How to Add Friends on Discord: Desktop & Mobile

Adding friends on Discord lets you message, call, and game together instantly. This guide walks you through the three ways to add someone (username, friend request, or QR code) on both the desktop app and the mobile app, plus how to manage pending requests. You’ll need the person’s Discord username or a direct link to their profile.

What You’ll Need

• The Discord app installed on your device (desktop or mobile) and logged into your account.
• The exact username of the person you want to add, including the four-digit tag (e.g., player#1234). If they’ve switched to the new username system, just their username works.
• Alternatively, a direct link to their profile (from a shared server or a friend) or the ability to scan their QR code.

Step-by-Step

On Desktop (Windows, Mac, Linux)

1. Open the Discord app or go to discord.com in your browser and log in.
2. In the left sidebar, click the Home icon (the Discord logo) at the very top.
3. In the top-right corner of the Home screen, click the Friends button (it looks like a person with a plus sign).
4. In the Friends menu, click the Add Friend tab (the second tab at the top).
5. In the text box, type the person’s username. If they have the old system, include the four-digit tag (e.g., player#1234). If they use the new system, just their username (e.g., player) works.
6. Click the Send Friend Request button (blue button).
7. Wait for them to accept. Once accepted, they’ll appear in your Friends list.

On Mobile (iOS, Android)

1. Open the Discord app on your phone or tablet.
2. Tap the Home icon (the Discord logo) in the top-left corner.
3. In the menu that slides out, tap Friends (the icon with two people).
4. Tap the Add Friend tab (the person with a plus sign) at the top of the screen.
5. Enter the username in the text field, just like on desktop (include the #tag if they have one).
6. Tap Send Friend Request.

Alternative: Add from a Shared Server

1. Go to the server where you both are. Find their username in the member list on the right side (desktop) or tap the member list icon (mobile).
2. Click or tap their name to open their profile.
3. Click or tap the Add Friend button (a person with a plus sign) on their profile.
4. Confirm by clicking Send Friend Request.

Alternative: QR Code (Mobile Only)

1. On your phone, go to your profile by tapping your avatar in the bottom-right corner.
2. Tap the QR code icon next to your username.
3. Ask the other person to do the same on their phone.
4. One of you scans the other’s code by tapping the Scan QR Code button and pointing the camera at the screen.
5. Once scanned, you’ll see a preview of their profile. Tap Send Friend Request.

Common Mistakes

• Wrong username or tag: Discord usernames are case-sensitive. Double-check the spelling and the four-digit number. If they’ve changed to the new username system, the tag is not used.
• Friend request already sent: If you’ve already sent a request, you’ll see “Friend Request Sent” instead of a button. Check your Pending tab.
• Privacy settings: Some users have “Friends and Mutual Friends” or “Server Members” set to disallow friend requests from people they don’t share a server with. If so, you’ll see an error.
• Blocked: If you’ve been blocked, you won’t be able to send a request. The app may show a generic error.

Tips

• Use the Pending tab in the Friends menu to see outgoing requests and accept incoming ones.
• If you’re in a server, you can right-click (desktop) or long-press (mobile) a user to quickly add them without opening their full profile.
• To avoid typos, copy the username directly from their profile or a message they’ve sent.
• Discord now allows you to set a unique username without the #tag. If the #tag doesn’t work, ask for their new username.
• You can also add friends by sharing your own QR code — it’s faster at meetups.

Troubleshooting

• “Hm, didn’t work” error: This usually means the username doesn’t exist or you’ve already sent a request. Double-check the spelling and tag. If it still fails, ask the person to send you a request instead.
• Can’t find the Add Friend button: On desktop, the Friends menu is under the Home icon. On mobile, it’s in the slide-out menu. If you’re in a server, the button is on the user’s profile.
• Friend request not sending: Check your internet connection. Also, Discord may be rate-limiting if you’ve sent many requests quickly. Wait a few minutes and retry.
• QR code not scanning: Ensure both screens are bright and the camera is focused. Try moving closer or farther away.
• Still stuck? Ask the other person to send you a friend request instead. If that fails, you may need to share a server first, then add from there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add someone without sharing a server?

Yes, if you know their exact username and tag (or new username), you can send a friend request directly. However, if their privacy settings restrict requests, you may need to share a server first.

Why can’t I find a user by their username?

Discord usernames are unique, but if they’ve changed their name recently, the old one won’t work. Also, the #tag is case-sensitive and must be exact. If you’re using the new system, just the username works, but it must be exact.

How do I accept a friend request?

Go to the Friends menu (Home icon > Friends) and click the Pending tab. You’ll see incoming requests with an Accept button.

What’s the difference between a username and a display name?

Your username is your unique identifier (used for friend requests). Your display name is what shows in servers and messages, and it can be changed anytime without affecting your username.

Can I add friends from the Discord web browser?

Yes, the web version works the same as the desktop app. Just go to discord.com, log in, and follow the desktop steps.

Is there a limit to how many friends I can have?

Discord doesn’t publicly state a hard limit, but in practice, you can have thousands. There’s no practical limit for normal use.

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