application Mac, it could point to version mismatches.

Follow these steps:

1. Click the Apple logo and select About This Mac.
2. Check your macOS version.
3. Visit Discord's website and confirm it supports your current OS.
4. If needed, update your system under System Settings > General > Software Update.

3. Check for system and Discord updates

We've found that keeping both macOS and Discord up-to-date helps eliminate bugs and restores your device’s smooth performance.  

Do the following:

1. Open System Settings and go to General > Software Update.
2. Install any available macOS updates.
3. Visit discord.com and download the latest version of the app.
4. Reinstall it if you're still stuck.

4. Reconnect network

If Discord hangs on the loading screen, your internet connection might be the issue. We’ve helped users solve this just by switching Wi-Fi or restarting their router.

The instructions are below:

1. Click the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar.
2. Disconnect, then reconnect to your network.
3. Preferably, switch to a 5GHz connection.
4. If issues continue, try another network or use a wired connection.

5. Close background Discord processes

Sometimes, Discord looks closed, but background processes are still running, which can prevent it from reopening.  

Steps to take:

1. Open Activity Monitor from Applications > Utilities.
2. Search for Discord in the list.
3. Select it, then click the X icon to force quit.
4. Relaunch Discord for Mac from your Applications folder.

6. Clear Discord cache files

If Discord refuses to open or crashes during startup, corrupted cache data could be to blame. Our experts often find that this hidden issue is behind stubborn loading screens.  

Follow our guidance below:

1. Open Finder and click Go > Go to Folder in the menu bar.
2. Type ~/Library/Application Support/discord and press Enter.
3. Delete the folders named Cache, Code Cache, and GPUCache.
4. Empty the Trash and restart Discord.

7. Reinstall Discord

When nothing else works, a clean reinstall can fix Discord not opening on Mac. We've seen this solve deeper file corruption issues or bad installations.

Follow the instructions:

1. Open Finder > Go > Go to Folder.
2. Enter ~/Library/Application Support and delete the Discord folder.
3. Go to Applications, right-click Discord, and move it to the Bin.
4. Download the latest installer from the official site and reinstall.

8. Use the Discord web version

If Discord fails to launch, you don’t have to stay offline. Our team suggests using the browser-based version of Discord while you troubleshoot. It’s especially helpful if you’re in the middle of group chats about the best free games for Mac or ongoing voice calls.

Do the following:

1. Open a browser like Chrome or Safari.
2. Go to discord.com and click Open Discord in your browser.
3. Log in with your account and enable notifications in the site settings.
4. Continue using Discord while fixing the desktop app.

9. Reset your Mac’s NVRAM/PRAM

Low-level Mac settings stored in NVRAM or PRAM can sometimes interfere with apps like Discord.  

Try this:

1. Completely shut down your Mac.
2. Turn it on and immediately press Option + Command + P + R.
3. Hold the keys for about 20 seconds.
4. Release them and let your Mac boot normally, then try opening Discord again.

Conclusion

If Discord isn’t opening on your Mac, the problem could be anything from network issues to corrupted cache files or outdated software. This guide has covered the most effective ways to fix it quickly. For an even faster solution, try MacKeeper’s Update Tracker. It scans for outdated apps like Discord and automatically installs updates—no guesswork or manual fixes necessary!