Introduction
Maybe you’re part of a Discord server that’s become relatively inactive over time. Or, maybe a Discord server you’re in has grown into a toxic environment you no longer want to be a part of. Or, maybe you’re part of a Discord server where you no longer care about the topic. No matter the reason you can easily leave a Discord server through either the Discord mobile app, or the Discord desktop or web app. I’ll show you how to leave both in this article.
Some of the images associated with the steps are included inline below. All images associated with these steps can be seen in the embedded YouTube video. Also, please note that you’re not able to leave a comment directly on this article. If you have a question or feedback, please leave it on the YouTube video.
Steps to Leave a Discord Server in Discord Mobile App
- Launch the Discord app on your iPhone, iPad or Android device.
- Tap the “Menu” icon in the top left corner of the screen. You’ll see a list of the Discord servers you’re a part of in the menu that expands on the left side of the screen.
- Tap the Discord server you want to leave. Information for that server is displayed.
- Tap the ellipses at the top of the screen to open a menu.
- Scroll down to the bottom of this menu, and then tap “Leave Server.” A message pops up asking if you’re sure you want to leave this server.
- Tap “Yes.” You’ll land back on your Discord home screen, where you’ll see that specific Discord server has been removed.
Steps to Leave a Discord Server in Discord Desktop App
- Launch either the Discord desktop or web app. You’ll land on your Discord home screen.
- Right-click the image associated with the Discord server you want to leave. A context menu opens.
- Click “Leave Server” in this menu. A message pops up asking if you’re sure you want to leave this server.
- Click “Leave Server.” You may see a survey asking why you’re leaving this specific Discord server.
- Fill out any information you want to provide around why you’re leaving this Discord server. You’ll land back on your Discord home screen, where you’ll see that specific Discord server has been removed.
Reasons to Leave a Discord Server
1. Overwhelm from Notifications
Notifications are integral to Discord’s design. However, in an active server, alerts can flood a user’s device rapidly. This constant stream disrupts focus, potentially causing distractions during work or relaxation. Many users, especially those in multiple servers, might feel the strain of keeping up. A busy server can make it hard to track individual conversations. Therefore, rather than toggling settings, some choose to leave Discord servers that are the source of endless notifications.
2. Loss of Interest
People’s interests evolve over time. Initially, a server’s theme or activity might appeal greatly to a user. But as weeks turn into months, this allure can fade. Perhaps they’ve moved onto new hobbies or pursuits. The server, once a hub of enthusiasm, might become just another channel in their list. It’s natural for members to seek fresh experiences and prune their older engagements.
3. Toxicity
Online platforms aren’t immune to negative elements. Discord servers can, unfortunately, harbor negativity, drama, or even outright hostility. While many join servers for camaraderie and shared interests, the presence of toxic members can tarnish this. A hostile environment affects mental well-being. Instead of enduring such environments, leaving becomes the preferred choice for peace of mind.
4. Irrelevant Content
Every server has a unique ethos or central theme. However, discussions can drift from this core. What started as a server for a specific game might morph into random chats. For members keen on the original focus, this shift feels jarring. Irrelevant content dilutes the reason they joined in the first place, pushing them towards departure.
5. Spam
Spam is a persistent online menace. Discord servers can fall victim to individuals or bots spreading unwanted advertisements or disruptive content. Such unsolicited messages clutter channels, disrupt meaningful interactions, and decrease overall user experience. Frustrated by the noise, members often decide it’s easier to leave a Discord server than combat the nuisance.
6. Too Many Members
Large memberships can be a double-edged sword. While growth signifies popularity, some users find charm in smaller, intimate groups. In vast servers, individual voices often drown in the crowd. Personal connections become rare, and the close-knit community feel dissipates. As a result, those seeking deeper engagements might opt out to leave Discord servers with a lot of people.
7. Privacy Concerns
The internet presents numerous privacy challenges. In large Discord servers, sharing personal anecdotes or data feels riskier. With strangers forming the majority, users grow wary. They fear misuse of their information or unwarranted attention. Such apprehensions can overshadow the benefits of membership, leading to exits.
8. Over-Moderation
Rules are essential for order. Yet, excessive moderation can stifle genuine interactions. Members might feel they’re walking on eggshells, unable to express freely. Every community needs guidelines, but over-policing deters open conversation. Feeling restricted, many users ultimately look for more welcoming spaces.
