Updated at: 31-03-2023 - By: Leo Hall

There’s a plethora of ways to chat with friends online, but if you play games, Discord is your best bet. However, the chat app’s origin story begins with its development as a failed iOS-based online multiplayer game.

A program designed to free up system resources on your computer or mobile device so that you can play your games instead of your chat program.

You should learn how to delete your Discord account and what the distinction is between disabling and deleting your account if you’re considering leaving the service for any reason, even if it’s just to try out a new chat app.

What is Discord?

Discord, which has been around since 2015, is a place where people who share interests can talk to one another. Gamers love it because it provides a platform for them to connect with one another beyond the virtual worlds they inhabit while playing games.

Still, it’s expanded into a full-fledged social network, with more than 140 million* active monthly users. The gaming community is no longer the only one interested in it.

How To Delete a Discord Account

How it works

The platform works by using servers. These are set up with a particular focus or theme as a way for people to meet up online to discuss and exchange images, links and information. These servers offer both text and voice communication via a microphone on the device you use.

Both invited and uninvited users can gain access to servers via the internet. The norms for use and conduct of the server are typically established by the person who initially created it. Moreover, they can provide stringent guidelines for filtering out inappropriate material and protecting moderators’ accounts.

What you need to use the platform

  • Internet access and a computer, tablet, or smartphone
  • Email address required for account creation.

What is the age rating?

At least 13 years old, or older if required by law where you live. At Apple’s urging, Discord “updated its age rating to 17 .” On their website, they state that one of their goals is “making sure kids aren’t exposed to stuff they shouldn’t see.” However, those under the age of 17 are allowed to sign up and use the service. Google’s app store is rated T for Teen.

Read this article to learn more about video game age ratings.

Discord’s privacy and security settings

According to the most recent Transparency Report from Discord, the platform’s users experienced harassment at a rate of 32.8%. One in ten experienced cybercrime, and 8.1% encountered graphic content that was previously labeled NSFW.

They’ve taken a number of precautions, including:

  • the application of AI to the detection of fraud, abuse, and phishing
  • volunteers who help keep the platform secure
  • function of obstructing and reporting

The following are optional privacy and security settings in Discord:

Filter inappropriate content out of direct messages

For messages that may need to be screened for inappropriate content, Safe Direct Messaging provides a traffic-light color-coded system. In the Security and Privacy section, you’ll find this:

  • I need you to keep me safe.
    (Check everyone’s private message)
  • Nice people, my pals.
    Check private messages (even if they’re not from friends)
  • Avoid scanning
    (We won’t check the content of private messages.)

Report something

You can make a request if you notice anything suspicious or just want to report a user.

Block direct messages

Direct messages (DM) from other members can be blocked on a server-by-server basis. Uncheck the box labeled “Direct Messages” in the server’s configuration panel:

Alternately, you can disable direct server-to-server messaging by unchecking “Allow direct messages from server members” in your account’s Privacy & Security settings.

Choose who can add you as a friend

From the Security and Privacy settings, you can control who can send you friend requests.

Block users

To block a user, click on their name and then click the “block” option at the bottom of the drop-down menu.

How do I permanently delete my account? – Discord

What are the benefits of Discord?

As a result, it can be a potent tool for connecting teens with like-minded individuals and fostering a sense of belonging. This could be the result of a shared interest in a video game, but it could just as easily be the result of sharing a common musical taste, literary taste, or other pastime.

Make sure you know who your kid is chatting with by checking in with them regularly. Remind them frequently to keep the conversation upbeat and civil. As an added bonus, this provides an opening to prepare them for any potentially harmful experiences they may have while using the internet.

Important: Your mobile device or computer may already have privacy and security features that can further restrict access to your location and interactions. Learn more about our safety features for kids right here!

What to watch out for

The platform is not suitable for very young children

Some Discord servers are restricted to those over the age of 18, as they host material deemed inappropriate for those underage. Those who access the channel are first presented with a disclaimer stating that graphic material may be present and requesting verification that they are over the age of 18. Any servers hosting adult content without proper labeling should be reported.

Most conversations are private and allow live video and location tracking (strictly opt-in)

Discord is less public and visible than other social networks because its conversations are limited to the group’s members only. Furthermore, you can chat with other users through text, voice, and video. You can also use the Nearby function to connect with people who happen to be in close proximity to you and have their device’s location services enabled.

Is Discord safe for your child?

