How to Join a Discord Server (and Find Good Communities to Join)

Discord is where many gaming, hobby and study communities live. If you have just made an account, or a friend sent you a link and you are not sure what to do, this guide shows you how to join a Discord server, how to find ones worth joining and how to stay safe.

What is a Discord server?

A Discord server is a community space with channels for chat, voice and sharing. Some servers have a handful of friends and some have tens of thousands of people. Each server has its own rules, its own members and its own topic: a game, a creator, a school club or a hobby.

You do not need to pay to join a server, and you can leave whenever you want.

How to join with an invite link

Most of the time, you join with an invite link. It looks like discord.gg/abc123 or discord.com/invite/abc123.

The quick way: click the link. Your browser or the Discord app opens and asks if you want to join. Click Accept Invite and you are in.

If the link does not open Discord: copy it and do this instead.

On a computer:

1. Open Discord and click the + button at the bottom of your server list.
2. Choose Join a Server.
3. Paste the invite link or code and click Join Server.

On a phone or tablet:

1. Open the Discord app and go to your server list.
2. Tap the + button, then Join a Server.
3. Paste the invite and tap Join Server.

After you join

Many servers ask you to do a few things before you can talk:

• Read the rules. Most servers have a rules channel. Some ask you to click a button or react to a message to agree.
• Pick your roles. Roles show what you are interested in and give you access to certain channels.
• Say hello. There is often an introductions channel. A short message helps you get noticed.
• Check the channel list. Look for general chat, announcements and a place for questions.

If you cannot see any channels at first, you may need to complete a verification step the server uses to keep spam out.

Why an invite does not work

• Invalid or expired invite. Some invites last only a short time or a limited number of uses. Ask for a new one.
• You are banned from that server. You cannot join again unless a moderator removes the ban.
• The server is full or restricted. Some servers have a member limit or need you to meet certain requirements.
• A typo. Copy and paste the link instead of typing it.

How to find Discord servers to join

You do not have to wait for a friend to send a link. Here are good ways to find communities:

• Server lists. Sites like TopRealms list Discord communities by topic, so you can browse and join with one click.
• The game or creator you like. Official websites, wikis and social pages often link to their community server.
• Discord's own discovery. Discord has a built-in section to explore public communities.
• Friends and other servers. Ask what communities your friends use, or check the partner channels of servers you already like.

When you look at a server before joining, check:

1. The topic. Is it about something you care about?
2. The size and activity. A small, active server is better than a large, empty one.
3. The rules and moderation. Look for clear rules and active moderators.
4. The tone. Read a few messages if the server lets you preview, and see if people are friendly.

Stay safe on Discord

Most servers are friendly, but scams exist. Keep these rules in mind:

• Never share your password or login code. Nobody from Discord or a server will ask for it.
• Be careful with links and files. Do not click links from strangers, especially ones that promise free items, free Nitro or gifts.
• Watch out for direct messages from people you do not know. Many scams start with a private message after you join a server. You can turn off direct messages from server members in your privacy settings.
• Do not scan QR codes or log in on other websites because someone asked you in chat.
• Check the person. A moderator should have a role you can see in the member list. Impersonators often copy the name and picture.
• Know the minimum age. Discord has an age requirement, and servers with adult content are not for younger users.

If something feels wrong, leave, block the person and report them to the server moderators.

Leave a server you do not like

You can leave at any time. On a computer, right-click the server icon and choose Leave Server. On mobile, tap the server name and choose Leave Server. If you only want a break from the noise, you can mute the server instead.

Running your own community?

If you run a Discord server, make it easy for people to join with an invite link that never expires, and list it on TopRealms so players can find it. Our guides on growing a Discord server and Discord server rules can help you get started.

Frequently asked questions

How do I join a Discord server without an invite?

Most servers are private, so you need an invite. Public communities can be found in server lists and in Discord's own discovery section, where you can join with a click.

Can I join a Discord server on my phone?

Yes. Tap the plus button in the server list, choose Join a Server and paste the invite link.

How many servers can I join on Discord?

Discord limits how many servers one account can join, and the limit can change. If you reach it, leave a server to make room.

Is it safe to join a Discord server?

Usually yes, but be careful with links, files and private messages from people you do not know. Never share your password, and leave any server that makes you feel unsafe.

Why was I removed from a Discord server?

Moderators may remove people who break the rules, such as spam or advertising. Check the server's rules and ask a moderator if you think it was a mistake.