With over 150 million active users, Discord has become the platform of choice for online chat and communities. Though originally popular mainly in gaming circles, all types of niche interest groups now leverage Discord servers to communicate. From crypto enthusiasts to artists to fitness accountability groups and beyond, it‘s the perfect forum for specialized discussion.
The average Discord user is in 10 different servers, both small and large. It‘s common to join a server, engage for a while, then lose interest as that community loses relevance.
Fortunately, exiting a Discord server is relatively simple – once you know the steps. The process looks slightly different on mobile vs. desktop apps which causes confusion for many users.
In this comprehensive guide, you‘ll learn how to properly leave a Discord server on both mobile and PC platforms.
Why You‘d Want to Leave a Server
With so many Discord communities out there, users often join servers only to realize later it‘s not the right fit. The topic may lose relevance, conversations die off, or they struggle to keep up with constant notifications.
Some common reasons you may wish to leave a Discord server include:
- Lack of engagement – If you don‘t find conversations active or relevant to your interests anymore, it makes sense to leave rather than stay muted. Over 75% of users say they disengage from servers due to irrelevancy.
- Too many notifications – Hundreds of daily notifications from busy servers can be disruptive. Muting helps, but if it still seems excessive, starting fresh elsewhere ensures more control over your notifications.
- Drama or disagreements – Debates are common within passionate communities. But excessive drama, bullying, or violations of your personal ethics could warrant wanting to depart the server rather than stay and argue.
- Banned by moderators – Some servers maintain strict rules and policies. Violating guidelines could result in banning, temporary or permanent. Rather than appeal, creating a new account to rejoin, some would prefer to simply walk away.
Additionally, general decluttering one‘s Discord server list provides a feeling of control and refreshed focus over how the platform fits into daily digital life.
Next let‘s get into the step-by-step process for how to properly leave servers in Discord‘s various interfaces.
Leaving Discord Servers on Mobile
Thanks to Discord‘s clean mobile interface, exiting a server using iOS or Android apps only takes moments once you find the right menu.
Step 1 – Navigate to the Server
Open your Discord app and tap into the target server from the swipeable server list on the left:
This takes you into that community‘s chat and channels.
Pro Tip: Long press server icons to preview names if you have many stacked in your list.
Step 2 – Tap the Triple Dot Icon
Up top by the large server name, you‘ll notice 3 small dots stacked vertically. This indicates more options. Tap it:
This menu holds your notification settings, invite link, and other management features.
Step 3 – Select "Leave Server"
At the very bottom of the menu, you‘ll now see a red option saying "Leave Server." Tap it for confirmation you want to exit.
That‘s all it takes! You‘ve now successfully left that Discord server from your mobile app.
Time to cover how the process looks on desktop…
Exiting Discord Servers on Desktop
The Discord desktop app serves Mac, Windows, Linux, as well as web browser users. Stepping away from servers here works much the same as mobile with one slight difference.
Step 1 – Find the Target Server
Launch the Discord app or visit Discord.com in your browser. Then click your target server from the left pane server list:
You may need to browse through categorized folders or search to pinpoint the one you wish to exit.
Pro Tip: Right click server icons for quick preview popups of names and member counts if needed.
Step 2 – Click the Down Arrow Icon
To the right of the large server name header, you‘ll notice a down arrow rather than 3 dots. Click this:
The menu reveals identical options for managing notifications, invites, and so on.
Step 3 – Select "Leave Server"
At the bottom of the opened menu, the option to leave the server displays in bright red text. Click it for confirmation:
That‘s all it takes to remove yourself as a member and take its icon off your server dock.
What Happens When You Leave a Server?
Upon exiting, the server and all its channels immediately disappear from your version of the Discord interface. But what about for the remaining members?
Rest assured your departure doesn‘t make any kind of announcement or notification to others still on the server. The only way they may notice your absence is if attempting to directly mention you in chat.
Since you‘re no longer a member, your profile wouldn‘t populate for tagging auto-complete. Outside of that scenario, exiting gracefully avoids awkward confrontations about why you left.
Now let‘s discuss how departing servers you own works differently…
Leaving Discord Servers You Created
If you‘re the original owner who created a Discord server, you can‘t simply click leave. First you must specify someone else to transfer the ownership duties to upon your departure.
Follow these steps:
- While on desktop app, open your server > click Server Settings > Members tab
- Hover over a member name, click the icon to access their menu
- Choose "Transfer Ownership" to assign them primary admin duties
- Once passed along, click your server down arrow > Leave Server
Remember, full server ownership can only get handed off to an active human member. Once transferred, then you‘re free to exit just as with any other Discord community.
Recap: How to Leave Any Discord Server
To recap the simple process:
On Mobile:
- Tap your server
- Tap the triple dot icon
- Select Leave Server
On Desktop:
- Click your server
- Click down arrow icon
- Choose Leave Server
Now you‘ve got the process for cleanly bowing out of any Discord server down pat!
While Discord offers robust controls for muting or custom notifications by channel, sometimes it still makes sense to fully disconnect from servers no longer serving you.
As your interests shift and evolve over months and years, periodically pruning your communities allows space for new discoveries in your journey!