If they are of an appropriate age and have the proper guidance and context from parents and caregivers, it can be a great way to make new friends. All children should use caution when using the platform, but those under the age of 13 should stick to kid-friendly alternatives like YouTube Kids and PopJam.

How to Disable Your Discord Account

Like other social networks like Facebook, Discord gives you the option to permanently delete or disable your account. Your account is deleted when you no longer wish to use it, while it is disabled when you are temporarily stepping away from it.

Disabling your Discord account is preferable if you don’t want to delete it completely but instead want to take a long break from the service with the option of coming back later. You won’t have to go through any hoops to get this option back when you return, and it will save you some time.

To begin:

  1. Launch the Discord client.
  2. Visit your User Settings (the gear icon) once you’ve signed in.
  3. Disable Account sits conveniently to the right of the Delete Account button at the bottom of the window. To deactivate your account, just click it.

Disabling Your Account on Mobile

It’s not as simple to disable your account on iOS and Android as it is on a desktop. There is currently no way to delete or disable your account from a mobile device. When attempting to choose from the available options, you can do so by:

  1. Launch Discord on your smart phone or tablet.
  2. If you click on your profile picture in the upper right, you’ll be taken to your User Settings; from there, you can access your account by clicking on the My Account button.
  3. There will be a “Disable Account” and “Delete Account” button available to you. When you click either of those options, however, you’ll be taken to a support page with information very similar to the one you’re currently reading.

Sending in a request to support is required if you want to delete or disable a mobile account. At the moment, this is the only option for mobile users looking to permanently close their Discord account.

How to Permanently Delete Your Discord Account

Have you finally decided to sever all ties with Discord? Sure, no sweat. It is essentially the same process as deactivating your account, but with a different conclusion. For mobile users, it’s imperative that you get in touch with support if you want your account deleted.

You’ll need to either give someone else control of your servers or delete them before you can cancel your account. If you want to learn more about Discord servers, you’ve come to the right place.

To cancel your subscription:

  1. Launch a chat app like Discord.
  2. The User Settings (the gear icon) can be accessed after successful login.
  3. You may update your profile at any time. Delete Account is a button at the very bottom of the window. If you click it, your account will be deleted permanently.

Usually, you’ll need to enter your password and, if you have it set up, your two-factor authentication code, before proceeding. Also, there are some things you must do in advance of the deletion taking effect. You should either hand over control of the server(s) to someone reliable or delete them if you are the current owner.

The following steps must be taken in order to effect a change of ownership:

Select the server you’d like to edit the settings for within the Discord app by clicking on the server’s name.

Discover the Members link under User Management in the left-hand menu.

In this room, you’ll have to hand out the crown jewels and decide who gets to rule. To promote a user to administrator status, hover over their name and click the corresponding user’s name, followed by the three white vertical dots.

Select “Transfer Ownership” from the pop-up menu.

As soon as the transfer is complete, you will be treated as a regular member of the server according to the role assigned to you. The data you can retrieve from the server depends on the role you have there.

If your server does not have anyone reliable to hand it off to, or if you simply do not care, erasing it is the best option. If you want to get rid of a server:

Follow our lead and navigate to Server Settings.

Select “Delete Server” from the left-hand menu and skip over “User Management” this time.

To completely remove the server from existence, select “Delete Server,” then enter your account password to confirm the deletion. If two-factor authentication is enabled for your account, you will be asked to enter the removal code just as you would when canceling your subscription.

When you’re finished, you’ll need to confirm your decision by clicking the Delete Server button again. In the event that you delete your account and then change your mind, you have 14 days to reactivate it. After the two weeks have passed, access to the account will be permanently deleted and no data can be retrieved.

How to Delete Your Discord Account on Desktop & Mobile

Once your account is deleted, your username will change to something like “DeletedUser 0000.” Those who you have previously exchanged messages with will still be able to view them. Discord’s support team should be contacted if you wish to have all traces of your account deleted.

Frequently Asked Questions

We know that deciding to delete your Discord account is a big deal, and we’ve got all the details you need to make the right decision.

If I delete my account, do all of my messages disappear?

No. The default username for a deleted account is discorduser#0000. However, your text messages, photos, and other sent content will still be accessible.

Can I restart my Discord account?

You have 14 days to reactivate your account after it has been deactivated. A cancelled Discord account cannot be reinstated, but a new account can be made in its place.

How do I delete all of my messages?

Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you export your Discord messages before you delete your account. If you are a server administrator, you have the option of manually deleting messages or installing a bot to do so on a regular schedule.