How to Fix Error Fetching Channel Information on Twitch in Windows 11: Complete Troubleshooting Steps

If you use Twitch on your Windows 11 computer, you might sometimes see an error message saying “Error fetching channel information.” This can stop you from watching streams or accessing channel details. Fortunately, fixing this problem is usually straightforward.

This guide will walk you through several simple troubleshooting steps to get Twitch working smoothly again. Each step is explained clearly, so you can follow along even if you’re not very technical.

By following these instructions, you should be able to resolve the issue quickly and enjoy Twitch without interruptions. Let’s get started with some quick checks before diving into detailed solutions.

These tips apply whether you use Twitch in a browser or the Twitch desktop app on Windows 11.

Quick Note: Preliminary Checks Before Troubleshooting

Check your internet connection: A stable internet connection is essential for Twitch to load channel data. Make sure you are connected and your speed is sufficient.
Restart Twitch or your browser: Sometimes, simply closing and reopening the app or browser fixes temporary glitches.
Verify Twitch server status: Twitch occasionally experiences outages. Visit Twitch Status to check if the problem is on their end.
Update Windows 11: Keeping your system updated ensures compatibility and fixes bugs. Go to Settings > Windows Update to check for updates.

Step 1: Clear Browser Cache and Cookies

If you use Twitch in a web browser, cached data and cookies can sometimes cause errors. Clearing them can remove corrupted files and refresh your session.

Open your browser (Edge, Chrome, Firefox, etc.).
Go to the settings menu (usually three dots or lines in the top-right corner).
Find the option for Privacy and Security or Clear Browsing Data.
Select options to clear Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files.
Choose a time range like All time to clear everything related to Twitch.
Click Clear data and restart your browser.
Try accessing Twitch again and see if the error is resolved.

Clearing the cache ensures your browser loads the freshest version of Twitch’s website instead of relying on outdated files.

Step 2: Disable Browser Extensions

Browser extensions or add-ons sometimes interfere with Twitch’s scripts, causing problems fetching data. Temporarily disabling them can help identify if one is the culprit.

Open your browser’s extensions or add-ons page (usually found in the menu).
Disable all extensions, especially ad blockers or privacy tools.
Refresh Twitch and check if the error persists.
If Twitch works after disabling extensions, enable them one by one to find the problematic one.

This step helps isolate any interference caused by third-party tools.

Step 3: Check Firewall and Antivirus Settings

Windows Firewall or antivirus software can block Twitch’s connection, leading to channel fetching errors. You need to ensure Twitch is allowed through these protections.

Press Windows + S and type Windows Security, then open it.
Go to Firewall & network protection.
Click on your active network and select Allow an app through firewall.
Look for your browser or Twitch app in the list. If not found, add it manually.
Ensure both Private and Public checkboxes are ticked.
Also, check your antivirus software’s settings to whitelist Twitch or your browser.

Allowing Twitch through firewall and antivirus ensures it can communicate freely with Twitch servers.

Step 4: Flush DNS Cache

Sometimes, DNS cache holds outdated IP addresses that cause connection errors. Flushing the cache forces your computer to request fresh DNS info.

Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
Type cmd and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to open Command Prompt as administrator.
In the Command Prompt window, type ipconfig /flushdns and press Enter.
You should see a message saying the DNS Resolver Cache was successfully flushed.
Close Command Prompt and try Twitch again.

This step helps resolve network issues caused by stale DNS records.

Step 5: Reset Network Settings

If the problem persists, resetting your network settings can fix deeper connectivity issues affecting Twitch.

Open Settings by pressing Windows + I.
Go to Network & internet.
Scroll down and click Advanced network settings.
Under More settings, select Network reset.
Click the Reset now button and confirm.
Your PC will restart and network adapters will be reinstalled.
After reboot, reconnect to the internet and check Twitch.

Resetting network settings clears all custom configurations and can resolve hidden network conflicts.

Alternative Methods and Advanced Options

If you are comfortable with more technical steps, you can also try the following:

Switch DNS servers: Change your DNS to Google DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1) for potentially faster and more reliable resolution.
Reinstall Twitch app: If you use the desktop app and face this error, uninstall it from Settings > Apps, then download and install the latest version from Twitch’s official site.
Use a different browser: Sometimes browser-specific issues cause errors. Trying another browser can help confirm this.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why does Twitch show “Error fetching channel information”?

This error usually means Twitch can’t retrieve data about the channel due to connectivity issues, server problems, or local device restrictions like firewall blocks.

Is this error related to my Twitch account?

Not usually. It’s often a connection or app/browser problem rather than an account issue.

Can using a VPN cause this error?

Yes, some VPNs may interfere with Twitch connectivity. Try disabling your VPN to see if the error clears.

Will updating Windows fix this problem?

Sometimes, yes. Windows updates include network and security fixes that can improve app compatibility.

Is Twitch down if I see this error?

It might be. Always check Twitch’s status page to confirm.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the above steps and still see the error, it may be an issue on Twitch’s side or a deeper system problem. Here are your last options:

Contact Twitch Support: Visit Twitch Help Center to submit a ticket or chat with support.
Use Twitch on another device: Check if the problem persists on your phone or another PC to isolate the issue.
Perform a system restore: If the issue started recently, restoring Windows to an earlier point might help.

These options can assist when common fixes don’t resolve the problem.

Conclusion

“Error fetching channel information” on Twitch can be frustrating but is often caused by simple connectivity or app-related issues. Starting with basic checks like clearing cache and verifying your internet, then moving to firewall and network resets, usually solves the problem.

Remember to check Twitch’s server status before extensive troubleshooting. If you keep the Twitch app and Windows updated, and ensure your firewall isn’t blocking Twitch, you’ll avoid most errors.

Following this step-by-step guide should help you fix the error and get back to enjoying your favorite streams on Windows 11 without hassle.