Discord is a popular chat and voice communication app for gamers and online communities. Many users like the feature of a Direct Message (DM) list where you can chat privately with other Discord users. However, if you want to keep your DM list private, you may want to hide it from view. In this article, we’ll show you how to quickly and easily hide your Discord DM list from other users.
Before we dive into the steps, it’s important to understand that hiding your DM list will only make it invisible to other users. You’ll still be able to access your DM list and chat with your friends privately. So, if you’re looking for a way to completely block or disable DMs, this method won’t be effective. Now that we’ve cleared that up, let’s get started.
To hide your Discord DM list, follow these steps:
1. Open the Discord app on your computer or mobile device.
2. Click on the gear icon in the bottom left corner to open the Settings menu.
3. In the left-hand menu, select the “Privacy & Safety” tab.
4. Under the “Direct Messages” section, toggle the “Show DMs on Server List” option to “Off”.
5. Click the “Save Changes” button at the bottom of the page.
Your DM list will now be hidden from other users on the server. To access your DM list, simply click on the “Direct Messages” icon in the bottom left corner of the Discord window. You’ll be able to view and chat with your friends as usual.
Securing Your Direct Message Privacy
Discord offers a convenient platform for direct messaging, but it’s important to safeguard your privacy. Here are some comprehensive steps to enhance the security of your DMs in Discord:
Disable DM Requests: To prevent unsolicited messages from strangers, consider disabling DM requests from users you don’t share a server with. Navigate to “User Settings” > “Privacy & Safety” > “Allow direct messages from server members only.” This setting restricts DMs only to individuals you’ve interacted with on mutual servers, significantly reducing the risk of spam or malicious messages.
Set Up Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): 2FA adds an extra layer of security to your account by requiring a code from your mobile device in addition to your password. When enabled, 2FA makes it far more difficult for unauthorized individuals to access your account, even if they have your password.
Manage Server Permissions: If you’re part of a large server with multiple members, it’s essential to manage server permissions carefully. Ensure that only trusted members have the authority to send direct messages to other users. This helps prevent abuse of privileges and limits the risk of unwanted or inappropriate DMs.
Be Cautious of Suspicious Links: Avoid clicking on links shared through DMs from unknown or untrustworthy sources. Phishing attempts are common on Discord, so it’s crucial to exercise caution. If you receive a suspicious link, hover over it to reveal the true destination before clicking. Additionally, never provide your password or personal information to anyone you don’t know.
Report Abusive or Harassing Behavior: Discord has strict policies against abusive or harassing behavior. If you experience any such behavior, don’t hesitate to report it to Discord moderators. You can do so by right-clicking on the offending user’s name and selecting “Report.” Discord will investigate the report and take appropriate action.
Reasons for Concealing the DMs List
Privacy
One of the primary reasons for hiding the DMs list is to maintain privacy. DMs are often used for sensitive or personal conversations that users may not want others to see. By concealing the list, users can prevent unauthorized access to their private messages.
Organization
Hiding the DMs list can also help with organization. A cluttered DM list with numerous active conversations can be overwhelming and make it difficult to find specific messages. Concealing the list allows users to focus on current or important conversations without distractions.
Security
In addition to privacy concerns, concealing the DMs list can also enhance security. By hiding the list, users can prevent malicious actors from scanning their DMs for potential targets. This can reduce the risk of phishing attacks, identity theft, and other forms of cybercrime.
Step-by-Step Guide to Hiding the DMs List
1. Navigate to the User Settings
Begin by clicking on the gear icon located in the bottom-left corner of the Discord window. This will open the User Settings menu.
2. Select Privacy & Safety
From the left-hand panel of the User Settings menu, choose the “Privacy & Safety” option. This section contains settings related to your privacy and the visibility of your data.
3. Hide Direct Message List
Under the “Privacy & Safety” section, scroll down to the “Direct Messages” subsection. Here, you will find a toggle labeled “Hide Direct Message List.” By default, this toggle is set to “Off.” To hide your DMs list, simply click on the toggle and switch it to the “On” position.
