How to set up Discord AutoMod
Turn on Discord’s built-in AutoMod to block spam, mention raids, and unwanted words, and choose the right action for each rule.
Updated , 5 min read
AutoMod is Discord’s built-in filter. It checks messages before they’re posted and can block them, alert your mods, or time the sender out. It’s free, fast, and doesn’t need a bot.
Where to find it
Open Server Settings and go to Safety Setup, then AutoMod. You need Manage Server permission. Some rule types need Community to be on.
Rules worth turning on
- Block suspected spam content. Catches common spam and scam messages.
- Block mention spam. Set a limit of unique mentions per message (5 to 10 suits most servers) and time out the sender. This stops mention raids.
- Block commonly flagged words. Discord’s preset lists for insults and slurs, sexual content, and severe profanity. Pick the ones that fit your community.
- Custom keywords. Your own list: scam domains, spoiler terms, words specific to your community. Wildcards like
*word*catch variations. - Block words in member profiles. Stops offensive usernames and nicknames.
Choosing actions
Each rule can block the message (with an optional custom explanation to the sender), send an alert to a private mod channel, and for some rules time out the member. Start with block plus alert, watch the alerts for a week, then tighten or loosen.
Exemptions
Exempt staff roles and channels where a word is legitimately used (for example, a moderation log channel). Administrators and users with Manage Server are always exempt.
Beyond AutoMod
Combine it with a Medium or higher verification level and Rules Screening. The server health check shows which of these your server has on.