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What does idle mean and how do you set it on Discord?

Sorry for going AFK.
By
April 5, 2022
Discord stock photo 12
Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

If you’re gone from your device for a certain amount of time, you may notice that your status turns to “idle.” This goes for many different apps, including Discord. This is a way to let other users know that, even if they send you a message, you may not see it right away. It’s also a good way to try and curb the number of Discord notifications you get by letting people know you aren’t around to chat.

Let’s go over what idle means on Discord and how you can manually set your status.

Read more: How to update Discord on desktop or mobile

QUICK ANSWER 

To set your status to idle on Discord, select your profile picture, then click Idle from the subsequent menu of status options.


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What does idle mean on Discord?

idle discord
Curtis Joe / Android Authority

Let’s say you’re using Discord. You’ve had the app open for a while, and then you decide to take a break and do something else.

After you close Discord to your tray, meaning the program has been minimized rather than exited, your status will be automatically set to idle after roughly five minutes.

“Idle” is another way of telling people that you are away from your keyboard or away from your device. When you return to Discord, you should switch your status to active. Alternatively, you can set a custom status if you are a Discord Nitro subscriber.

How to set your status to idle on Discord

You can manually set your status to OnlineIdleDo Not Disturb, and Invisible if you are a free user. If you are a paying Discord Nitro subscriber, you also have the option to Set a custom status.

Desktop

On the Discord desktop app or web client, click on your profile picture at the bottom of the interface.

tap your name icon
Curtis Joe / Android Authority

From the extended menu, click the moon-shaped Idle button.

click idle from the list
Curtis Joe / Android Authority

Android and iOS

setting idle using mobile
Curtis Joe / Android Authority

Open the mobile Discord app and tap your profile picture in the bottom right. Tap Set Status, then select the moon-shaped Idle option.


Read more: How to manage notifications and sounds on Discord