Detailed Instructions for Hiding the Direct Message List:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Click on the gear icon in the bottom-left corner of Discord. |
| 2 | Select “Privacy & Safety” from the left-hand panel. |
| 3 | Scroll down to the “Direct Messages” subsection and locate the “Hide Direct Message List” toggle. |
| 4 | Click on the toggle and switch it to the “On” position. |
Once you have enabled this setting, your DMs list will no longer be visible in the sidebar of the Discord window. To access your DMs, you will need to click on the Direct Messages icon at the top of the window.
Customizing Server Settings for DM Privacy
Discord offers comprehensive server management options, including settings that enhance DM privacy. By modifying these settings, server administrators can control who can send DMs to members and limit unwanted interactions.
To access server settings for DM privacy, navigate to the “Server Settings” menu and select the “Roles” tab. Here, administrators can create and manage different roles with varying permissions. One crucial permission to consider is the “Send DMs” permission, which grants users the ability to send direct messages to others.
4. Limiting DM Access by Role
To restrict who can send DMs on the server, administrators can create custom roles and assign the “Send DMs” permission accordingly. By default, new roles do not have this permission enabled. To modify this setting:
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1 | Create a new role or select an existing one |
| 2 | Click on the “Permissions” tab |
| 3 | Locate the “Send DMs” permission |
| 4 | Toggle the permission to “Deny” |
By following these steps, administrators can effectively limit DM access on their Discord servers, ensuring a more controlled and private messaging environment for members.
Using Bots to Enhance DM Security
Bots can provide an additional layer of security to your DMs by offering various features that help you manage and control your interactions. Here’s a detailed guide on how to use bots to enhance your DM security:
1. DM Protection Bots
These bots prevent unauthorized users from sending you DMs. They act as a gatekeeper, requiring users to verify themselves before they can initiate a conversation with you. Some popular DM protection bots include Dyno and Carl-bot.
2. Message Logger Bots
Message logger bots record all incoming and outgoing DMs. This feature provides a valuable audit trail that allows you to track suspicious activity and report any inappropriate behavior. Notable message logger bots include Mee6 and Tatsu.
3. Auto-Delete Bots
Auto-delete bots automatically delete DMs after a certain period, ensuring that your conversations remain private and confidential. This is particularly useful for sensitive or time-sensitive information. Bots like Nukebot and Phantom provide auto-delete functionality.
4. DM Role Management Bots
These bots allow you to assign roles to users based on their interactions in DMs. You can create custom roles to differentiate between trusted individuals and potential threats. By assigning appropriate permissions to each role, you can limit the abilities of suspicious users and protect your account from unauthorized access.
5. Advanced DM Filtering and Moderation
Some bots offer advanced filtering and moderation tools that enable you to customize the types of messages you receive. You can set up filters to block specific keywords, phrases, or users. Additionally, bots like Wick and Groovy provide moderation features that allow you to report and ban abusive or inappropriate users, ensuring a safe and respectful DM environment.
| Bot | Features |
|—|—|
| Dyno | DM protection, message logging, auto-delete |
| Carl-bot | DM protection, custom commands |
| Mee6 | Message logging, auto-moderation, role management |
| Tatsu | Message logging, custom commands, anti-spam |
| Nukebot | Auto-delete, message purging, anti-spam |
| Phantom | Auto-delete, message editing protection |
| Wick | Advanced filtering, moderation tools, custom commands |
| Groovy | Advanced filtering, moderation tools, music playback |
Third-Party Plugins for Enhanced Privacy
For users seeking more robust privacy controls, third-party plugins offer additional customization options. These plugins can be integrated with Discord to extend its native privacy features and provide enhanced protection.
BBD Plugin
The BBD (BetterDiscord DevTools) plugin adds a range of privacy-enhancing features. It allows users to hide their DM list, disable typing indicators, and prevent certain users from accessing their profile. Additionally, BBD provides advanced customization options for Discord’s interface and functionality.
