Voice messages on Discord PC use the same record button as voice calls

To send a voice message on Discord for PC, click the plus icon next to the message box, select Upload a File, choose an audio file from your computer, or use the microphone icon built into the message input area if your Discord version supports it. The exact steps depend on whether you are in a direct message or a server channel, and which version of the Discord app you have installed.

Discord's voice messaging feature is separate from voice calls. You record a short audio clip and send it as a message that the other person can play back whenever they want—they do not have to be online or in a call with you.

Key Takeaways

  • The plus icon next to the message box opens a menu where you can upload audio files or access the voice message recorder if available on your version.
  • Voice messages appear in the chat history like text messages and can be played back by clicking the play button on the message.
  • You can send voice messages in direct messages, group chats, and server channels using the same method.
  • If you do not see a microphone icon in the message box, your Discord version may not have the built-in recorder yet—uploading a pre-recorded file works on all versions.

Using the plus icon to send a voice message

Open Discord on your PC and navigate to the chat where you want to send the voice message. Look at the bottom of the screen in the message input area. To the left of the text box, you will see a plus icon (it looks like a +). Click it.

A menu will appear with options. Select Upload a File. This opens your file browser. Navigate to a folder where you have saved an audio file—this could be an MP3, WAV, or other audio format. Select the file and click Open. The file will upload and appear in the chat as a playable message.

The recipient will see the audio file in the message history with a play button. They can click the play button to listen to it when ready or come back to it later. The message stays in the chat permanently unless you delete it.

Recording a voice message directly in Discord (if available)

Some versions of Discord for PC include a microphone icon in the message input box itself. If you see a small microphone icon to the right of the text box, click it to start recording. Speak your message, then click the icon again or press a stop button to finish recording.

After you stop recording, Discord will show you a preview of the audio. You can listen to it before sending. If it sounds right, click the send button (usually an arrow or checkmark). If you want to re-record, look for a delete or re-record option in the preview window.

Not all Discord accounts or versions have this feature yet. Discord rolls out new features gradually, so you may not see the microphone icon even if you are using the latest version of the app. If you do not see it, the file upload method described above works as an alternative.

Sending voice messages in different chat types

The process is the same whether you are sending a voice message in a direct message with one person, a group direct message with multiple people, or a channel in a server. Open the chat, use the plus icon or microphone icon, and send the audio file or recording.

In server channels, voice messages appear in the message history just like text messages. Other members of that channel will see the voice message and can play it back. The message respects the same permissions as text messages—if someone cannot see the channel, they cannot see the voice message either.

What happens after you send a voice message

Once you send a voice message, it appears in the chat with a play button and a timestamp showing when you sent it. The recipient does not need to be online or in a voice call to receive it. They can play it back whenever they open Discord.

Voice messages can be deleted the same way as text messages. Right-click (or long-press on mobile) the message and select Delete. Once deleted, it is gone from the chat for everyone.

Troubleshooting voice messages that will not send

If the plus icon does not appear or the file will not upload, check that you are using the latest version of Discord. Open Discord, look for a settings menu or gear icon, and check for updates. Close and reopen Discord after updating.

If you are trying to upload a very large audio file, Discord may reject it. The file size limit for uploads varies, but audio files are usually small enough. If the file is several hundred megabytes or larger, try converting it to a smaller format using free audio software like Audacity before uploading.

If the microphone icon does not appear in your message box, your version of Discord does not have the built-in voice recorder yet. This feature is still rolling out to all users. The file upload method will work on any version of Discord.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the person I send a voice message to read it?

Yes. When they click on the voice message in the chat, they will see a play button and usually a read option. They can save the audio file to their computer if they want to keep a copy.

What audio formats does Discord accept for voice messages?

Discord accepts most common audio formats, including MP3, WAV, OGG, FLAC, and others. If you have recorded audio on your phone or computer, it is almost certainly in a format Discord will accept. If you get an error, try converting the file to MP3 using free software like Audacity.

Do I need a microphone plugged in to send a voice message?

Only if you are using the built-in microphone icon to record directly in Discord. If you are uploading a file you recorded earlier, you do not need a microphone connected at the moment you send it. You can record audio anytime and send it later.

Will the person know if I listen to their voice message?

Discord does not send a read receipt or notification when you play a voice message. The sender will not know whether you have listened to it, how many times you played it, or when you played it.

Can I edit a voice message after I send it?

No. Once a voice message is sent, you cannot edit it. You can only delete it and send a new one if you need to correct something.