This minHour teaches you how to get started with Discord on Windows or macOS. Once you install the desktop application, you can create an account, join a server, and start chatting with people all over the world.
Setting Up Discord
Download the Discord app.
If you’re using a computer, you can get the latest version of Discord by visiting https://discord.com/new/download and clicking the link.
- If you don’t want to install an app on your computer, you can access Discord through your web browser—just go to https://discord.com and click Open Discord in your browser.
Double-click the Discord installer.
The file is called and should be in your default downloads folder.
Follow the on-screen instructions to install Discord.
The installation is pretty straightforward and only takes a few minutes. Once the app is installed, you’ll be prompted to log in.
Click the Register link.
This takes you to the sign-up form.
Fill out the form.
You’ll have to provide a valid email address, a unique username to use on Discord, and a secure password.
Click Continue.
Check the box next to “I am not a robot.”
Discord will send a verification message to the email address you entered.
Follow the link in the email from Discord.
This confirms your email address and completes the sign-up process.
Customize your avatar.
If you’d like to stand out once you start digging deeper into Discord, follow these steps to upload an avatar that will identify you in the chat:
- Open Discord and click the gear icon at the bottom of the window.
- Click Edit below “My Account.”
- Click the default avatar (a red-and-white controller icon).
- Select an image from your computer and click Open.
- Click Save.
Joining a Server
Try the Server Discovery tool (optional).
If you already have an invite URL or code for the server you want to join, skip to the next step. If you weren’t given an invite link and you just want to see what’s out there, click the green compass icon at the top-left corner of Discord to open a tool that lets you browse public servers. Here you can browse servers by categories or search for something that interests you.
- When you find a server that interests you, click its name to open its menu.
- Many servers have their rules posted here. If you see that option, click it to check out the rules before joining.
- Click I’ll just look around for now to check out the server.
- Click the Join link at the top to join the server. If you don’t want to join, click Back at the top-left corner instead.
Click +.
It’s the plus symbol near the top-left corner of Discord. This gives you the option to create or join an existing server.
- If you don’t have an invite link for a server and didn’t find anything interesting in the Discovery tool, check out public servers at https://discordservers.com or https://www.discord.me
Click Join a server.
You’ll be asked for the server’s invite code or URL.
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Paste the code or URL into the blank. Invite addresses begin with “https://discord.gg/”, while invite codes are a series of letters and numbers.
Click Join.
This brings you right into the Discord server.
- All servers you join will appear in the left panel every time you sign in to Discord.
- You can leave a server at any time by right-clicking its icon in the left panel and selecting Leave server.
Chatting in a Text Channel
Join a Discord server.
If you haven’t already done so, you’ll need to join a server before you can start chatting. Once you join the server, a list of its channels will appear in the skinny column in the middle of Discord.
- Text channel names begin with hash (#) symbols and are usually have names that describe the kind of conversation that takes place there.
- If a channel is a voice channel, it’ll have a small speaker icon to the left of its name instead of a hash. Voice channels let you use your computer’s microphone and camera (if desired) to chat with other members.
Click a text channel to join it.
The channels that don’t have speaker icons are just for regular text chatting (although many allow image, audio, link, and video sharing). Once you select a channel, you’ll be brought into the conversation.
- A list of people in the channel appears in the right column.
Type a message to the channel.
Use the typing area at the bottom of the screen to say something in the channel. This will be visible to anyone in the channel once you press or to send it.
- If you’re using a computer, you can insert emoji by clicking the smiley icon on the far-right edge of the typing area.
- Depending on the channel, you may be able to attach GIFs, photos, and other fun stuff. Click the + on the left side of the typing area to see what sort of attachments qualify for the channel.
Press ↵ Enter or ⏎ Return to send the message.
Your message will appear in the channel.
React to other messages.
Just like many other messaging apps, Discord lets you react to individual messages. Hover your mouse over the message you want to react to and click the smiley face with a plus that appears. Then, select your reaction (such as the heart) to use it.
Chatting with Voice and Video
Join a Discord server.
If you haven’t already done so, click the server you want to join in the left column. Once you join the server, a list of its channels will appear in the skinny column in the middle of Discord.
- Text channel names begin with hash (#) symbols and are usually have names that describe the kind of conversation that takes place there.
- If a channel is a voice channel, it’ll have a small speaker icon to the left of its name instead of a hash. Voice channels let you use your computer’s microphone and camera (if desired) to chat with other members.
Adjust your voice and video settings.
Before joining, follow these steps:
- Click the gear icon at the bottom of the channel list (the center column).
- Click Voice & Video in the left panel.
- Select your microphone from the “Input Device” menu, and your speakers from the “Output Device” menu.
- Click Let’s Check and say a few words. If you don’t see the indicator move, try raising the input volume.
- Select “Voice Activity” under “Input Mode” if you want the microphone to pick up your voice as soon as you speak. Or if you don’t want the microphone to be listening all the time, select “Push to Talk” instead.
- If you want to use video chat, select your webcam from the “Camera” menu and click Test Video to make sure it works. If not, choose a different input.
Click a channel with a speaker to join it.
You’ll be brought right into the conversation.
- If your speakers are on and people are actively chatting, you’ll start hearing the conversation immediately and your microphone will also be activated.
- To adjust someone’s volume, right-click their avatar to bring up their volume controls.
Say something to the group.
Everyone in the channel will be able to hear you. A green outline will appear around your avatar as you speak.
Click or tap Video to share video.
If you want others to see you in the channel, this option will activate your camera.
- Click Video again to stop your video at any time.
- To disconnect from a voice channel, click the icon with a phone and an X near the bottom-left corner of the screen.
Adding Friends
Click Add Friend.
It’s the green button at the top of the Discord window. This opens the Add Friend screen.
- If you just want to add a friend from a channel that you’re in, simply right-click their name in the member list on the right panel and select Add Friend.
- To accept a friend request someone sent you, click the blue-and-white controller icon at the top-left corner, select All at the top, and then tap the checkmark next to the request.
Type your friend’s username and Discord tag.
You’ll need to get this information from your friend. It should look like Username#1234.
- The username is case-sensitive, so make sure you enter capital letters when necessary.
Click Send Friend Request.
If the request goes through fine, you’ll see a green confirmation message. If not, you’ll get a red error message.
Sending a Direct Message
Click Friends at the top of the channel list.
If you’re not in a channel, click the blue-and-white game controller icon at the top-left corner instead.
- If you just want to send a private message to someone in a channel, simply click their name once and then type the message into the typing area at the bottom of the menu.
Click All.
It’s at the top-center part of the window. This shows a list of all of your friends.
Click the message icon next to the person you want to message.
The icon will be on the far-right side of their name. This opens a conversation.
Type a message into the box.
It’s at the bottom of the conversation.
Press ↵ Enter or ⏎ Return.
The message now appears in the conversation.
- Messages will appear in the center panel in a section called “Direct Messages.”
- To delete a message you’ve sent, hover your mouse over the message, click ⁝ at the top-right corner of the message, click Delete, then click Delete again to confirm.