Yes, you can send voice messages on Discord PC, but the method depends on which app you're using

Discord's desktop app for Windows and Mac lets you record and send voice messages directly in any server or direct message. The feature works through Discord's built-in voice message tool, which captures your audio, lets you preview it before sending, and delivers it as a playable file in the chat. You don't need any third-party software or plugins — it's part of the standard Discord process.

The process takes about 30 seconds from start to finish. You hold down a button, speak, release, and send. The person receiving it can play the message back at any time, at any speed, without needing to be online when you send it.

Key Takeaways

  • Voice messages on Discord PC are recorded using the plus icon in the message box, then the microphone option.
  • You can listen to your message before sending it, and delete it if you want to re-record.
  • The recipient can play, pause, and adjust playback speed on any voice message you send.
  • Voice messages work in servers, group chats, and one-on-one direct messages.
  • Your microphone must be enabled in Discord settings and in Windows or Mac system settings for this feature to work.

How to record and send a voice message on Windows

Open Discord and navigate to the channel or direct message where you want to send the voice message. Look at the message input box at the bottom of the screen. On the left side of the text field, you'll see a plus icon (+). Click it.

A small menu will appear with several options. Select "Send a voice message" or the microphone icon from that menu. Discord will ask for permission to use your microphone if it hasn't already. Click "Allow" in the permission prompt. Once permission is granted, a recording interface appears in the message box showing a red record button and a timer.

Click the red button to start recording. Speak clearly into your microphone. When you're done, click the button again to stop recording. Discord will display your recorded message with playback controls so you can listen before sending. If you're satisfied, click the send arrow. If you want to discard it, click the X button and record again.

How to record and send a voice message on Mac

The process on Mac is identical to Windows. Open the conversation, click the plus icon in the message box, and select the voice message option. Grant microphone permission if prompted. Record your message, preview it, and send or discard.

On Mac, make sure your microphone is enabled in System Preferences under Security & Privacy, and that Discord has permission to access it. If Discord doesn't show a microphone option in the plus menu, check that your Mac's microphone itself is working by opening System Preferences and testing it under Sound.

What to check if voice messages aren't working

If the voice message option doesn't appear in the plus menu, the most common cause is that Discord doesn't have microphone permission. Go to Discord Settings (the gear icon in the lower left), select "Voice & Video" from the left sidebar, and check that "Input Device" is set to your actual microphone, not "No Input Device." If it says "No Input Device," click the dropdown and select your microphone.

On Windows, also check Settings > Privacy & Security > Microphone and make sure Discord is listed under "Allow apps to access your microphone." On Mac, go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Microphone and confirm Discord is checked. If Discord isn't listed, click the lock icon to unlock the settings, then click the plus button and add Discord from your Applications folder.

If your microphone is enabled but still not working, restart Discord completely. Close it entirely (not just minimize), wait 10 seconds, and reopen it. Test the microphone again.

How recipients hear and play your voice messages

When you send a voice message, it appears in the chat as a small audio player with a play button, a timer showing the message length, and a read icon. The recipient can click the play button to listen when ready, or read it to listen later. They can also adjust playback speed using the speed controls that appear when hovering over the player.

Voice messages are stored on Discord's servers, so the recipient can access them anytime — they don't disappear after a certain period. If the message is deleted from the chat, it's gone for everyone, but otherwise it stays indefinitely.

Voice messages versus voice calls on Discord

Voice messages are different from voice calls. A voice call requires both people to be online and available at the same time. A voice message is asynchronous — you send it whenever you want, and the other person listens whenever they want. Voice messages are better for quick updates, reminders, or when you don't want to interrupt someone. Voice calls are better when you need a real-time conversation.

You can also use Discord's voice channels in servers, which work like group voice calls. Those are separate from voice messages and require people to join the channel to participate.

File size and storage limits for voice messages

Discord doesn't publish exact file size limits for voice messages, but messages longer than about 15 minutes may encounter issues. For practical purposes, keep voice messages under 5 minutes. Longer messages are better sent as separate shorter messages or as a voice call instead.

Discord stores voice messages on its servers at no cost to you. There's no storage limit on how many voice messages you can send or receive. However, if a server or direct message is deleted, all voice messages in that conversation are deleted as well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I send voice messages in Discord servers and group chats?

Yes. Voice messages work in any channel you can type in — public channels, private channels, group direct messages, and one-on-one direct messages. The process is the same regardless of where you're sending it.

What if my microphone isn't showing up in Discord settings?

First, check that your microphone is connected and working. On Windows, go to Settings > Sound and test your microphone under "Input." On Mac, go to System Preferences > Sound > Input. If it works there but not in Discord, restart Discord and check the Voice & Video settings again. If it still doesn't appear, reinstall Discord.

Can I edit or delete a voice message after I send it?

You can delete a voice message by hovering over it and clicking the trash icon, but you cannot edit it. If you need to correct something, delete the message and send a new one.

Do voice messages use my internet bandwidth?

Yes, voice messages are uploaded to Discord's servers when you send them, so they use your internet connection. The amount is small — a typical one-minute voice message is about 1 MB. They don't use your microphone's local storage.

Can I listen to voice messages at a faster speed?

Yes. When you hover over a voice message player, speed controls appear. You can play it at 1x, 1.25x, 1.5x, or 2x speed. This is useful for longer messages or if you want to review something quickly.