Before you decide to delete your Discord account, it’s important to take some time to consider a few things. Keep in mind that deleting your account is a permanent action that cannot be undone, and it will have an impact on your online presence and interactions with other users on the platform.
Disabling vs. Deleting a Discord Account. What Are the Differences?
If you want to take a break from Discord, you have two options: disabling or deleting your account. Disabling your account means that you can still log back in and restore your account settings, messages, servers, and friends. Deleting your account means that you permanently erase your account data and you cannot log back in or recover anything.
Here are some of the main differences between disabling and deleting a Discord account:
- Disabling your Discord account is reversible; deleting your account is not. Once you delete a Discord account, it is gone forever and cannot be undone.
- Disabling your account does not remove you from any servers or direct messages; deleting your Discord account does. If you disable a Discord account, you will still appear in the member list of any servers you joined and people can still message you. If you delete a Discord account, you will be removed from all servers and direct messages and people will see a “Deleted User” tag instead of your username.
- Disabling your Discord account does not affect your Nitro subscription; deleting your Discord account does. If you disable your account, you will still be charged for your Nitro subscription until you cancel it. If you delete your account, your Nitro subscription will be automatically canceled and you will not be charged again.
- Disabling your account does not delete any of your personal data; deleting your Discord account does. If you disable your account, Discord will still store your personal data such as your email address, username, password, IP address, etc. If you delete your account, Discord will delete all of your personal data within 14 days of your request.
Things to Keep In Mind Before You Delete a Discord Account
- You will lose access to all your messages, servers, friends, and settings. You will not be able to log in or recover your account after deletion.
- If you decide to delete your Discord account, you cannot create a new account with the same email address or username as the deleted one. You will need to use a different email address or username if you want to join Discord again.
- You will not be able to transfer your Nitro subscription, boosts, badges, or other perks to another account. You will also lose any unused Nitro credit or balance.
- You will not be able to delete any messages or files that you have sent or uploaded to other Discord servers or channels. They will remain visible to other users unless they are deleted by the server owner or moderator.
- You will not be able to delete any servers that you own or manage. They will remain online and accessible to other users unless you transfer the ownership or delete them before deleting your account.
What Happens to Your Discord Servers if You Delete Your Discord Account
If you do not transfer ownership or delete your Discord server before deleting your account, Discord will automatically assign a new owner to your server. The new owner will be chosen randomly from members with “Administrator permission” on your Discord server. If no one has the Administrator permission, discord will choose a member who has the “Manage Server permission”. If no one has that either, discord will choose a member who has been in your server for the longest time.
Deleting your Discord account is a big decision that should not be taken lightly. You should weigh the pros and cons of doing so and explore other options before you make up your mind. If you have questions or concerns about deleting your account, contact Discord support for assistance.
How To Disable or Delete Your Discord Account (PC)
- Click the “Direct Messages” button and then the settings wheel next to your name
- Select “My Account”
- Click “Delete Account” or “Disable Account”
- Deleting: Click “Okay” if you own Discord servers
⚠️ Important: If you do not transfer ownership or delete your Discord server before deleting your account, Discord will automatically assign a new owner to your server. Read more about what this means above.
- Deleting: Enter your Discord account password and click “Delete Account”
How To Disable or Delete Your Discord Account on Discord Mobile (iOS/Android)
- Open “Direct Messages” and tap your Discord account profile picture
- Select “My Account”
- Select “Disable Account or “Delete Account”
- Deleting: Confirm with Okay if you own Discord servers
⚠️ Important: If you do not transfer ownership or delete your Discord server before deleting your account, Discord will automatically assign a new owner to your server. Read more about what this means above.
- Deleting Enter your Discord account password and tap “Delete”
The Best Discord Alternatives
If you are not sure about deleting your account, you might want to consider some alternatives to Discord that can offer similar features and functions.
If you are looking for alternatives to Discord for your online communities, you might be interested in some of the options that offer similar features and functionality. Discord is a popular platform for gamers, streamers, and content creators to chat, voice call, and video call with their fans and friends. However, it is not the only one of its kind, and there are some reasons why you might want to try something else.
In this blog post, we will introduce you to four alternatives to Discord that you can use for your online communities. We will provide a short description of each alternative, as well as four pros and cons for each one. We hope this will help you make an informed decision about which platform suits your needs best.
1. Guilded
Guilded takes the crown as the closest alternative to Discord, aimed squarely at gamers and featuring an interface that will feel familiar to any Discord user. It offers all the same functionalities, including voice and text chat channels, grouped into communities similar to Discord servers. Guilded has added features like scheduling tools, integrated to-do lists, and document sharing, which cater specifically to gaming groups and organizations. This blend of gaming and productivity tools makes Guilded a compelling Discord alternative for gaming communities.