Privacy Badger
Privacy Badger is a browser extension that blocks third-party trackers and intrusive ads. When integrated with Discord, it can prevent external entities from monitoring user activity and collecting data. By blocking unwanted scripts and trackers, Privacy Badger enhances Discord’s privacy and security.
Discord Enhancer
Discord Enhancer is another third-party plugin that provides customizable privacy controls. It allows users to hide their DM list, disable user presence indicators, and block specific users from sending friend requests. Additionally, Discord Enhancer integrates various other privacy-enhancing features, such as message pinning, theme customization, and keyword filtering.
Iridium
Iridium is a privacy-focused Discord client that offers a number of features to enhance user privacy. It includes options to disable telemetry, block third-party tracking, and hide user activity status. Iridium also provides a customizable privacy dashboard where users can manage their privacy settings and view activity logs.
Best Practices for Maintaining DM Confidentiality
1. Utilize Server Permissions
Configure role permissions to restrict who can view and access DMs within a server. This allows you to create exclusive channels where private conversations can be held.
2. Leverage Channel Groups
Organize DMs into separate groups based on topics or project requirements. This helps keep conversations organized and prevents sensitive information from being inadvertently shared with unauthorized individuals.
3. Implement Channel Pinning
Pin important channels to the top of the DM list for easy access. This ensures that critical conversations remain visible and are less likely to be overlooked.
4. Employ the “Hide Muted Channels” Setting
This setting allows you to hide muted channels from the DM list, reducing clutter and improving the user experience. You can mute channels that are inactive or contain sensitive information.
5. Customize Server Themes
Adjust the server theme settings to change the appearance of the DM list. This includes modifying colors, fonts, and layouts to enhance readability and visual appeal.
6. Leverage Privacy Mode
Enable privacy mode in Discord to hide your online status from other users. This prevents individuals from knowing when you are active and accessing your DMs.
7. Utilize Third-Party Tools
Consider using third-party tools or browser extensions that offer additional features for managing DMs. These tools can provide enhanced filtering, sorting, and organization capabilities, allowing you to fine-tune your privacy settings to suit specific needs.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls in DM Security
8. Be Wary of Phishing Scams
Phishing scams are a type of online fraud in which attackers attempt to trick you into providing your personal information, such as your Discord login credentials. Discord DMs are a common target for phishing scams, as they can be used to send malicious links or attachments that can infect your computer with malware or steal your personal data.
Here are some tips to avoid falling for phishing scams in Discord DMs:
- Check the sender’s name and profile picture. Scammers often create fake Discord accounts that look similar to legitimate ones. Before clicking on any links or opening any attachments, check the sender’s name and profile picture to make sure they’re who they say they are.
- Hover over links before clicking on them. When you hover over a link, Discord will show you a preview of the destination website. If the destination website looks suspicious, don’t click on the link.
- Don’t open attachments from unknown senders. If you receive an attachment from someone you don’t know, don’t open it. It could contain malware that could infect your computer.
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA). 2FA adds an extra layer of security to your Discord account by requiring you to enter a code from your phone in addition to your password when you log in. This makes it much more difficult for attackers to gain access to your account, even if they have your password.
|
Scam: You receive a DM from a “friend” who says they’ve sent you a link to a new game. When you hover over the link, you see that it goes to a website that looks like the official Discord website. However, the website is actually a phishing site designed to steal your login credentials. |
|
Scam: You receive a DM from a “moderator” who says you’ve violated Discord’s terms of service. The moderator sends you a link to a website where you can “appeal” your suspension. However, the website is actually a phishing site designed to steal your login credentials. |
Ethical Considerations in Hiding DMs
It is important to consider the ethical implications of hiding your DMs list in Discord. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
Privacy: Hiding your DMs list can help protect your privacy by preventing others from seeing who you have been messaging. This can be especially important if you have sensitive or personal conversations that you do not want others to know about.