9. Under-Moderation
On the flip side, lack of moderation poses challenges. Servers without checks become wild and unpredictable. Unpleasant behavior, unchecked, flourishes. Many members want a balance — a place where they feel safe but can also engage freely. Absence of structure often compels members to search for better-managed communities.
10. Better Alternatives
The digital world is vast. New platforms and servers emerge daily, each promising unique experiences. Some users, upon discovering better-suited alternatives, transition to greener pastures. They might find communities that align more with their current interests, preferences, or values, leading them to depart from previous servers.
11. Personal Reasons
Personal circumstances are diverse. A member might face real-world obligations, a desire for a digital detox, or even interpersonal disagreements within the server. These personal reasons, though varied, can heavily influence one’s choice to stay or go. It’s a reflection of the dynamic nature of online engagements.
12. Server Inactivity
Activity levels in servers fluctuate. A once bustling community might experience lulls. Inactivity, whether from leadership or general members, impacts engagement. Regulars start feeling disconnected. Without fresh content or interactions, users often leave inactive Discord servers and gravitate towards livelier communities.
13. Temporary Leave
Not all departures are permanent. Users sometimes need short breaks from digital engagements. They might leave servers to avoid distractions during these periods, intending to rejoin later. It’s a conscious choice for personal space and time.
14. Space
Digital decluttering mirrors physical space tidying. Reducing Discord server memberships helps in organizing one’s online presence. Some users prioritize their most engaging servers, leaving others to maintain simplicity.
15. Mistaken Join
Mistakes happen. A user might inadvertently join a server or misunderstand its purpose. Once they recognize the mismatch between their expectations and the server’s reality, they often make a swift exit. It’s all about finding the right fit in the vast online realm.
Are Other People Notified When You Leave a Discord Server?
No, when you leave a Discord server, other members aren’t directly notified that you’ve left. However, there are a few things to keep in mind:
1. Audit Log
Server administrators and those with appropriate permissions can access the server’s audit log, which keeps a record of various actions, including members joining or leaving. By checking the audit log, they can see that you’ve left the server.
2. Member List
If members are paying attention to the member list or if you’re in a smaller server where people notice the member count or specific members more easily, they might see that your name is no longer listed.
3. Bots
Some servers have bots set up to announce when someone leaves or joins the server. If a server has a bot like this set up, then members might see a message in a designated channel indicating that you’ve left.
4. Direct Messages
If you were in a direct message conversation with someone from the server and you leave the server, your shared server icon (which is shown next to your name in the DM list) will disappear. This might tip off the person you’re DMing that you’ve left the server, especially if that was your only shared server.
What Do You Lose When You Leave a Discord Server?
1. Channels and Chat History
You’ll lose access to the server’s text, voice, and video channels. While your messages in text channels will remain (unless deleted by moderators or through other means), you won’t be able to see them unless you rejoin the server. If you rejoin, messages in private or members-only channels won’t be immediately visible to you unless you have the necessary permissions.
2. Roles
Any roles that were assigned to you in that server will be removed. If you rejoin the server, you’ll typically start as a new member and will need to be re-assigned any roles unless there’s a bot or system in place to remember past member roles.
3. Server-Specific Perks
If the server offered any special perks for members, like access to specific bots, roles, or content, you’d lose access to these.
4. Server Emojis
You won’t be able to use the server’s custom emojis in other servers unless you have Discord Nitro and the server allows its emojis to be used by Nitro users in other servers.
5. Notifications
You won’t receive any more notifications or mentions from that server.
6. Friends
Leaving a server doesn’t remove any friends you’ve made, but you might lose a shared server with those friends. You can still chat with them via Direct Messages.
7. Boost Status
If you boosted the server, the boost will remain until the end of its billing cycle, but you’ll lose any server-specific boost perks upon leaving.
8. Server Bookmarks
If you had any channel bookmarks in that server, they would be removed.
Remember, even if you leave a server, your messages and other interactions generally remain behind unless they’re manually deleted. If there’s anything sensitive or you don’t want others to see after you leave, it’s a good idea to delete those messages or interactions before leaving the server.
