Creating a Discord server is an excellent way to build a community for your friends, gaming clan, or professional network. However, communities naturally evolve, and there may come a time when a server is no longer active or required. Leaving a dead server online can clutter your server list and create an administrative burden, as you remain responsible for any content posted within it.
If you are the original owner of a Discord server, you have the authority to permanently delete it. Discord intentionally hides this option behind several menus to prevent accidental deletion, as once a server is deleted, all channels, messages, and files are destroyed forever and cannot be recovered.
How to Delete a Discord Server on Desktop (Windows/Mac)
The desktop application provides the easiest interface for managing your server settings.
- Open the Discord application on your computer or log in via your web browser.
- Look at the far-left sidebar and click on the server icon for the server you wish to delete.
- At the top of the channel list, click the downward-pointing arrow next to your server’s name.
- Select Server Settings from the drop-down menu.
- In the left-hand sidebar of the settings menu, scroll all the way to the bottom.
- Click on Delete Server (this option is written in red text).
- A pop-up window will appear asking for confirmation. If you have Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) enabled on your Discord account, you will be required to enter your 6-digit authentication code. If not, you must type the exact name of the server to confirm.
- Click the red Delete Server button.
How to Delete a Discord Server on Mobile (iOS/Android)
If you do not have access to a computer, you can completely dismantle a server directly from the Discord mobile app.
- Open the Discord app on your smartphone or tablet.
- Tap the server icon in the left sidebar to open the server.
- Tap the three horizontal dots (…) located next to the server name at the top of the screen.
- Tap the Settings gear icon.
- Tap on Overview.
- Scroll to the very bottom of the Overview page and tap Delete Server.
- Tap Yes to confirm. As with the desktop version, you will need to enter your 2FA code if you have security features enabled on your account.
Alternative: Transfer Ownership Instead of Deleting
Before you completely obliterate a server, consider whether another member of the community might want to take over administrative duties. If you simply want to leave the server without destroying the community for everyone else, you can transfer ownership.
- Navigate to your Server Settings on the desktop app.
- Under the User Management section in the left sidebar, click on Members.
- Find the user you want to promote to the owner.
- Hover your mouse over their name, click the three vertical dots, and select Transfer Ownership.
- Toggle the acknowledgement switch and click Transfer Ownership again to finalise the process.
Once ownership is transferred, you will be demoted to a regular member, and you can safely right-click the server icon and select Leave Server.
