To turn off emoticon to emoji conversion on Discord mobile, open User Settings by tapping your profile icon, then go to Text & Images and toggle off "Automatically convert emoticons in your messages to emoji." If this setting is missing on your mobile app, use the backslash workaround by typing \:) or \:D to keep emoticons as text characters.
How to turn off emoticon to emoji on Discord mobile
There are two reliable methods to stop Discord mobile from automatically converting text emoticons like :) into emoji images. The first is using the built-in toggle in User Settings, and the second is a manual workaround for when that setting is unavailable.
Find the auto-convert setting
- Open the Discord mobile app on your device.
- Scroll down and select Text & Images from the settings menu.
- Look for the option labeled "Automatically convert emoticons in your messages to emoji".
This setting controls whether typed emoticons become emoji images. On some mobile versions, it may appear under a Chat section instead of Text & Images, so check both locations if you don't see it immediately.
Toggle off the conversion
Once you locate the toggle, switch it off. When disabled, typed emoticons like :), :(, or :D will remain as text characters in your messages instead of being replaced by emoji images. This change applies immediately to all messages you send on mobile.
What to do if the setting is missing on mobile
If the "Automatically convert emoticons in your messages to emoji" option does not appear in your mobile settings, Discord may have removed it from the mobile app in a recent update. In this case, use the backslash workaround: type a backslash before the emoticon, such as \:) or \:D. This prevents conversion and sends the text characters as-is.
Alternatively, access the setting through a desktop browser. Open Discord in a browser on your phone, switch to desktop mode, and navigate to User Settings > Text & Images to toggle off the conversion. This change will carry over to your mobile app if you're logged into the same account.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between emoticons and emojis on Discord mobile?
Emoticons are text-based representations of facial expressions, such as :) for a smile, while emojis are graphical images like 😊. Discord's auto-convert feature replaces the text characters with the corresponding emoji image.
Does disabling conversion affect emoji I pick from the emoji picker?
No. Disabling the auto-convert setting only stops typed text emoticons from being replaced. Emojis you select from the emoji picker or paste into messages will still appear as images.
Can I use the backslash workaround on desktop too?
Yes, typing a backslash before an emoticon works on both desktop and mobile versions of Discord to prevent conversion. This is useful if you want to send a specific emoticon as text without disabling the global setting.
Will turning off the setting affect Discord audio and sound settings?
No. The emoticon-to-emoji conversion setting is purely a text display option and has no impact on Discord Audio and Sound Settings, which control voice chat, notification sounds, and microphone preferences.
Why is the auto-convert setting missing on my mobile app?
Discord has reportedly removed this setting from some mobile app versions. The exact availability depends on your app update and device model, but the backslash workaround or using a desktop browser view provides a consistent solution.
Can I customize the appearance of emojis on Discord mobile?
Yes, you can select different skin tones for certain human emojis by long-pressing the emoji in the picker and choosing a tone from the pop-up options.
Are there any potential drawbacks to using emojis on Discord mobile?
Overusing emojis or misinterpreting their meanings can lead to misunderstandings, so use them thoughtfully to keep conversations clear.
Related reading: How To Turn Off Discord Call Sound On Mobile.