Supported Platforms: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Web
Pros:
- Advanced features like event calendar, docs, forums, and more, suitable for gaming communities
- Provides superior audio quality in comparison to Discord
- No limit on the number of users per server which makes it scalable
- Robust game integration which could appeal to the gamer communities on Discord
Cons:
- Smaller user base which may limit community interaction
- Limited availability of bots and integrations compared to Discord
- Its interface might appear complex and overwhelming to new users
- Notifications can be confusing and messy
2. Revolt
As a relatively new player, Revolt is a free and open-source chat platform designed to provide a Discord alternative. With features like servers, channels, voice and text chat, it has a lot of similarities with Discord. Revolt is built with a privacy-first approach, ensuring your communications are secure. Its interface is sleek and user-friendly. As an open-source platform, it also offers greater opportunities for customization and the potential for community-driven enhancements. Given its very similar structure to Discord, users transitioning to Revolt would find the environment familiar.
Supported Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, Web (mobile apps coming soon)
Pros:
- Familiar feature set and user interface similar to Discord
- Open-source, offering possibilities for customization and community contributions
- Strong commitment to user privacy and data security
- No cap on the number of users per server
Cons:
- Still under development and may have some instability or bugs
- Limited user base currently
- As of now, does not offer mobile apps
- Fewer integrations compared to Discord
3. Element (formerly Riot.im)
Element is a unique alternative to Discord, employing a decentralized model. This means instead of servers being hosted on a single company’s servers, they can be hosted by any user, providing increased privacy and control over data. Element supports voice and video communication, along with robust text chat features. It also uses the Matrix messaging protocol, emphasizing secure and private communication. Discord users who value their privacy might find Element to be a suitable alternative.
Supported Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and Web
Pros:
- Decentralized model gives users more control over their data
- Strong privacy features including end-to-end encryption
- Supports a wide range of media and file sharing
- Integration with other chat services like Slack, Telegram, etc.
Cons:
- Less user-friendly compared to Discord
- Not as feature-rich as Discord in terms of gaming-specific tools
- The decentralized model might be confusing for non-technical users
- Smaller user base compared to Discord
4. Mattermost
Mattermost stands as a highly customizable alternative to Discord, specifically designed for team collaboration. It offers chat, voice and video calls, and file sharing. Unlike Discord, it allows hosting on your own servers, providing the control and security that businesses need. However, it lacks gaming-specific features, which may deter Discord’s gamer audience.
Supported Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and Web
Pros:
- On-premise deployment offers control and data security
- Highly customizable and scalable, making it suitable for businesses
- Deep integration with popular tools such as GitHub, Jira, and Zoom
- Open-source platform
Cons:
- The interface is less appealing and not as user-friendly as Discord
- Lack of gaming-specific features
- Pricing model may be prohibitive for small teams
- Requires technical know-how for server setup and maintenance
4. TeamSpeak
TeamSpeak is one of the older alternatives to Discord, focusing primarily on providing high-quality voice chat for gamers. It has a unique hierarchical server set up, allowing for complex user rights management. However, its user interface and features may seem outdated compared to Discord’s modern, user-friendly design.
Supported Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS
Pros:
- High-quality voice chat
- Detailed user rights and server management
- Low latency, great for real-time communication in gaming
Cons:
- Outdated interface
- Limited text chat features compared to Discord
- Setup and management can be complex
- Requires server hosting, which may be a hurdle for non-technical users
5. Mumble
Mumble, like TeamSpeak, is an alternative to Discord, focusing on providing low-latency, high-quality voice chat for gamers. It’s open-source and offers server hosting, allowing for user customization and control. But it lacks the robust text chat and community features that Discord provides.
Supported Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS
Pros:
- Open-source platform with server hosting capabilities
- Low-latency, high-quality voice chat
- Detailed permissions system
Cons:
- Outdated interface compared to Discord
- Lacks robust text chat and community features
- Setup and management can be complex
6. Wire
Wire is another alternative to Discord, which heavily emphasizes privacy and security. It offers text, voice, and video communication, all end-to-end encrypted. Wire’s design is modern and user-friendly, but it lacks the gaming integrations that Discord offers.
Supported Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and Web
Pros:
- End-to-end encryption for all communication
- Clean, modern interface
- Available on a wide variety of platforms
Cons:
- Lacks gaming-specific features
- Smaller user base compared to Discord
- May not be suitable for large communities
7. Tox
Tox is a free and open-source alternative to Discord with a strong emphasis on user privacy. It offers secure instant messaging, voice and video communication without any central servers, which ensures your data isn’t stored or tracked. However, its lack of server-side communities might not appeal to those used to Discord’s structure.
Supported Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS
Pros:
- Emphasizes user privacy and data security
- No central servers
- peer-to-peer connections reduce risk of data breaches
- Free and open-source
Cons:
- No support for large communities or server-side moderation
- Lacks polished user interface
- Limited user base and support
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions About Discord Account Management
What happens to my direct messages when I delete my Discord account?
