Discord has become the go-to platform for communities of all kinds, from gaming groups to study circles and professional networks. Joining a Discord server opens up a world of real-time communication, shared interests, and vibrant communities. Whether you’re looking to connect with friends, dive into a new hobby, or expand your professional network, Discord servers offer spaces for everyone. This guide will walk you through the straightforward process of joining a Discord server on both desktop and mobile, ensuring you can quickly connect and engage with your desired communities.
Joining a Discord Server on Your Computer
Accessing Discord servers on your computer is a seamless process, whether you’re using the desktop application or the web browser version. Here’s how to get connected:
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Launch Discord and Log In: First things first, open your Discord application on your computer. If you’re not already logged in, enter your account credentials to access the platform.
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Locate the “Add a Server” Icon: Look to the left sidebar, where you see a list of your current servers. At the bottom of this list, you’ll find a “+” icon, typically located below your server list. Click this “+” icon. This action opens up the server discovery options.
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Choose “Join a Server”: After clicking the “+” icon, you’ll be presented with two options: “Create a Server” and “Join a Server”. Select “Join a Server”. This will take you to the section where you can input an invite link.
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Enter the Invite Link: Now you’ll see a field where you can “Paste Invite Link”. If you have a Discord server invite link, paste it into this field. Invite links are typically provided by server administrators or members and are the most common way to join a private or community server. After pasting the link, click the “Join Server” button.
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Welcome to the Server! Once you click “Join Server”, you’ll be instantly connected to the Discord server. It will now appear in your server list on the left sidebar. Take a moment to explore the different channels and introduce yourself if the server has a welcome channel!
Joining a Discord Server on Your Mobile Device
Joining servers on the Discord mobile app is just as straightforward as on desktop, letting you stay connected on the go. Here’s how to do it on your smartphone or tablet:
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Open the Discord App and Log In: Start by opening the Discord application on your mobile device. Log in to your account if you aren’t already logged in.
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Access the Server Menu: In the Discord app, look for three horizontal lines (sometimes referred to as a “hamburger menu”) in the top-left corner of your screen. Tap this icon to open the server menu.
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Tap the “+” Icon: Within the server menu that slides out from the left, you’ll see a “+” sign at the bottom, similar to the desktop version. Tap this “+” icon to proceed.
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Select “Join a Server”: Just like on desktop, you’ll see “Create a server” and “Join a Server” options. Tap on “Join a Server” to move to the next step.
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Paste the Invite Link and Join: You’ll now see the “Invite Link” prompt. Paste the Discord server invite link into the provided field. Once you’ve pasted the link, tap the “Join” button, which is usually located at the bottom of the screen.
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Start Engaging: Upon tapping “Join,” you will be connected to the server and it will be added to your server list in the mobile app. You can now start exploring channels and participating in conversations within the server.
Exploring Public Discord Servers
While most Discord servers are joined via invite links, Discord also offers a server directory, especially useful for finding public communities. To explore public servers on desktop, click the compass or search icon in the left sidebar. This will open the Server Discovery page where you can browse servers by categories like gaming, music, education, and more. You can also search for servers by name or keyword to find communities that match your interests directly. This feature is a great way to discover new communities without needing a direct invite link.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes, you might encounter issues when trying to join a Discord server. Here are a few common problems and how to handle them:
- Invalid or Expired Invite Links: Discord invite links can be set to expire after a certain period or number of uses. If you receive an “invalid invite” message, the link might be expired. Request a new, updated invite link from the server administrator or a server member.
- Link is not working: Double-check that you’ve copied and pasted the entire link correctly. Even a small error can make the link invalid.
- Server Membership Limit: Some servers have a limit on the number of members. If a server is full, you won’t be able to join until someone leaves.
- Account Restrictions: In rare cases, account restrictions or bans might prevent you from joining certain servers. If you suspect this, check your account status or contact Discord support.
Joining a Discord server is generally a quick and easy process. By following these steps, you’ll be ready to dive into new communities and start connecting with people who share your interests. Whether through invite links or public discovery, Discord offers numerous avenues to find your online community.
