Knowing how to unban someone on Discord is an essential skill for server admins and moderators. Sometimes a ban happens by mistake, other times a member deserves a second chance. Whatever the case, unbanning ensures your server remains fair, welcoming, and well-managed.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- Why users get banned on Discord and the difference between a server ban and a Discord-wide ban.
- Step-by-step methods to unban on both desktop (PC/Mac) and mobile (iOS & Android).
- Troubleshooting tips if you can’t unban a user.
- Moderation advice to avoid mistaken bans and keep your community safe.
Read on to understand the full process and manage your Discord server ban list with confidence.
1. Why someone might be banned on Discord
Before learning how to unban someone on Discord, it’s useful to understand why bans are applied. Banning is an important moderation tool that server owners and admins use to maintain safety, order, and a positive community experience.
Here are the most common reasons someone might get banned:
- Violation of rules: Members may face bans for spamming, harassment, offensive behavior, or breaking community guidelines. These actions disrupt the server and negatively affect other users.
- Server ban: This type of ban blocks a user from a specific server. It’s the most common form and can be lifted anytime by an admin.
- Discord-wide ban: Issued directly by Discord for severe policy violations such as illegal activity, scams, or hate speech. Unlike server bans, these cannot be reversed by server owners and must be appealed through Discord’s Trust and Safety team.
By knowing the difference between server-level and Discord-wide bans, you can better determine whether you’re able to unban a Discord user or if it’s beyond your control.
2. How to unban someone on Discord
Unbanning a member works slightly differently depending on the device you are using. Below are detailed step-by-step instructions for both desktop and mobile.
2.1. Unban on Discord desktop
If you’re using PC or Mac, here’s how to unban on Discord PC:
Step 1: Open Discord
Launch the Discord app from your Start menu on Windows or the Applications folder on Mac. Make sure you’re logged in with an account that has admin permissions.
Step 2: Select your server
On the left-hand sidebar, you’ll see a list of all servers you’ve joined. Right-click the server icon where the ban was placed.
Step 3: Go to Server Settings
From the menu, hover over Server Settings and then click on Bans. This will open the ban list, showing all members who have been removed from the server.
Step 4: Choose the banned user
Scroll through the list and click on the username of the person you want to unban. A pop-up window will appear in the middle of your screen.
Step 5: Revoke the ban
In the pop-up, click Unban (or Revoke Ban). Once confirmed, the member will regain access and can rejoin your server.
This method functions like a built-in Discord unban command, allowing admins to reverse bans easily without typing any manual code.
2.2. Unban on Discord mobile (iOS & Android)
If you manage a server from your phone, here’s how to unban Discord on iPhone or Android:
Step 1: Open Discord
Tap the Discord app icon on your phone’s home screen. Make sure you’re logged in as a server admin, since only admins or owners can manage bans.
Step 2: Select your server
Open the server list, choose the server with the banned user, and tap the three-dot menu (⋮) beside its name.
Step 3: Open Server Settings
In the menu, tap the gear icon to enter Server Settings.
Step 4: Access the ban list
Scroll down and tap Bans. Here you’ll find the complete Discord server ban list, showing all blocked members.
Step 5: Pick the banned user
From the list, tap the username of the member you want to unban. A confirmation window will appear.
Step 6: Unban the user
Finally, tap Unban. The member will now be free to rejoin your Discord server using a new invite link.
This approach works the same way for both unban Discord Android and iOS, making it simple for moderators on mobile.
3. Troubleshooting if you can’t unban
Sometimes, even after following the steps, you may not be able to unban a user. Here are the most common issues and solutions:
- Lack of permissions: To unban, you must be the server owner or have the Ban Members permission enabled. Without it, the unban option won’t appear.
- Discord-wide ban: If the ban was issued by Discord itself, server admins cannot reverse it. The affected user must appeal directly to Discord.
- Connection issues: If bans or unbans are not updating, restart the app or check your internet connection. Sometimes syncing issues delay changes from showing immediately.
Read more:
4. Tips for managing bans and unbans
Effective moderation ensures your Discord server remains safe while avoiding unnecessary bans. Here are some practical Discord moderation tips:
- Set clear rules so members understand what behaviors will lead to a ban.
- Use warnings first for minor infractions. Muting or kicking is often enough instead of an immediate permanent ban.
- Keep records of bans, including usernames and reasons, so future moderators can review past decisions.
- Review your ban list regularly to ensure outdated or accidental bans are removed.
By applying these practices, you can balance fairness with safety and keep your server community healthy.
5. FAQs
Before wrapping up, let’s go over some of the most frequently asked questions about how to unban someone on Discord.
How do I see who is banned on my Discord server?
To view your Discord server ban list, go to Server Settings > Bans. This page displays all banned users along with any notes or reasons provided at the time of the ban. Checking this list regularly helps keep your bans organized.
Can I unban someone without being an admin?
No. You cannot unban a user unless you are the server owner or have been granted the Ban Members permission. Without the correct Discord permissions, the unban option will not be available to you.
What happens when you unban someone on Discord?
Once you click Unban, the member regains the ability to rejoin the server. Their previous chat history remains visible unless manually deleted, so all their old messages are still part of the community record.
Can you unban multiple users at once?
Currently, Discord does not provide a bulk unban option. If you want to unban multiple users, you will need to do it one by one from your ban list.
Does Discord notify the user when they are unbanned?
No. Discord does not send notifications when someone is unbanned. The user must either try to rejoin the server on their own or be sent a fresh invite link by an admin.
6. Conclusion
Mastering how to unban someone on Discord gives you control over who can access your server while maintaining a balanced community. Done properly, it prevents misunderstandings and helps keep your group safe without being overly strict.
To recap, we’ve covered:
- Reasons for bans and the distinction between server-level and Discord-wide bans.
- How to unban on desktop and mobile, including both iPhone and Android.
- Troubleshooting tips if the unban doesn’t work as expected.
- Best moderation practices to avoid unnecessary bans in the future.
By applying these steps and moderation strategies, you’ll manage your server fairly and effectively. If you’re ready to take your skills further, explore more of our Tech How-To Simplified category on Safelyo for practical tips on managing Discord and other platforms.
