Voice Messages let you record audio in Discord and send it straight to friends. Open a DM or server in the mobile app, press and hold the Mic button by the chat box, then let go to send it. Swipe up while holding to lock the recording hands-free. Each message can run for up to 20 minutes.
The limit to know first: clips from the mobile app only
Before you go any further, check this is the kind of recording you're after. The Voice Messages help page covers clips you record and send in chat, and only from the mobile app. It doesn't describe recording a live voice channel.
You can't send a Voice Message from Discord Web or the desktop app either. Anyone can listen to one on any device where they can access Discord, but the recording has to start on a phone.
If what you want is a voice channel captured on a computer, you're looking at a different job. The guide on bringing Discord audio into OBS is the place to start, and there's a broader look at capturing screen and sound together if you need the picture as well.
Where you send a clip matters too. Voice Messages work in a direct message, a group direct message, or a server that has them enabled.
How to record a Voice Message on your phone
This is the standard press-and-hold method, best for a quick message:
- Open the DM or server where you want to send the Voice Message.
- Press and hold the Mic button on the right of the chat input box.
- Speak your message, keeping your finger down until you've finished.
- Release the button to send it.
For anything longer than a few seconds, lock the recording so you don't have to keep your thumb in place:
- Press and hold the Mic button.
- Swipe up while you're still holding it, which locks the recording in place.
- Record what you want to say.
- Tap send when you're done.
Changed your mind? How you back out depends on which method you used. While you're holding the Mic button, drag your finger to the Trash icon on the left and let go. If you've locked the recording, tap the Trash icon instead.
The ceiling is 20 minutes per message, which is plenty for a voice note and rather long for a chat. If you're close to it, stop and send a second clip, as a long message is harder for the other person to dip back into.
Which method should you use? Hold is quicker for a sentence or two, because you're done the moment you let go. Lock suits anything where you'd like to think as you talk, or you need your hands free, since nothing goes out until you tap send.
When Discord won't record what you want
You can't record a clip from your computer
That's expected. Sending is limited to the mobile app, so open the conversation on your phone and record it there.
You can't send a Voice Message in a server
They may be off in that server. If that's the case, an admin can switch them on for your role.
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Nobody in your server can send clips
Voice Messages may be off for every role. Admins control this per role in Server Settings > Roles, using the Send Voice Messages toggle, so ask one to check it.
Your clip sent before you'd finished
Letting go of the Mic button sends the message, so lifting your finger early is usually the reason. Swipe up to lock next time and you'll control exactly when it goes.
You recorded elsewhere and the file won't play inline
You can't upload your own audio file and have it appear as an inline Voice Message. It has to be recorded through the Mic button.
Only some people in your server can send clips
That's how it's meant to work when an admin has allowed it for certain roles and not others, since the setting applies role by role.
Frequently asked questions
Can my friends on a PC listen to my clip?
Yes. Playback works on any device where they can access Discord, even though the recording can't be made there.
Does Discord have a built-in way to record a voice channel?
Discord's Voice Messages guide doesn't mention one. Try its help centre for anything newer.
How long can a Discord Voice Message be?
Up to 20 minutes, and that's per message, so split anything longer across two.
Do they work in group chats?
Yes, a group direct message is one of the places you can send them.
Why can't I see the Mic button?
Check you're on your phone, in a chat that allows clips: a DM, a group DM or a server that's got them turned on.
Can I listen back before it sends?
Not with press and hold, because letting go sends it. For a locked recording, check Discord's help page.
