/ How to

How to Unban and Allow a Previously Banned User to Rejoin Your Discord Server

As a Discord server admin, you may find yourself needing to unban a user who was previously banned. Whether it was an accidental ban, a temporary punishment, or you have decided to give them another chance, unbanning users on Discord is an easy process. Here is a step-by-step guide to unbanning users and allowing them to rejoin your Discord server.

Reasons to Unban a User

There are several reasons you may want to unban a user:

  • They were accidentally or wrongfully banned
  • Their ban was only meant to be temporary
  • They have appealed their ban and you want to give them another chance
  • Enough time has passed since their ban
  • The user has agreed to follow your server rules going forward

Before unbanning a user, consider the reason they were originally banned and whether allowing them back could still pose issues. Discuss with your mod team if needed.

Unbanning Users on Desktop

Unbanning a user via the Discord desktop app is simple:

  • Open Discord and select your server
  • Click the dropdown arrow next to the server name and select Server Settings
  • Select Bans from the sidebar
  • Locate the banned user and click Revoke Ban
  • Confirm you want to unban the user

The user will now be able to rejoin your server.

Here is the process in screenshots:

Discord Unban Step 1

Discord Unban Step 2

Discord Unban Step 3

Unbanning Users on Mobile

Unbanning users via the Discord mobile app works much the same:

  • Open the Discord app and select your server
  • Tap the server name to open the server menu
  • Scroll down and select Server Settings
  • Tap Bans and select the banned user
  • Tap Unban to revoke their ban

Here is the mobile unban process:

Discord Mobile Unban Step 1

Discord Mobile Unban Step 2

Discord Mobile Unban Step 3

Notifying the Unbanned User

Once you have unbanned someone from your Discord server, it is a good idea to send them a direct message notifying them that they can rejoin. Here are some things you may want to include in your message:

  • Let them know their ban has been revoked and they can rejoin
  • Send them a new invite link to rejoin the server
  • Remind them of the server rules and expectations
  • Thank them for their patience during their ban
  • Express your hope they will contribute positively going forward

Giving clear communication is important to smooth over any hard feelings and start fresh.

Setting Expectations After Unbanning

If a user has been unbanned after a previous ban, you may want to set very clear expectations that this is their last chance. Some things to consider doing:

  • Give them a special “unbanned” role with limited permissions
  • Make sure they understand your zero tolerance policy for repeats of their past behavior
  • Set up a probationary period where moderators closely monitor their activity
  • Make them agree again to your server rules and guidelines

By setting firm expectations, previously banned members will understand this is their one chance to change their behavior. If they violate rules again, they know immediately banning them once more is fair game.

When to Permanently Ban Someone

While unbanning users can be reasonable in many cases, some behavior warrants a permanent ban even on first offense. These types of zero tolerance actions include:

  • Threats against other users – physical threats, blackmail, etc
  • Harassment campaigns – sustained, repetitive attacks on individuals
  • Hacking attempts – trying to compromise or steal data
  • Raids – malicious attacks on your server by outside groups

Users who display this level of hostility or criminality do not deserve another chance. Your priority is protecting your server community.

Conclusion

With a few simple clicks, server admins can easily unban users from their Discord servers. Consider the reason for their initial ban, set clear expectations going forward, and notify them of their restored access to give them the best chance of rejoining your community positively.

However, some dangerous behaviors like threats and harassment may warrant keeping certain users out of your server permanently. Unbanning prudently while keeping your existing community safe should be your top considerations.

Related Posts