If you’re a gamer or a member of an online community, chances are you’ve heard of Discord. This platform has become a staple for communication and collaboration for gamers and non-gamers alike. One of the key features of Discord is the ability to make voice and video calls, which can be a great way to connect with friends, family, or colleagues. However, if you’re new to Discord, you may be wondering how to make a call on the platform. This ultimate guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make a call on a Discord server.
Discord is a free voice and text communication platform that allows users to create or join servers, which are essentially chat rooms with different channels. In addition to voice and video calls, Discord also offers screen sharing and file sharing, making it a versatile platform for collaboration.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything from what Discord is and how it works, to step-by-step instructions on how to make a voice or video call, tips for a smooth call experience, and troubleshooting common issues you may encounter.
So, whether you’re a seasoned Discord user looking to up your call game or a new user looking to connect with others, keep reading to learn everything you need to know about making a call on a Discord server.
What is Discord and How Does It Work?
Discord is a communication platform designed for creating communities and socializing with like-minded individuals. Originally created for gamers, Discord is now used by people from all walks of life. This platform offers a variety of features, including voice and video calls, chat channels, and the ability to share files and media.
Discord allows users to join or create a server, which is essentially a community or group with its own set of rules and channels. Within a server, users can join specific channels for different topics of conversation. These channels can be text-based or voice-based, depending on the user’s preference.
Discord’s user interface is user-friendly, and its design is simple and intuitive. Users can easily navigate through the platform and customize their settings. Discord also offers a variety of integrations with other services, such as Spotify and YouTube, making it an all-in-one communication platform.
Discord is available for desktop and mobile devices, making it accessible for users on-the-go. The platform is free to use, with the option to upgrade to a paid version for additional features.
Overall, Discord is an all-encompassing communication platform that allows users to connect with others and create communities around shared interests. With its user-friendly interface and diverse range of features, it has become a popular choice for online socializing and communication.
What is Discord and How Does It Work?
What is Discord?
Discord is a communication platform designed for gamers that allows users to communicate with one another via text, voice, and video. It is a free service that can be accessed through a web browser or downloaded as a standalone app on desktop and mobile devices.
Discord is primarily used by gamers, but it has expanded to include communities for hobbies, interest groups, and businesses as well. It offers features such as customizable servers, text and voice channels, and role-based permissions.
Discord also allows users to join existing servers or create their own, inviting friends and like-minded individuals to participate in discussions and activities.
- Voice and Text Chat: Discord offers both voice and text chat, allowing users to communicate in real-time.
- Customizable Servers: Users can create or join servers that can be customized with different channels, roles, and permissions to fit their specific needs.
- Screen Sharing: Discord allows users to share their screens with others, making it easy to collaborate on projects or share content with friends.
Discord is designed to be user-friendly and intuitive, making it accessible to users of all skill levels.
How to Make a Voice Call on Discord
If you’re new to Discord, making a voice call may seem intimidating at first, but it’s actually quite simple. Here are the steps to make a voice call on Discord:
Step 1: Open the Discord application and select the server where you want to make the call.
Step 2: Click on the voice channel that you want to join. If the voice channel is locked, you may need to ask the server owner or a server administrator to grant you access.
Step 3: Once you’re in the voice channel, click on the “Start Call” button to initiate the voice call.
Step 4: Wait for the other participants to join the call. You can see who is in the call by looking at the list of participants on the right side of the screen.
Making a voice call on Discord is a great way to communicate with others while gaming or working remotely. Keep in mind that you can also use Discord to make video calls and send text messages.
Setting Up Your Microphone
Before making a voice call on Discord, it’s important to ensure that your microphone is set up properly to avoid any potential issues. Check your device settings to make sure your microphone is selected as the input device. If your microphone is not working, try restarting your device or checking the connection.
It’s also important to adjust your microphone settings to ensure that your voice is clear and audible to others. Test your microphone by recording your voice and playing it back to check the volume and clarity. Adjust the input volume if necessary to avoid any distortion or background noise.
If you’re using a headset or external microphone, make sure it’s properly connected to your device and that the mute button is not engaged. This is a common mistake that can cause issues during a voice call on Discord.
