To add bots in Discord mobile, you must use a mobile browser to open the bot's install link, the Discord app itself does not have a built-in "Add Bot" feature. This browser-based method is the only documented way to add bots in Discord mobile, and it requires you to have the Manage Server permission on the server where you want the bot to join.
How to add bots in Discord mobile: what actually works
Discord's official documentation does not describe a way to add a bot from inside the iPhone or Android app. Instead, the documented method involves opening a bot's install link in your phone's browser, selecting a server, and authorizing the bot. This process works because the install link is a web-based prompt that communicates with Discord's servers. To complete the installation, you must have the Manage Server permission on the target server, without it, the "Add to server" button will not work. Discord's developer docs say you need the Manage Server permission on that server to add the bot.
Step 1: get the bot's install link
You need the bot's unique invite URL to start. You can find this link on bot listing websites, receive it from a friend, or copy it from the bot's official website. On your phone, tap and hold the link, then select "Copy" from the menu. For bot apps, the developer portal flow is: OAuth2 page → OAuth2 URL Generator → select the bot and applications.commands scopes → copy the invite link → open it in a browser.
Step 2: open the link in your mobile browser
Paste the copied link into Chrome, Safari, or any other mobile browser. This step must happen outside the Discord app because the install prompt is a web page, not an in-app screen. If you accidentally open the link inside Discord, copy it again and paste it into a browser tab instead.
Step 3: choose your server and authorize
The browser will load a Discord authorization page. Tap "Add to server" or select the server you want from the dropdown list. Review the permissions the bot is requesting, these are listed on the same page. When you are ready, tap "Authorize" to complete the installation. The bot will now be added to your chosen server.
Step 4: confirm the bot arrived on mobile
Open the Discord app on your phone and navigate to the server where you added the bot. Tap the member list icon (usually a person silhouette) at the top of the channel list. Scroll to find the bot's name, it should appear online or show its status. You can now use the bot's commands in any text channel where it has permission to read and send messages.
What if the 'Add to server' button doesn't work?
If the "Add to server" button is grayed out or missing, the most common cause is that you do not have the Manage Server permission on that server. A bot can only be added by a user with the Manage Server permission on that server. Only users with this permission can add bots. Check with the server owner to get the role. Another possibility is that the invite link has expired, ask the bot developer or the person who shared the link for a fresh one. Finally, make sure you are logged into the correct Discord account in your browser before opening the link.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add a bot to Discord mobile without a computer?
Yes. The entire process, finding the install link, opening it in a browser, and authorizing the bot, can be done on a phone or tablet. You do not need a desktop computer at any step.
Why does the Discord mobile app not have an "Add Bot" button?
Discord's official documentation does not include a mobile-only "Add Bot" flow. The company has designed the bot installation process to work through web-based install links, which function the same way on both desktop and mobile browsers.
What permissions does a bot need to work on my server?
The permissions a bot requires depend on its features. Common permissions include reading and sending messages, managing channels, and kicking or banning members. You will see a full list on the authorization page before you tap "Authorize."
Can I add a bot to a server I do not own?
Yes, as long as you have the Manage Server permission on that server. If you do not have that permission, the "Add to server" button will not be clickable, and you will need to ask the server owner or an administrator to add the bot for you.
What should I do if the bot does not appear after I authorize it?
First, refresh the member list in your Discord app by pulling down or closing and reopening the app. If the bot still does not appear, check that you selected the correct server during authorization. You can also try opening the install link again, Discord will show a message if the bot is already on the server.
For the wider topic, see Discord user and server management.
