Search Authority

Download Discord on Mac: Free Guide for 2024

Mac users often ask whether they can download Discord to enjoy group voice, video, and text communication on Apple Silicon and Intel Macs. The platform supports macOS, so you ca...

Mara Ellison
Download Discord on Mac: Free Guide for 2024

Mac users often ask whether they can download Discord to enjoy group voice, video, and text communication on Apple Silicon and Intel Macs. The platform supports macOS, so you can install and run Discord with a few straightforward steps.

This article outlines what you need to know about downloading, installing, and running Discord on macOS, including system requirements and security considerations.

Platform Architecture Minimum macOS Version App Store Availability
macOS Apple Silicon (M1, M2, M3) macOS 11 Big Sur or later Not available; direct download from Discord
macOS Intel x86_64 macOS 10.13 High Sierra or later Not available; direct download from Discord
Installer .dmg package N/A Requires manual drag to Applications
Update Method In-app updates N/A Automatic patch download when online

Downloading Discord on macOS

To download Discord on your Mac, you need to use the official source because the app is not distributed through the Mac App Store.

Official download steps

Visit the Discord website, select macOS, and click the Download button. The resulting .dmg file can be opened directly after it finishes.

Installing and Setting Up Discord for Mac

After downloading the .dmg, drag the Discord icon into your Applications folder to complete the installation. macOS may prompt you to confirm opening the app due to security policies around unidentified developers.

Open Discord and sign in with your existing account or create a new one. You can then access direct messages, servers, and add applications and screen share for calls.

System Requirements and Performance on Mac

Discord on Mac runs on both Apple Silicon and Intel processors, with varying performance depending on hardware generation and system resources.

Requirement Apple Silicon Macs Intel Macs Recommended for Smooth Use
Processor M1, M2, M3 series Core i5 or equivalent M2 or Core i7 and above
Memory 8 GB RAM minimum 8 GB RAM minimum 16 GB RAM or more
macOS Version macOS 11 or later macOS 10.13 or later Latest macOS update
Network Broadband connection recommended Broadband connection recommended Stable Wi‑Fi or wired Ethernet

Security, Updates, and Privacy on macOS

Always install Discord from the official website to avoid tampered versions. The app receives frequent updates that patch vulnerabilities and add features for privacy on Mac.

Permissions and data handling

During installation, Discord asks for permissions such as camera, microphone, and files and folders. Review these settings in System Settings to limit access when necessary.

Best Practices for Using Discord on macOS

  • Download Discord only from the official website to ensure authenticity and safety.
  • Keep macOS and Discord updated to benefit from security improvements and new features.
  • Review app permissions regularly and disable camera or microphone when not needed.
  • Use a stable internet connection to reduce latency and improve call quality.
  • Organize servers and use notification settings to manage alerts effectively.

FAQ

Reader questions

Can I install Discord from the Mac App Store on macOS?

No, Discord is not distributed through the Mac App Store. You must download the installer from the official Discord website for macOS.

Will Discord run on an M2 MacBook Air without issues?

Yes, Discord runs natively on Apple Silicon Macs like the M2 MacBook Air, with support for dark mode and system notifications.

How do I allow Discord through the macOS firewall?

Open System Settings, go to Privacy & Security, then Firewall. Click Firewall Options, find Discord, and choose Allow incoming connections.

Can I use Discord without downloading the desktop app on Mac?

You can use the web version in a browser at discord.com, but the desktop app provides better performance and access to notifications.

Related Reading

More pages in this topic cluster.

Who Designed the Nike Logo? The Story Behind the Swoosh

The Nike swoosh is one of the most recognizable symbols in the world, but few people know the story behind its creation. This piece explores who designed the Nike logo, why it h...

Read next
What is the World's Hottest Pepper? 🌶️🔥

When people ask about the world's hottest pepper, they usually mean the variety that currently holds the Guinness World Record and pushes the boundaries of capsaicin heat. Peppe...

Read next
Jon Huertas in This Is Us:角色, 出演时期与剧情影响详解

Jon Huertas 在《这就是我们》中饰演成年 Kevin Pearson,这一角色从2016年首播持续至2022年最终季,构成了剧集核心家庭叙事的重要组成部�...

Read next