Discord is one of the most popular platforms for communication, especially for gamers, communities, and professionals. Whether you are using Discord for casual chats or managing a thriving server, keeping your Discord app and server updated is crucial for optimal performance, security, and functionality. In this guide, we will walk you through how to update Discord on different devices, update server settings, and troubleshoot common issues.
What Does It Mean to Update Discord?
When it comes to updating Discord, there are two primary areas to focus on: updating the Discord app and updating server settings. Both are essential for keeping everything running smoothly.
- Discord App Updates: These updates are released by Discord to improve the overall user experience, add new features, and fix bugs. App updates are crucial for ensuring you’re using the latest version of Discord with all security patches.
- Server Settings Updates: Discord servers need regular updates too. You might need to update server settings, roles, permissions, and features to enhance functionality and adapt to changes in your community’s needs.
How to Update the Discord App on Different Platforms
Updating Discord on Windows and macOS
Discord usually updates automatically, but if you want to manually check for updates, follow these steps:
- Windows:
- Open Discord.
- If there’s an update available, Discord will show a notification. Restart Discord to apply the update.
- Open Discord.
- macOS:
- Discord will automatically check for updates. If an update is available, Discord will prompt you to restart the app to complete the update.
- Discord will automatically check for updates. If an update is available, Discord will prompt you to restart the app to complete the update.
Troubleshooting: If Discord fails to update, try the following:
- Close Discord completely and reopen it to trigger the update.
- Clear your cache (Discord > Settings > Advanced > Clear Cache).
- Reinstall Discord if issues persist.
Updating Discord on iOS and Android
- For iOS:
- Open the App Store.
- Tap on Updates and check if Discord is listed. If it is, tap Update.
- Open the App Store.
- For Android:
- Open the Google Play Store.
- Search for Discord, then tap Update if an update is available.
- Open the Google Play Store.
Tip: You can enable auto-updates in both the App Store and Google Play Store to ensure you always have the latest version of Discord.
How to Update Discord Server Settings
Keeping your server’s settings up-to-date is just as important as updating the app. Outdated settings may cause confusion or limit the functionality of your server.
Accessing and Updating Server Settings
To update the server settings:
- Click on the down arrow next to your server name.
- Select Server Settings.
- You can now adjust settings such as the server name, description, icon, and region.
Example: If you’re running a gaming community, updating the server’s name to reflect the latest game or event can keep the server more organized and engaging for users.
Updating Channels and Roles
- Channels: You can update the names of text and voice channels and create new categories to better organize your server. For example, if your server is growing, creating additional channels for new topics will help streamline conversations.
- Roles: Update roles to reflect the needs of your server. For instance, you may want to add new roles as your server grows, such as a moderator role or a VIP member role.
Example: If you’re organizing a community event, updating the roles to give specific members access to event planning channels helps ensure smoother management.
How to Update Server Permissions and Roles
Server permissions are essential for controlling who can do what within your server. Regular updates to roles and permissions ensure that everyone in the community has the right level of access.
Understanding Server Roles and Permissions
Discord roles define what users can and cannot do in a server. You can assign permissions based on the roles, such as:
- Admin: Full access to all server settings and permissions.
- Moderator: Control over messages, banning, and muting users.
- Member: Basic access to channels and the ability to send messages.
Example: A common role update is when a moderator role is given extra permissions for managing new users or handling bots.
Updating Channel Permissions
Once you’ve created roles, you can customize the discord channel permissions for each role. For example:
- Private Channels: Set specific channels where only certain roles have access.
- Read-Only Channels: For announcements or info, set channels to read-only for most users.
Example: If you’re running a private tournament event on Discord, you can create a private channel for participants, restricting it to only certain roles.
How to Ensure Your Discord Server is Running the Latest Features
Discord frequently adds new features and improvements. Updating your server and bot integrations will help you take full advantage of these new additions.
New Features with Each Update
Every Discord update often comes with new features. For example, the Stage Channels feature allows users to host live audio events, a great tool for community discussions or live streaming.
To activate new features:
- Always check the Release Notes from Discord for announcements of new updates.
- Experiment with new server features and integrations as they become available.
Example: Enabling the Stage Channel for a live Q&A session can engage your community more effectively.
Updating Bots and Integrations
Bots often need manual updates to ensure they stay compatible with Discord updates. You can check the bot’s official website or documentation for the latest versions.
Tip: Keep an eye on any bot downtime or updates to ensure your server remains functional.
Troubleshooting Common Discord Update Issues
Even with the best of intentions, sometimes things go wrong during updates. Here are common issues and how to fix them.
Discord App Update Failures
If your Discord app doesn’t update:
- Restart Discord: This often prompts the app to check for updates.
- Clear Cache: Navigate to Settings > Advanced > Clear Cache.
- Reinstall Discord: If nothing works, try reinstalling Discord from the official website.
Permissions and Roles Not Updating Properly
If changes to permissions aren’t applying correctly:
- Double-check that you’ve selected the correct roles and channel permissions.
- Re-save the settings after changes, as sometimes updates may not be applied immediately.
Best Practices for Maintaining Your Discord Server’s Health with Updates
To keep your server functioning properly, you should make updates part of your routine.
Schedule Regular Updates
Set a reminder to check for Discord updates every few weeks. This ensures you’re always working with the latest features and security patches.
Communicate Updates with Server Members
Whenever a major update is made to your server settings or roles, communicate these changes clearly to your members. This can be done through announcements in a #server-news channel.
Example: If you’re adding a new role, let your members know what the role is for and who qualifies for it.
Conclusion: Why Keeping Your Discord Updated is Essential
Updating both the Discord app and your server settings is vital for a smooth and secure experience. Regular updates bring in new features, fix bugs, and improve security, while updating your server settings and roles helps keep your community organized and safe. By following this guide, you can ensure that your Discord server remains fresh, functional, and engaging for your members.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How often does Discord update?
Discord releases updates regularly, with major updates typically happening once a month. Smaller updates, such as bug fixes and security patches, are more frequent, sometimes happening weekly. Keeping the app set to auto-update ensures you always have the latest version.
2. Can I manually force an update on Discord?
Yes, you can manually check for updates on Discord. Simply close and reopen the app, or press Ctrl + R (Windows) or Cmd + R (macOS) to refresh Discord and trigger the update check. If there’s an update available, Discord will prompt you to restart the app to apply it.
3. What happens if I don’t update Discord?
Failing to update Discord can lead to missing out on new features, security patches, and bug fixes. Using an outdated version may cause compatibility issues, crashes, or slower performance. Additionally, some newer features might not work properly on older versions of the app.
4. How do I update my Discord server to the latest features?
To update your Discord server, first ensure your Discord app is updated to the latest version. Then, visit your server settings and check for any new features, such as voice channel improvements or bot updates. Some features might require activation through the settings menu.
5. Can I update Discord bots on my server?
Yes, Discord bots need periodic updates to ensure they are functioning properly. Visit the official bot page or GitHub repository to check for new versions. If necessary, you may need to remove the old version and install the latest one to maintain compatibility with Discord updates.
6. How to fix Discord stuck on updating?
If Discord is stuck during an update:
- Restart the app: Close Discord and reopen it.
- Clear cache: Go to User Settings > Advanced > Clear Cache.
- Reinstall the app: If the issue persists, uninstall Discord, restart your device, and reinstall the latest version of Discord.