The steps to transfer server ownership
To transfer ownership of a Discord server, you go to Server Settings, select the Members tab, find the person you want to make owner, click the three dots next to their name, and select "Transfer Ownership". Discord will ask you to type the server name to confirm. The person you transfer to becomes the new owner when ready, and you drop to the highest role below owner — usually Administrator if that role exists.
The transfer is permanent and when ready. The new owner can change all server settings, delete the server, and transfer it again. You cannot undo the transfer through Discord's interface, so you should be certain about who you're giving it to before you confirm.
Only the current server owner can transfer ownership. If you are not the owner, you cannot start this process, and the owner must do it themselves. If the owner has left Discord or is unreachable, there is no way to transfer ownership through normal channels — the server remains under their account until they return or delete it.
Key Takeaways
- Only the current server owner can transfer ownership by going to Server Settings > Members, finding the new owner, and selecting "Transfer Ownership" from their menu.
- The transfer takes effect when ready and cannot be reversed through Discord, so confirm the new owner's identity and intentions before completing it.
- The previous owner becomes a regular member or keeps their highest non-owner role, such as Administrator, after the transfer.
- If the current owner is inactive or unreachable, there is no way to transfer ownership without their action.
What happens to your permissions after the transfer
After you transfer ownership, your role in the server changes automatically. If you have an Administrator role, you keep it and retain all the permissions that role carries — you can still manage members, edit channels, and change most settings. If you do not have a custom role set up, you become a regular member with no special permissions.
The new owner can change your role at any time, remove you from the server, or demote you further. They have full control over the server structure and can reorganize roles, channels, and permissions however they want. If you want to keep administrative access after transferring ownership, make sure the new owner understands that expectation before you hand over control.
When you cannot transfer ownership and what to do instead
You cannot transfer ownership if you are not the current owner. If you manage the server but do not own it, you need the owner to perform the transfer themselves. Send them a message with the exact steps: Server Settings > Members > find the person's name > three dots > Transfer Ownership > type the server name to confirm.
If the owner is inactive, banned from Discord, or has deleted their account, the server is stuck under their ownership. Discord does not reassign ownership in these cases. The only option is to create a new server and invite members to move there. You can export some server data like channel names and roles, but you cannot transfer the original server's identity, message history, or invite link.
If the owner is still active but unreachable, try reaching them through other platforms — email, text, or a shared social media account. If they have abandoned the server and you cannot contact them, creating a new server is the practical solution.
Preparing for ownership transfer
Before you transfer ownership, decide whether the new owner should have full control or whether you want to keep some administrative authority. If you want to stay involved in major decisions, discuss that with them now. Once they own the server, they can remove your access entirely, so this conversation matters.
Check that the new owner has a Discord account in good standing — not suspended, not recently created, and not flagged for violations. If their account has problems, Discord may restrict what they can do with the server, and you will have already given up control. Ask them to log in and confirm their account works before you start the transfer.
Back up anything you need to keep. Take screenshots of important channel topics, pinned messages, or role structures. Discord does not provide a built-in server backup tool, so if the new owner deletes channels or changes settings you want to remember, screenshots are your only record.
How the new owner's first actions affect the server
The new owner can when ready change the server name, description, icon, and banner. They can delete channels, create new ones, and reorganize the entire structure. They can also change all role permissions, remove members, and alter who can see what channels.
If the new owner is inexperienced with Discord, they might accidentally delete important channels or change settings in ways that break the server's workflow. If you are concerned about this, stay in the server after the transfer and offer to help them navigate the settings. You can guide them through common tasks without needing owner permissions.
The new owner also inherits all the server's bots, integrations, and webhooks. If any of these are tied to your personal account or email, you should update those connections so the new owner can manage them. For example, if a bot is connected to your email address, change the email to theirs or to a shared account before the transfer.
Transferring ownership of a server you no longer want to run
If you are stepping back from running the server, transferring ownership is cleaner than just leaving. When you leave without transferring, the server stays under your name, and members cannot promote anyone to owner status. The highest-ranking person becomes a de facto leader, but they cannot access owner settings or make permanent structural changes.
By transferring ownership, you make it clear who is in charge and give them the tools to manage the server properly. You can also set expectations about what you will and will not do after the transfer — whether you are staying as a regular member, an advisor, or leaving entirely.
If you transfer to someone and then change your mind, you cannot take it back. The new owner would have to transfer it back to you, and they are under no obligation to do so. Make sure this is what you want before you confirm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer ownership to someone who is not in the server yet?
No. The person must be a member of the server before you can transfer ownership to them. Invite them first, wait for them to join, then go to Server Settings > Members and find their name in the list. After they are in the server, you can transfer ownership.
What if I transfer ownership and the new owner deletes the server?
Once you transfer ownership, you cannot stop them from deleting the server. Only the owner can delete a server, and you will have no say in the decision. If you are worried about this, do not transfer to someone you do not trust completely, or discuss server preservation as a condition of the transfer.
Does the new owner see my old messages and private information?
The new owner can see all messages posted in public channels and can read the server's audit log, which shows actions taken by members and moderators. They cannot see your direct messages or read private conversations you had outside the server. They can, however, see your account name, join date, and roles.
Can I transfer ownership to a bot?
No. You can only transfer ownership to a real Discord user account. Bots are not may be able to access for ownership. If you want a bot to have administrative control, give it the Administrator role instead, but a human account must remain the owner.
How long does the transfer take?
The transfer is when ready. Once you type the server name and click confirm, the new owner becomes the owner when ready. There is no waiting period or approval process. The change shows up in the server settings right away.