How to Leave or Delete a Discord Server on Desktop & Mobile

This guide shows you how to leave a Discord server you no longer want to be part of, and how to delete a server entirely if you own it. You’ll need either the Discord desktop app (Windows/Mac) or the mobile app (iOS/Android), and for deletion, you must be the server owner.

What You’ll Need

• Access to your Discord account (logged in on the app or web version).
• For deleting a server: you must be the server owner. If you’re not, you can only leave.
• No special permissions are needed to leave a server; any member can leave at any time.

Step-by-Step

Leaving a Server on Desktop (Windows/Mac)

1. Open the Discord app on your computer, or go to discord.com in your browser and log in.
2. Look at the left sidebar — you’ll see a list of servers (icons). Find the server you want to leave and right-click on its icon.
3. In the context menu that appears, click Leave Server.
4. A confirmation pop-up will appear asking if you’re sure. Click Leave Server again to confirm.
5. You’ll be removed from the server immediately. The server icon will disappear from your sidebar.

Leaving a Server on Mobile (iOS/Android)

1. Open the Discord app on your phone or tablet.
2. Tap the server icon in the left sidebar (or tap the hamburger menu on the top left to see the server list).
3. Once the server is open, tap the server name at the top of the screen.
4. A drop-down menu will appear. Tap Leave Server (you may need to scroll down).
5. Confirm by tapping Leave in the pop-up.

Deleting a Server on Desktop (Owner Only)

1. Open Discord on your computer and navigate to the server you own.
2. Right-click on the server icon in the left sidebar.
3. In the menu, select Server Settings.
4. In the settings menu, scroll down the left sidebar and click Delete Server (usually at the very bottom).
5. Discord will ask you to type your server name to confirm. Type the exact server name and click Delete Server.
6. You’ll be asked one more time to confirm. Click Delete Server again. The server is now permanently deleted.

Deleting a Server on Mobile (Owner Only)

1. Open Discord on your phone and tap the server you own.
2. Tap the server name at the top of the screen.
3. In the drop-down menu, tap Settings (gear icon).
4. Scroll down in the settings menu and tap Delete Server.
5. Type the server name when prompted, then tap Delete Server.
6. Confirm the final pop-up and the server will be gone.

Common Mistakes

• Confusing leave with delete: Leaving a server just removes you; deleting removes the entire server for everyone. Make sure you’re doing the right one.
• Not being the owner: You can only delete a server if you created it. If you’re not the owner, you’ll only see the “Leave Server” option.
• Clicking the wrong server: With many servers, it’s easy to right-click the wrong icon. Double-check the server name before confirming.
• Skipping the confirmation: Discord asks for confirmation for a reason. Don’t click through without reading — especially for deletion, which is irreversible.

Tips

• Leave silently: Leaving a server does not notify other members. Only the server’s audit log (if enabled) will show it.
• Rejoining after leaving: If you leave a server, you can only rejoin if you have a new invite. Make sure you have one before leaving if you might want to come back.
• Transfer ownership instead of deleting: If you want to step away but keep the server alive, you can transfer ownership to another member in Server Settings → Members → click the three dots next to their name → Transfer Ownership. This avoids deletion.
• Deleting is permanent: Once a server is deleted, all messages, channels, and files are gone forever. There is no recovery. Consider backing up anything important.

Troubleshooting

• Can’t find the “Leave Server” option: On desktop, make sure you right-click the server icon, not just left-click. On mobile, tap the server name at the top to open the menu. If you still don’t see it, you might be on an older version of the app — update Discord.
• Can’t delete a server: If you don’t see “Delete Server” in Server Settings, you’re not the owner. Check by looking for a crown icon next to your name in the member list. If you are the owner and still don’t see it, try restarting the app or clearing your cache.
• Confirmation pop-up doesn’t appear: This can happen if the app is glitching. Restart Discord and try again. If it persists, reinstall the app.
• You accidentally left a server: You cannot undo leaving. You’ll need to ask the server owner for a new invite link. If you were the owner and deleted the server, it’s gone permanently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I leave a server without anyone knowing?

Yes, there is no notification sent to other members when you leave. However, server admins can see in the audit log that you left if they check.

What happens to my messages when I leave a server?

Your messages remain in the server. They will still show your username and avatar, but you won’t be able to send new messages or see the channels unless you rejoin.

Can I delete a server I don’t own?

No, only the server owner can delete a server. If you’re not the owner, you can only leave it.

How do I delete a Discord server on the web version?

The web version works the same as the desktop app. Right-click the server icon, go to Server Settings, then Delete Server. The steps are identical.

Is there a way to recover a deleted Discord server?

No, once a server is deleted, it cannot be recovered. Discord does not keep backups of deleted servers. This is why they ask for confirmation twice.

Can I leave a server on mobile without opening it?

Yes, you can press and hold on the server icon in your server list. A menu will pop up with the option to “Leave Server” without having to open it first.

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