Your direct messages will remain accessible to the recipients, but your profile name will be replaced with “Deleted User”. Recipients won’t be able to respond to these messages, and your profile picture will be removed, indicating that the account associated with those messages no longer exists.
Can I temporarily deactivate my Discord account instead of permanent deletion?
Yes, Discord allows you to disable your account for a temporary period. This option is ideal if you need a break but might want to return in the future. When disabled, your account is in a dormant state; your profile is still visible, but you can’t interact or be interacted with. You can reactivate your account at any time by logging back in.
If I delete my account, will Discord immediately remove my user data?
Upon requesting account deletion, Discord initiates the process of erasing your personal data. However, this process is subject to a grace period of up to 14 days. This allows for any data backup systems to cycle through and permanently erase your information, ensuring no residual data remains.
Is it possible to download my Discord data before deleting my account?
Discord provides an option to download a copy of your data before account deletion. To request your data, navigate to User Settings > Privacy & Safety and find the “Request Data” option. Note that processing this request may take up to 30 days.
How can I ensure all my personal information is removed from Discord?
To ensure all your personal information is removed, delete any personal messages or data you’ve shared in servers or direct messages, cancel any active Discord Nitro subscriptions, and disconnect third-party apps linked to your Discord account. Discord’s system will automatically purge your personal information within 14 days after account deletion.
What should I do if I own a server but want to delete my Discord account?
If you own a server, you should either transfer ownership to a trusted member or delete the server if it’s no longer needed. To transfer ownership, go to Server Settings > Members, hover over the member to whom you want to transfer ownership, click the three dots, and select “Transfer Ownership”.
How can I remove my messages from Discord channels before deleting my account?
You must manually delete your messages from channels. For bulk deletion, consider using a bot with a purge command, but this requires appropriate permissions and should be done responsibly to avoid disrupting server conversations.
What are the steps to cancel a Nitro subscription on Discord?
To cancel your Nitro subscription, navigate to User Settings > Subscriptions within Discord. Click on “Cancel” and follow the prompts to confirm the cancellation. Remember to cancel before deleting your account to avoid any last-minute charges.
Can I delete my Discord account immediately after disabling it?
Yes, you can proceed to delete your Discord account immediately after disabling it. However, consider that once you initiate the deletion process, it cannot be reversed.
Will my username be available for reuse after I delete my Discord account?
After account deletion, your username may become available in the future, but there’s no guarantee it will be available to others, especially if it’s a common or in high demand username.
Are there any privacy concerns I should be aware of when using Discord alternatives?
When exploring Discord alternatives, assess each platform’s privacy policy and security measures, especially regarding data encryption and user data handling. Consider platforms that prioritize user privacy and offer transparent policies regarding data handling.
How can I ensure a smooth transition to a Discord alternative for my community?
Plan the transition by evaluating the alternative platform’s features and ensuring they meet your community’s needs. Communicate the change well in advance, provide clear instructions for migrating to the new platform, and consider hosting Q&A sessions to address any concerns.
What should I consider when choosing a Discord alternative for professional use?
For professional use, consider platforms that offer enhanced security features, such as end-to-end encryption, compliance with industry standards, and integration capabilities with other business tools. User interface, ease of use, and customer support are also important factors.
How do I handle my data on third-party bots and integrations before deleting my Discord account?
Review the connections in your Discord settings and revoke access for any third-party bots or integrations. Consider reaching out to the service providers directly to inquire about data retention policies and request data deletion if necessary.
Is it possible to restore access to a deleted Discord account under any circumstances?
Once your Discord account is deleted, there is no way to restore access or recover the data associated with it. Discord permanently removes your user data from their servers as part of the deletion process, making recovery impossible.
Related: How to Create and Add Roles in Discord Manually or with Bots
Roles in Discord are a way to assign permissions and privileges to different members of a Discord server. Roles can be used to create hierarchies, organize groups, customize colors and nicknames, and more. In our other guide, we explain Discord roles, some best practices for using Discord roles effectively, and how to create and manage them.
Related: How to Transfer Ownership on Discord Servers
Being a Discord server owner is not easy. It requires a lot of time, effort, and patience. If you are the owner of a Discord server, you may have considered transferring the ownership to someone else at some point instead of just deleting the Discord server. Both are decisions that should not be taken lightly because as a Discord server owner, you are the leader and the face of your community. Check out our other guide to learn how to transfer ownership on Discord servers and explain the implications and what you should consider before.
Related: How to Delete a Discord Server
There may come a time when you want to delete a Discord server, either because you no longer need it, you want to start fresh, or you want to delete your Discord account and switch to another platform. In our other guide, we explain the pros, cons, and alternatives of deleting a Discord server and show you how to delete a server on Discord entirely if you plan to do so.
Last Updated on April 21, 2024 9:35 am CEST by Markus Kasanmascheff
