When you run a Discord server, you control who can use emojis from other servers in your chat channels. By default, members can only use emojis that belong to your own server unless you grant a specific permission. The “Use External Emojis” permission controls this ability, and enabling it in the wrong places can lead to spam or unwanted content. This article explains what the permission does, when it makes sense to enable it, and how to configure it for different roles.
Key Takeaways: Discord External Emoji Permission Settings
- Server Settings > Roles > Permissions > Use External Emojis: Toggle this on or off per role to control emoji access.
- Channel-specific override: Disable the permission in text channels where you want to restrict external emojis.
- Discord Nitro subscribers: Nitro users can use external emojis anywhere, even if the server permission is off, due to their subscription benefits.
What the “Use External Emojis” Permission Controls
The “Use External Emojis” permission in Discord lets members use emojis from servers they do not belong to. For example, if a member has access to a popular emoji server like Emoji.gg, they can use those emojis in your server only if this permission is enabled. Without it, members are limited to emojis uploaded directly to your server.
This permission works alongside Discord Nitro. Nitro subscribers can use external emojis from any server they have joined, regardless of this permission setting. For non-Nitro users, the server-level permission is required.
How the Permission Interacts with Discord Nitro
Discord Nitro provides a global benefit: the ability to use custom emojis from any server the user has joined. This means a Nitro user can use external emojis in your server even if you disable the permission. The server permission only affects non-Nitro users. Server administrators cannot override Nitro benefits at the server level.
Channel-Specific Overrides
You can set the “Use External Emojis” permission differently per channel. For example, you might allow external emojis in a general chat channel but disable them in a support channel where you want to keep messages clean. Use the channel permissions tab to create these overrides.
Steps to Configure the “Use External Emojis” Permission
Follow these steps to enable or disable the permission for a specific role or channel.
Enable or Disable for a Role
- Open Server Settings
Click your server name at the top-left of the Discord window. Select Server Settings from the dropdown menu. - Go to Roles
In the left sidebar, click Roles. A list of all roles appears. - Select a Role
Click the role you want to edit. For example, click “@everyone” to affect all members. - Scroll to Permission Toggles
Under the Permissions section, scroll down to find Use External Emojis. - Toggle the Permission
Click the green checkmark to enable the permission, or the red X to disable it. The change takes effect immediately.
Set a Channel-Specific Override
- Right-Click a Text Channel
In the channel list, right-click the channel you want to modify. Select Edit Channel. - Open Permissions Tab
In the left sidebar of the channel settings, click Permissions. - Add a Role or Member Override
Click the + icon next to Roles/Members. Select the role or member you want to override. - Toggle Use External Emojis
Scroll to Use External Emojis. Click the green checkmark to allow or the red X to deny. Click Save Changes.
Common Mistakes and Things to Avoid
Enabling the Permission for @everyone
Enabling “Use External Emojis” for the @everyone role allows all members to use any emoji from any server they have access to. This can lead to spammy or inappropriate emoji usage. Instead, enable it only for trusted roles like “Members” or “Regulars.”
Not Understanding Nitro Override
Some server administrators disable the permission thinking it blocks all external emoji usage. Nitro users will still be able to use external emojis. If you want to block all external emojis, you cannot do so at the server level for Nitro users. Consider discussing this with your community if it becomes an issue.
Forgetting to Test Changes
After changing the permission, test it by logging in as a non-Nitro member. Try to use an emoji from another server. If the emoji appears grayed out or does not send, the permission is correctly disabled. If it works, the permission is enabled.
Using External Emojis in Channel Names or Topics
External emojis cannot be used in channel names, channel topics, or server descriptions. The permission only applies to messages sent in text channels. Do not expect to use external emojis in other areas of the server.
| Item | External Emojis Enabled | External Emojis Disabled |
|---|---|---|
| Non-Nitro users | Can use emojis from any server they have joined | Can only use server-specific emojis |
| Nitro users | Can use emojis from any server regardless of permission | Can still use external emojis due to Nitro benefits |
| Channel overrides | Permission can be toggled per channel | Permission can be toggled per channel |
| Best practice | Enable for trusted roles only | Default for @everyone to avoid spam |
The “Use External Emojis” permission is a simple but powerful tool for managing emoji usage on your Discord server. By configuring it per role and per channel, you can give trusted members more expressive freedom while keeping spam under control. Remember that Nitro users bypass this permission, so plan your moderation accordingly. Next time you set up a new role, review this permission to match your server culture.