Voice messages on Discord PC use the same record-and-send button as mobile, built into the message box
To send a voice message on Discord PC, click the microphone icon inside the message input box at the bottom of the channel or direct message window. Hold down the icon to record, then release to send. The message appears as a playable audio file that recipients can listen to without leaving the chat.
This feature works in any channel or direct message where you have permission to send messages. The voice message is stored on Discord's servers and can be played back by anyone in that conversation, just like a text message.
Key Takeaways
- The microphone icon sits to the right of the message input box, next to the send button.
- Click and hold the microphone icon to record; release to send the message automatically.
- Voice messages appear as audio files in the chat and can be played back at any time.
- You can record voice messages in servers, group chats, and one-on-one direct messages.
- Discord stores voice messages on its servers, so they remain available even after you close the app.
Locating the microphone icon in the message box
Open Discord on your PC and navigate to the channel or direct message where you want to send a voice message. Look at the bottom of the screen where you type messages. The message input box has several icons on the right side: a plus sign (for attachments), a GIF icon, and a smiley face (for emojis). The microphone icon is the small speaker symbol, usually positioned between the emoji icon and the send button.
If you do not see the microphone icon, your Discord account may not have the feature enabled yet, or your permissions in that channel may restrict voice messages. Check that you have permission to send messages in that space. If the icon is still missing, try updating Discord to the latest version.
Recording and sending a voice message
Click and hold the microphone icon with your mouse. A red recording indicator will appear, and Discord will begin capturing audio from your PC's microphone. Speak clearly into your microphone. You can record for as long as you need — Discord does not enforce a time limit on voice messages.
When you finish speaking, release the mouse button. Discord will automatically send the voice message to the channel or conversation. The message will appear in the chat as a playable audio file with a play button, the timestamp, and your username. Recipients can click the play button to listen at any time.
What happens if you accidentally start recording
If you click the microphone icon by mistake and do not want to send a message, you can cancel the recording before releasing the mouse button. While holding down the icon, move your mouse away from the microphone button (usually upward or to the side). When you release the mouse, the recording will be discarded and no message will be sent.
This escape route only works while you are still holding the button down. Once you release it, the message is sent. Discord does not provide an undo option for voice messages after they are posted, so you would need to delete the message manually if you want to remove it from the chat.
Playing back voice messages you receive
When someone sends you a voice message, it appears in the chat as a small audio player with a play button, the sender's name, and a timestamp. Click the play button to listen. The audio will play through your PC's speakers or headphones, depending on what you have connected.
You can replay a voice message as many times as you want by clicking the play button again. If you want to read the voice message file to your computer, right-click on the audio player and select "Save audio as" or a similar option, depending on your browser and Discord settings.
Troubleshooting missing or broken voice messages
If the microphone icon does not appear in your message box, first check that Discord is fully updated. Open Discord, go to User Settings (the gear icon next to your username), scroll down to "App Settings," and look for an update option. Close and reopen Discord after updating.
If you still do not see the microphone icon, the feature may not be rolled out to your account yet — Discord releases features gradually to different users. You can also check your microphone permissions in Windows. Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Microphone, and make sure Discord is allowed to access your microphone. If Discord is blocked, toggle it on and restart the app.
If a voice message fails to send, check your internet connection. Voice messages require an active connection to upload to Discord's servers. If the connection drops during recording, the message may not post. Try recording again once your connection is stable.
Voice message limits and storage
Discord does not publish a specific maximum length for voice messages, but in practice most users find they can record messages several minutes long without issues. There is no stated limit on how many voice messages you can send per day or per hour.
Voice messages are stored on Discord's servers indefinitely, as long as the conversation exists. If you delete a message, the audio file is removed. If you delete your Discord account, all your voice messages are deleted along with it. Voice messages in servers remain until a server administrator deletes the message or the entire channel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I edit a voice message after I send it?
No. Discord does not allow you to edit voice messages the way you can edit text messages. If you need to correct something, you must delete the voice message and send a new one. Right-click the message and select "Delete" to remove it from the chat.
What if my microphone is not working?
Check that your microphone is plugged in or turned on, and that Discord has permission to use it. In Windows, go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Microphone and confirm Discord is enabled. Test your microphone in other applications first to rule out a hardware problem. If other apps can hear you but Discord cannot, restart Discord and try again.
Can I send voice messages in servers where I do not have a role?
You can send voice messages in any channel where you have permission to send regular text messages. If you cannot type in a channel, you cannot send a voice message there either. Check the channel permissions or ask a server administrator if you think you should have access.
Do voice messages work in group chats?
Yes. Voice messages work in group direct messages the same way they work in server channels and one-on-one conversations. Click the microphone icon, record your message, and release to send it to everyone in the group chat.
Can people hear my voice message if they have Discord muted?
Voice messages are text-based files that appear in the chat, not notifications. If someone has Discord notifications muted, they will still see the voice message in the channel when they open it. They will only hear audio if they click the play button and have their speakers or headphones turned on.