Archiving a server removes it from your sidebar but keeps all messages and settings intact

When you archive a server in Discord, the server itself stays on Discord's servers with all its history, channels, and member list unchanged. What changes is that the server disappears from your own sidebar — the list of servers on the left side of your screen. You can unarchive it anytime to bring it back to your sidebar. This is useful when you have servers you no longer actively use but want to keep around for reference, or when your sidebar gets crowded and you need to declutter.

Archiving is different from leaving a server. When you leave, you lose access entirely unless someone invites you back. When you archive, you keep access but just hide it from view. You can still search for and rejoin an archived server from your server list.

Key Takeaways

  • Right-click or long-press the server name in your sidebar, then select "Archive" from the menu to hide it from your list.
  • Archived servers stay on Discord with all messages, channels, and settings preserved — nothing is deleted.
  • You can view all your archived servers by scrolling to the bottom of your sidebar or using the "View Archive" option.
  • Unarchiving a server takes the same steps as archiving: right-click and select "Unarchive" to bring it back to your main sidebar.
  • Server owners and moderators can still manage an archived server, and members can still access it if they know where to find it.

How to archive a server on desktop

On Windows or Mac, right-click the server name or icon in your sidebar on the left. A menu will appear with several options. Look for "Archive" near the bottom of that menu and click it. The server will immediately disappear from your main sidebar.

If you use Discord in a web browser instead of the app, the process is identical — right-click the server name and select "Archive" from the menu that appears.

How to archive a server on mobile

On iPhone or Android, open Discord and look at your server list. Long-press (hold your finger on) the server name or icon until a menu appears. Scroll through the options until you see "Archive" and tap it. The server will disappear from your main list.

If the menu doesn't appear on first try, make sure you're pressing and holding for at least one second before releasing. A quick tap won't trigger the menu.

Where archived servers go and how to find them

After you archive a server, scroll all the way to the bottom of your server sidebar. You'll see a folder or section labeled "Archive" or sometimes just a collapsed area at the very bottom. Click or tap it to see all your archived servers in one place.

On mobile, you may see a small icon or button at the bottom of your server list that says "View Archive" or shows a number of archived servers. Tap that to see the full list. On desktop, the archive section expands and collapses like any other folder.

How to unarchive a server

To bring an archived server back to your main sidebar, open your archive section and find the server you want to unarchive. Right-click it (on desktop) or long-press it (on mobile), then select "Unarchive" from the menu. The server will immediately reappear in your main sidebar, usually at the bottom of your active servers list.

You can archive and unarchive the same server as many times as you want. There's no limit, and it doesn't affect the server's data or anyone else's access to it.

What happens to the server when you archive it

Nothing happens to the actual server. All messages, channels, roles, and settings stay exactly as they were. If you're a server owner or moderator, you can still manage the server from the archive — change settings, delete channels, remove members, or post announcements. Other members can still see and use the server if they're already in it; archiving only affects your own view.

If the server is public and someone has the invite link, they can still join it even though it's archived on your account. Archiving is purely a personal organization tool for your sidebar.

When archiving makes sense

Archive servers you've finished using but might reference later — a completed project server, a seasonal event server, or a group chat that's winding down. Archive servers you're in but don't actively participate in anymore. Archive duplicate servers if you're in multiple versions of the same community. Archive servers you joined out of curiosity but don't plan to use regularly.

Don't archive a server if you think you'll need quick access to it soon. Unarchiving takes only a few seconds, but if you use a server regularly, keeping it in your main sidebar is more convenient. If you're certain you'll never use a server again, leaving it entirely is cleaner than archiving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I archive a server I own?

Yes. Archiving a server you own works the same way as archiving any other server. You'll still be the owner and can manage it from the archive. Other members won't see any change unless you tell them.

Do other people know when I archive a server?

No. Archiving is private to your account. Other members can't see which servers you've archived, and Discord doesn't send any notification when you archive or unarchive.

What if I accidentally archived a server?

Open your archive section at the bottom of your sidebar, find the server, right-click or long-press it, and select "Unarchive." It will return to your main list immediately. You can undo an accidental archive in seconds.

Can I archive multiple servers at once?

No. Discord requires you to archive servers one at a time through the right-click or long-press menu. If you have many servers to organize, you'll need to archive them individually.

Does archiving delete any messages or data?

No. Archiving only hides the server from your sidebar. All messages, files, channels, and settings remain on Discord exactly as they were. You can unarchive anytime and everything will still be there.