Lastly, consider using headphones during a voice call to avoid any potential feedback or echo. This can improve the overall quality of the call and make it more enjoyable for everyone involved.
Joining a Voice Channel
Once you’ve set up your microphone, it’s time to join a voice channel. Here’s how to do it:
- First, make sure you’re logged in to the server where the voice channel is located. You should see the server name on the left-hand side of your Discord screen.
- Next, click on the voice channel you want to join. You’ll see a headphone icon next to the channel name.
- Click on the headphone icon to join the channel. Once you’re in the channel, you’ll be able to hear other users who are already in the channel.
When you join a voice channel, your microphone will be automatically enabled. This means that other users in the channel will be able to hear you speaking. If you don’t want to use your microphone, you can disable it by clicking on the microphone icon at the bottom of the screen.
It’s important to note that voice channels in Discord are designed for group conversations. If you’re looking for a one-on-one conversation, you can use Discord’s direct messaging feature instead.
Adjusting Your Audio Settings
Once you have joined a voice channel on Discord, it is important to adjust your audio settings to ensure a smooth call. Click on the settings icon in the bottom-left corner of your Discord screen and select “Voice & Video” from the menu.
Here, you can adjust your input and output devices, as well as your input and output volumes. Make sure your microphone is selected as your input device and your headphones or speakers are selected as your output device.
- Input Sensitivity: This setting controls the volume threshold at which your microphone starts transmitting audio. Adjust it based on the volume of your voice and the background noise in your environment.
- Voice Activity: This setting allows you to control how sensitive your microphone is to sound. You can choose to transmit audio only when you are speaking, or have it transmit all audio in your environment.
- Noise Suppression: This setting removes background noise from your microphone input. Turn it on if you are in a noisy environment.
Once you have adjusted your audio settings, make sure to do a quick test call to ensure that everything is working properly. Ask your fellow Discord users if they can hear you clearly, and adjust your settings as needed.
How to Make a Video Call on Discord
If you want to connect with your friends or colleagues face-to-face, you can make a video call on Discord. Here are the steps:
Step 1: Open Discord and start a voice call with the person you want to video chat with.
Step 2: Click the “Camera” icon to turn on your video.
Step 3: Once the other person accepts your call, they’ll be able to see you on video. You can also see them if they turn on their camera.
Step 4: To end the video call, click the “Phone” icon.
Making a video call on Discord is a great way to stay connected with friends or colleagues, no matter where you are. Just make sure you have a stable internet connection to ensure a smooth call experience.
Enabling Your Camera
Before making a video call on Discord, you need to ensure that your camera is enabled on your device. Check the settings of your device to make sure that the camera is switched on. You can also test your camera by using a camera app or a video conferencing platform.
In Discord, click on the voice channel you want to join, then click on the “Video” button to start a video call. Your camera will automatically turn on, and you will see a preview of yourself on the screen.
If you encounter any issues with your camera during the video call, try restarting your device or checking the camera settings in Discord. Make sure that Discord has permission to access your camera and that no other apps are using it simultaneously.
Joining a Video Call
Once you have enabled your camera and set your preferences, joining a video call is simple. You can join a video call in two ways:
- Joining a video call from a server: Click on the server’s voice channel and then click on the video icon to start a video call.
- Joining a video call from a direct message: Open the direct message with the person you want to video call and click on the video icon to start a video call.
Once you click on the video icon, the video call will start, and you will be able to see and hear the other participants. You can mute your microphone or turn off your camera by clicking on the respective icons on the bottom left corner of the screen.
Discord also allows you to share your screen during a video call, which can be useful for presentations, sharing videos, or playing games together. To share your screen, click on the screen share icon in the bottom left corner of the screen.
That’s it! With these simple steps, you can join a video call on Discord and enjoy face-to-face communication with your friends and colleagues.
Screen Sharing on Discord
If you want to share your screen during a video call, Discord makes it easy. Here’s how to do it:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Start a video call with someone. |
| 2 | Click on the “Share Your Screen” button at the bottom of the screen. |
| 3 | Choose whether you want to share your entire screen or just a specific application window. |
| 4 | Click on “Go Live” to start sharing your screen. |
When you’re done sharing your screen, simply click the “Stop Sharing” button.
