Discord has exploded in popularity as a communication platform for communities and gaming, with over 150 million monthly active users as of 2024. One of Discord‘s key features is the ability for users to delete their own messages. While this is important for user privacy and correcting mistakes, it can pose challenges for moderation, especially in large servers with thousands of members. In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll dive deep into the methods and considerations for viewing deleted messages on Discord.
Understanding Message Deletion on Discord
Before we explain the methods for viewing deleted messages, it‘s important to understand how message deletion works on Discord from a technical perspective. When a user deletes a message, Discord does not actually erase the message from its databases immediately. Instead, it marks the message as deleted and hides it from view. The message data is still stored on Discord‘s servers for a certain period of time before being permanently deleted.
According to Discord‘s documentation, deleted messages are stored for up to 14 days in case they are needed for legal reasons or to prevent abuse. However, Discord also states that "for most users, deleted messages become inaccessible immediately." This means that while deleted messages may still exist on Discord‘s backend, they are not viewable through normal means in the client.
So why do people delete messages? There are many reasons a user may delete a message:
- The message contained a mistake or typo
- The message was sent in the wrong channel
- The message contained sensitive or personal information
- The message violated server rules or community guidelines
- The user regretted sending the message or changed their mind
As a server owner or moderator, being able to view deleted messages can be important for investigating rule violations, providing context for disputes, and maintaining a safe environment for your community. However, it‘s crucial to balance this with respecting user privacy and not abusing the ability to view deleted messages.
Methods for Viewing Deleted Messages
There are two main methods for viewing deleted messages on Discord: using a bot or using a client plugin. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Method 1: Using a Discord Bot
One of the most popular ways to log and view deleted messages is by using a Discord bot. Bots are automated programs that can perform tasks and provide features in a Discord server. There are many pre-made bots available that offer message logging functionality, such as:
To use a bot for viewing deleted messages, follow these steps:
- Choose a bot that offers message logging and invite it to your server. Make sure to grant it the necessary permissions to read and log messages.
- Configure the bot‘s settings through its web dashboard or commands. Specify which channels or categories you want it to log deleted messages in. Some bots may have additional settings for log retention, file uploads, etc.
- Wait for messages to be deleted in your server. The bot will automatically create logs of the deleted messages.
- To view the deleted messages, use the bot‘s specified command or web dashboard. For example, Dyno uses the
?deletedcommand to show recent deleted messages.
Using a bot has several advantages. It is relatively easy to set up and does not require modifying your Discord client. Bots are also less likely to result in an account ban compared to client mods. However, bots can only log deleted messages from the point they are added and configured, so they cannot retrieve older deleted messages. They also require giving a third-party application access to your server.
Method 2: Using a Modified Discord Client
For more advanced users who want more control and customization over viewing deleted messages, using a modified Discord client is another option. Modified clients are unofficial versions of the Discord app that add extra features and customization options. The most popular modified client is BetterDiscord.
To use BetterDiscord for viewing deleted messages, you‘ll need to install a plugin called MessageLoggerV2. Here‘s how to set it up:
Download the latest version BetterDiscord from https://betterdiscord.app. Run the installer and select your version of Discord (Stable, PTB, Canary) when prompted.
Download the MessageLoggerV2 plugin from this link.
Open Discord and go to User Settings > Plugins > Open Plugins Folder. Copy the MessageLoggerV2 file you downloaded into the plugins folder.
In the Plugins tab of User Settings, enable "Xenolib" and "ZeresPluginLibrary" if they are not already enabled. Then enable "MessageLoggerV2". You may get prompts about missing dependencies which you should download.
Configure the MessageLoggerV2 plugin by clicking the gear icon next to it. Here you can choose which servers and channels to log, set log retention, and more.
To view deleted messages, right click a server or channel and go to "Message Logger" > "Open Logs". This will show recently deleted messages in that server or channel.
Using BetterDiscord and MessageLoggerV2 allows for more customization over which messages are logged and how long they are kept. You can also view deleted messages directly within the Discord client rather than needing to use a separate dashboard. However, using any client mod is against Discord‘s terms of service and puts your account at risk of being banned. You also need a bit more technical knowledge to install and configure the plugin.
Important Considerations
When using either of the above methods to view deleted messages, there are some key things to keep in mind:
Respect user privacy: Only use these tools for legitimate moderation purposes in servers you own or have permission to moderate. Do not use them to spy on users or violate their privacy.
Be aware of limitations: Both bots and plugins can only log deleted messages from after they were added/installed. They may also miss quickly deleted messages or have trouble logging embeds and attachments.
Understand the risks: Using any third-party tool, especially client mods, is against Discord‘s terms of service. There is always a risk of getting your account banned or the method being patched by Discord.
Consider the ethics: Think carefully about the implications of viewing deleted messages. In some cases it may be necessary for moderation, but in others it could be a violation of trust.
Alternative Moderation Strategies
While the ability to view deleted messages can be useful for moderation, it shouldn‘t be the only tool in your kit. Here are some other strategies for maintaining a healthy Discord community:
- Set clear rules and guidelines in your server regarding messaging and deletions
- Foster a culture of open communication where members feel comfortable coming to mods with concerns
- Use a channel or bot command for members to report issues or rule violations
- Have a bot that archives important messages in a designated channel
- Keep records of notable interactions and moderation decisions
- Work with your mod team to address issues consistently and transparently
- Consider implementing verification or gated channels for trusted members
At the end of the day, your goal as a moderator should be to cultivate a positive environment where all members feel welcome and respected. While being able to view deleted messages is one tool available, it‘s important not to rely on it too heavily or use it to breed distrust.
Conclusion
Viewing deleted messages on Discord is a complex topic with a lot of technical and ethical considerations. Using a bot or plugin can provide valuable moderation capabilities, but should be balanced with respect for user privacy. When in doubt, always prioritize open communication and community-building over relying on secret logs.
By following this guide, you should have a solid understanding of how to set up message logging and view deleted messages in your Discord server. Use this knowledge responsibly and always strive to be a fair and transparent moderator.
Sources & Further Reading
- Discord Help Center – Deleting messages
- Discord Developer Documentation – Message Object
- BetterDiscord – Plugins & Themes
- Dyno – Message Logging
- Carl-bot – Message Logging
- Arcane – Features
- Discord Moderator Academy – Tips and Lessons
