Before you start
- A Discord account with a verified email
Method 1 Create the server
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Step 1: Click Add a Server
In the Discord app or at discord.com/app, click the + button at the bottom of the server list on the left. On mobile, open the server list and tap +.
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Step 2: Choose a template
Pick Create My Own for a blank server, or a template such as Gaming or Study Group that adds channels for you. Then choose For me and my friends or For a club or community.
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Step 3: Name it
Type a server name, upload an icon (optional) and click Create. You can change both later in Server Settings.
Method 2 Add channels and categories
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Step 1: Create a channel
Click the + next to Text Channels or Voice Channels. Choose Text, Voice, or another type, enter a name and click Create Channel.
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Step 2: Group channels into categories
Right-click the channel list (long-press on mobile) and choose Create Category. Drag channels into it.
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Step 3: Make a private channel
Turn on Private Channel when creating it, then choose which members or roles can see it.
Method 3 Set up roles and permissions
Avoid giving Administrator to anyone you don’t fully trust; it bypasses every other permission.
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Step 1: Open Roles
Click the server name > Server Settings > Roles > Create Role.
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Step 2: Set permissions
Name the role (for example Moderator), pick a colour, and turn on only the permissions it needs, such as Manage Messages or Kick Members.
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Step 3: Assign the role
Right-click a member (long-press on mobile) > Roles and tick the role.
Method 4 Invite people
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Step 1: Open Invite People
Click the server name > Invite People.
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Step 2: Send or copy the link
Invite friends directly from the list, or click Copy and share the link anywhere.
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Step 3: Change how long it lasts
Invite links expire after 7 days by default. Click Edit invite link to set it to Never and limit how many people can use it.
Troubleshooting
The invite link says it’s invalid
It has expired or reached its use limit, or the person is banned. Create a new link with Never as the expiry.
I can’t create a server
Verify your email address, and check you haven’t reached the limit of servers you can join (100 for free accounts).
Frequently asked questions
Is a Discord server free?
Yes. Creating and running a server is free. Server Boosts and Nitro add extras such as better audio and more emoji slots.
How do I delete a server?
As the owner, go to Server Settings, scroll down and click Delete Server, then type the server name to confirm.
Summary
Click + > Create My Own, name your server, add text and voice channels, and create a Moderator role with limited permissions. Then use Invite People and set the link to never expire so friends can always join.