Transparency: Hiding your DMs list can also raise concerns about transparency and accountability. If you are involved in a conversation where people are sharing confidential or sensitive information, it is important to be transparent about who is participating in the conversation. Hiding your DMs list could make it difficult to hold people accountable for their actions or to resolve any disputes that may arise.
Deception: Hiding your DMs list could be seen as a form of deception if you are trying to hide something from others. If you are intentionally trying to mislead others about who you are messaging, this could be considered unethical. It is important to be honest and transparent about your communication with others.
Reporting: Hiding your DMs list could make it more difficult to report inappropriate or abusive behavior on Discord. If you are experiencing harassment or abuse, it is important to report it to Discord so that they can take appropriate action. Hiding your DMs list could make it difficult for Discord to investigate and resolve the issue.
| Ethical Consideration | Description |
|---|---|
| Privacy | Hiding your DMs list can help protect your privacy. |
| Transparency | Hiding your DMs list can raise concerns about transparency and accountability. |
| Deception | Hiding your DMs list could be seen as a form of deception if you are trying to hide something from others. |
| Reporting | Hiding your DMs list could make it more difficult to report inappropriate or abusive behavior on Discord. |
How To Hide Dms List In Discord
Discord allows you to hide your DMs list to improve privacy and organization. Here’s a step-by-step guide to do it:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Open Discord and click the gear icon in the bottom left corner to access User Settings. |
| 2 | In the left-hand menu, select “Privacy & Safety”. |
| 3 | Scroll down to the “Server Privacy Defaults” section. |
| 4 | Under “Direct Messages”, uncheck the box for “Show Direct Message List”. |
| 5 | Click “Save Changes” to apply the setting. |
Troubleshooting Tips for Hidden DMs
If you encounter any issues after hiding your DMs list, try the following troubleshooting tips:
1. Check if the Discord app is up-to-date. Outdated versions may not support this feature.
2. Log out and back into your Discord account. This can help refresh the settings and resolve any temporary glitches.
3. Make sure you have correctly unselected the “Show Direct Message List” option in the Privacy & Safety settings.
4. Check if the hidden DMs list reappears when you switch servers. It’s possible that the setting is only applied to the current server.
5. Check if you have any enabled plugins or extensions that could interfere with Discord’s functionality.
6. Clear the Discord cache by following the steps provided in the Discord support documentation.
7. Reinstall Discord by completely removing it from your device and downloading the latest version.
8. Restart your computer. This can clear any temporary issues or conflicts that may be affecting Discord.
9. If the issue persists, contact Discord support for further assistance.
10. If you are still unable to hide your DMs list, try disabling and then re-enabling the “Show Direct Message List” option. This can reset the setting and resolve any underlying issues.
How to Hide DMs List in Discord
If you want to hide your DMs list in Discord, you can do so by following these steps:
- Open Discord and click on the gear icon in the bottom left corner to open Settings.
- Click on the “Privacy & Safety” tab.
- Under the “Direct Messages” section, uncheck the box next to “Show DMs in sidebar”.
Your DMs list will now be hidden from the sidebar.
People Also Ask
How do I disable the unread message bubble in Discord?
You can disable the unread message bubble in Discord by following these steps:
- Open Discord and click on the gear icon in the bottom left corner to open Settings.
- Click on the “Notifications” tab.
- Uncheck the box next to “Show unread message bubble”.
How do I turn off message pop-ups in Discord?
You can turn off message pop-ups in Discord by following these steps:
- Open Discord and click on the gear icon in the bottom left corner to open Settings.
- Click on the “Notifications” tab.
- Uncheck the box next to “Pop-out incoming messages”.
How do I stop Discord from showing me offline friends?
You can stop Discord from showing you offline friends by following these steps:
- Open Discord and click on the gear icon in the bottom left corner to open Settings.
- Click on the “Friends & Groups” tab.
- Uncheck the box next to “Show Offline Friends”.
