How to Update Discord?

You may find that trying to keep up with constant app updates can sometimes feel like a tedious task. However, ensuring that apps are up to date is crucial, especially for a platform like Discord. For the millions of users worldwide relying on Discord for communication—be it gamers, remote workers, or online communities—knowing how to update Discord is essential to maintain a seamless and secure experience. Updates often include bug fixes, new features, and improved security measures, making them too important to ignore.

You’ll learn:

• How to update Discord on different operating systems
• Troubleshooting common update issues
• The importance of keeping Discord updated
• Frequently asked questions about Discord updates

How to Update Discord

Why Are Updates Important?

Updating Discord is more than just a recommended task; it’s necessary for ensuring that you enjoy the platform's full capabilities. Developers release updates to enhance performance, patch security vulnerabilities, fix bugs, and introduce new features. Failure to update Discord means risking your app’s security and missing out on new functionalities that could improve user experience.

Updating Discord on Desktop

It’s surprisingly common for many users to not realize they need to perform manual checks for updates or understand how to enable automatic ones. For those using Discord on a desktop, the process is straightforward.

For Windows and macOS

1. Launch Discord: Open Discord on your computer. Make sure you're connected to the internet.
2. Check for Updates: Discord typically checks for updates automatically. However, if you want to manually check, press Ctrl + R on Windows or Cmd + R on macOS. This will refresh Discord and trigger a manual check for updates.
3. Automatic Updates: If there's an update, Discord will download and install it automatically during the startup. You might see a progress bar, indicating the download and installation process.
4. Restart If Needed: Sometimes, an update might require a restart. If prompted, close and reopen Discord.

Updating Discord on Mobile

Mobile users also need to know how to update Discord to ensure they have access to the latest features.

For Android

1. Open Google Play Store: Go to the Play Store app on your device.
2. Search for Discord: In the search bar, type "Discord."
3. Check for Updates: If an update is available, you'll see an “Update” button. Tap it to download and install the latest version.
4. Auto-Updates: To facilitate automatic updates in the future, you can enable auto-updates for Discord from the app’s page in the Play Store.

For iOS

1. Open the App Store: Launch the App Store on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Locate Discord: Use the search function to find Discord.
3. Update Available: If an update is present, an “Update” button will be visible. Tap to update.
4. Enable Auto-Updates: Go to Settings > App Store, and under the "Automatic Downloads" section, ensure that "App Updates" is toggled on. This allows iOS to automatically update Discord when a new version is available.

Troubleshooting Update Issues

Despite efforts to make updates seamless, you may encounter problems. Here's how to tackle common issues:

Update Failures

If Discord fails to update, follow these steps:

• Check Internet Connection: Make sure you are connected to the internet as updates can't proceed offline.
• Reboot Your Device: Sometimes a simple restart can resolve update issues.
• Reinstall Discord: Uninstalling and reinstalling Discord can fix persistent update issues. Always back up any data if necessary.
• Check Permissions: Ensure the app has sufficient permissions to update, especially in restricted network settings.

Stuck Updates

If an update appears stuck, try:

• Clearing Cache (Mobile): Go to your device settings, find Discord, and clear its cache/data.
• Ensure Sufficient Storage: Both desktop and mobile devices need enough storage to accommodate updates.

Tools and Comparisons

When managing multiple versions, third-party software management tools can assist:

• Chocolatey (Windows): A package manager for Windows can automate updates.
• Homebrew (macOS): For advanced macOS users, Homebrew can manage app updates.

FAQ

1. Why isn’t my Discord updating automatically?

Automatic update failures can result from connectivity issues, insufficient permissions, or software glitches. Ensure you have a stable internet connection and have granted the necessary permissions to the app. Restarting the device often resolves these problems.

2. Can I revert to a previous version of Discord if I dislike the update?

Reverting isn't officially supported by Discord. However, you can uninstall the current version and try finding a standalone installer for a previous version, though this isn't recommended due the potential security risks of using outdated software.

3. How often does Discord release updates?

Discord updates its platform frequently, with several minor updates released every month to improve functionality and security. Major updates with significant feature additions might occur quarterly or bi-annually, depending on development cycles.

4. Is it safe to skip updates?

It is generally unsafe to skip updates, as they often contain security patches. Failing to update Discord can leave your system vulnerable to security breaches or bugs that may affect performance.

Summary

To keep Discord on the cutting edge with security patches, performance improvements, and new features, make sure to regularly update the app. Whether on desktop or mobile, understanding how to update Discord is vital to maintaining an optimized and secure communication platform. Use this guide to troubleshoot issues, employ package management tools for automation, and ensure auto-updates are enabled.

• To update on desktop, launch Discord, and refresh.
• On Android, visit the Google Play Store.
• For iOS, check the App Store.
• Combat update issues by ensuring good connectivity and adequate storage.

With continual updates and advancements, keeping your Discord client updated ensures you don’t miss out on enhancements and keeps your communication protected.