You cannot search for new public Discord servers by name directly within the Discord mobile app. To search discord servers on mobile effectively, you must use alternative methods like the Discover tab, a mobile web browser, or an invite link.
Can you really search Discord servers on mobile?
The magnifying glass icon in the Discord mobile app does not search for public servers you haven't joined. Instead, it searches for messages and content inside servers you are already a member of. The desktop search feature for discovering new servers is experimental and not available on mobile devices.
How to browse servers with the Discover tab
The Discover tab is the primary in-app method for finding new communities on your phone. The Discover tab is accessed by tapping the magnifying glass icon at the bottom of the screen. Follow these steps to browse public servers by category.
- Open the Discord app on your mobile device and tap the Discover icon at the bottom of the screen.
- Browse the available categories, such as Gaming, Music, and Entertainment. The Discover tab provides filtering and sorting options such as server size, language, relevance, popularity, and recently updated.
- Tap on any server preview to view its description, member count, and featured channels.
- If a server interests you, tap the join button to become a member.
Search by keyword using your mobile browser
For a true keyword search, use your phone's web browser as a verified workaround. Navigate to discord.com/servers and use the search bar there to find communities by name or topic. This method gives you access to the same server discovery database available on desktop, directly on your mobile device.
Join a server with an invite link
The most common and direct way to join a server is through an invite link. When you receive a link from a friend, social media, or a website, simply tap it. The link will open the Discord app and prompt you to accept the invite and join the server instantly.
A cautious look at third-party server lists
Sites like Disboard offer alternative ways to find servers by listing communities with search and filter options. Third-party server listing websites often provide detailed server descriptions, member counts, and engagement metrics. Discord bots developed by third-party creators can assist in discovering and joining servers by providing curated server recommendations and search functionalities. However, use these with caution. Third-party lists can host unmoderated or malicious servers, and using them may violate Discord's Terms of Service. Always prioritize safety and verify a server's legitimacy before joining. Proper Discord account and server setup includes being aware of these risks and sticking to official methods when possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between searching for servers and searching within servers?
Searching for servers means finding new public communities to join, which is not directly available in the mobile app. Searching within servers uses the magnifying glass icon to find specific messages, members, or channels inside a server you have already joined.
Can I use the search bar in the Discover tab on mobile?
No. The search bar within the Discover section is currently experimental and only available on desktop. On mobile, you can only browse categories and preview servers without a keyword search.
Why can't I find a specific server by name on my phone?
Discord has not implemented a direct name search for public servers in the mobile app. This limitation is by design, and the intended workaround is to use the Discover tab, an invite link, or the discord.com/servers website in your phone's browser.
Are third-party server list websites safe to use?
Not always. While some are legitimate, others may host scams, spam, or content that violates Discord's Terms of Service. It is safest to stick to the official Discover tab or trusted invite links from friends and communities.
