Sometimes an update to Discord will introduce features, and sometimes an update will be nothing more than a few simple fixes. Either way, you’ll want to update Discord as the updates come in. But how exactly do you update Discord? Well, that depends on the platform you’re on. Updating the Discord app on Windows desktops and laptops is naturally different from updating the Discord app on Android. Fear not though, with a little help from our handy guide, and from Wumpus (the Discord mascot), we’ll walk you through the process and you can make sure you’re always up to date.
How to update Discord on Windows desktops
The really nice thing about the Discord app on Windows desktops and laptops, is that it will constantly check for updates for you. If it finds an update, then you’re alerted to this by a little “download” icon that sits in the top right corner of the app UI. It’s usually green and when you click it the download starts. Which results in the app being updated. Discord will check for any updates every time you launch the app. But how do you update Discord by forcing a manual check? You can do this in a couple of ways. And it’s pretty easy to do. This process will also work for machines running on MacOS.
Close down Discord
If you close down Discord, then it will check for any updates that are available the next time you launch it. You’ll need to close the app from the system tray so it’s no longer running in the background. Simply closing the Discord app window doesn’t shut it down all the way. Do this, and then re-launch Discord to force a check. If an update is available, Discord will tell you and you can update it.
Use the keyboard shortcut to reset the app
You can also force a check by resetting the app. This can be done without closing the Discord app from the system tray. Meaning you can leave it open and the app will essentially refresh itself, then check for any available updates. To do this on Windows PCs, simultaneously press the ctrl and R keys and the app will reset itself. On Mac PCs, the process is the same but instead of the ctrl key you’re pressing the command key and the R key simultaneously.
How to update the app on Android
This process should be pretty self explanatory especially if you’ve been using an Android device for a while. App updates on mobile are handled in two ways, either automatically where the app store updates for you as soon as an update appears, or you can update the app manually by checking yourself. If auto updates are disabled. Whether it’s Android or iOS, a smartphone or a tablet, it doesn’t matter. Updates are automatic or manual the same across all of those devices.
Tap the Play Store icon to launch the app
So, if you’re on Android open up the Play Store.
Tap on your avatar
Look for the avatar in the top right corner of the Play Store app once you’ve launched it. This brings up the menu with a bunch of options.
Tap manage apps & device
In the menu, tap on the manage apps & device option to show an overview of all of your apps with available updates and whether there are any harmful apps found. The second option you see in this menu will be updates available. Tap on this option to see all your available updates and then you can either hit update all or find Discord in the list and update that app only. If there’s an update to begin with. For iOS users, the process is the same here. Open the App Store and the navigate to wherever your available updates are listed, search for Discord and update if available. And that’s it! Now you know how to make sure Discord is always the most up to date. If you’re new to Discord, you can grab the desktop app here, and the Android app here.