Screen sharing on Discord can be helpful for a variety of reasons, from sharing a presentation to troubleshooting technical issues with a friend or colleague. With these simple steps, you’ll be able to share your screen with ease.
Tips for a Smooth Discord Call
Check your internet connection: A stable internet connection is crucial for a smooth Discord call. Make sure to close any unnecessary apps or downloads that may slow down your connection.
Use a quality microphone and headset: Investing in a quality microphone and headset can make a huge difference in the clarity of your voice and sound quality.
Avoid background noise: Find a quiet place to make your call and avoid any background noise that may disrupt the call. Use headphones to minimize noise and prevent echoing.
Mute yourself when not speaking: When you’re not speaking, mute yourself to prevent any unnecessary background noise. This will make the call more pleasant for everyone involved.
Use a Stable Internet Connection
Internet speed can have a huge impact on the quality of your Discord call. It’s recommended to have a download speed of at least 3 Mbps and an upload speed of at least 1 Mbps for a smooth voice call.
If you’re experiencing connectivity issues, try restarting your router or modem. If possible, connect your device to the internet via ethernet cable rather than using Wi-Fi, which can be less stable.
Close other apps and tabs that might be using up bandwidth on your device. Video streaming, downloads, and online gaming can all impact your internet connection and affect the quality of your call.
If you’re still having issues, try relocating closer to your router or modem. Walls and other obstacles can weaken your Wi-Fi signal, causing connectivity problems.
Close Unnecessary Applications
Minimize distractions: Close all applications that are not needed during the call, such as social media or email clients.
Reduce CPU usage: Unnecessary applications can also use up valuable processing power that could be better used by Discord. Closing them will free up more resources for your call.
Prevent crashes: Closing unnecessary applications can help prevent crashes during the call, which can interrupt the flow of conversation and cause frustration for all participants.
Troubleshooting Common Discord Call Issues
Issue 1: Can’t hear other participants
If you’re having trouble hearing other participants on your Discord call, first check your audio settings to make sure your speakers or headphones are properly connected and turned on. If the issue persists, try leaving the call and rejoining or restarting Discord. You can also try adjusting the input and output volumes in Discord’s voice settings.
Issue 2: Echo or feedback
If you or other participants are experiencing echo or feedback during a call, it could be due to several factors such as a microphone too close to the speakers or multiple audio sources active at the same time. Try muting your microphone when you’re not speaking or using headphones to reduce the feedback loop. You can also adjust the audio settings in Discord to reduce the echo.
Issue 3: Connection problems
If you’re experiencing connection problems during a call, first check your internet connection to make sure it’s stable and strong. You can also try leaving the call and rejoining, or switching to a different server location. If the issue persists, it could be a problem with Discord’s servers, so you may need to wait for the issue to resolve on its own.
Issue 4: Video or screen sharing issues
If you’re having trouble with video or screen sharing during a call, check your camera or screen settings to make sure they’re properly connected and enabled. You can also try restarting Discord or your device, or switching to a different browser if you’re using Discord in a web browser. If the issue persists, it could be a problem with your device or internet connection, so try troubleshooting those as well.
Microphone Not Working
If you’re having trouble with your microphone during a Discord call, there are a few things you can try to troubleshoot the issue.
Check your microphone settings: Ensure that your microphone is selected as the input device in your Discord settings. You can access this by clicking on the gear icon next to your username and selecting “Voice & Video.”
Check your physical connections: Make sure your microphone is properly connected to your device, and that any necessary drivers are installed. Test your microphone on another device to determine if the issue is with the device or the microphone itself.
Unable to Hear Other Participants
If you can’t hear other participants on your Discord call, try the following:
Check your audio output device: Make sure that your headphones or speakers are correctly plugged in and that the volume is turned up.
Check Discord audio settings: Go to User Settings > Voice & Video and make sure that the input and output devices are correctly selected. Also, make sure that the input and output volumes are turned up.
Restart the call: Sometimes, connection issues can cause audio problems. Try leaving the call and joining again to see if this fixes the issue.