Pinning a message in a Discord channel lets you keep important information visible and easy to find for all members. Instead of scrolling through hundreds of messages to find an announcement, rule update, or link, you can pin it to the top of the channel. This feature works on desktop and mobile versions of Discord. This article explains how to pin and unpin messages, manage pinned messages, and avoid common mistakes when using pins.
Key Takeaways: Pinning Messages in Discord Channels
- Right-click > Pin Message: Attaches the selected message to the top of the channel for all members to see.
- Channel icon > Pinned Messages: Opens the full list of all pinned messages in that channel.
- Unpin via Pinned Messages panel: Removes a message from the pinned list without deleting the original message.
What Does Pinning a Message Do in Discord?
Pinning a message places it at the top of the channel in a special section called Pinned Messages. The message remains in the normal chat flow as well. Any member with the Manage Messages permission can pin messages. Pins are useful for sharing server rules, event details, important links, or onboarding instructions. A channel can have up to 50 pinned messages at one time. If you reach the limit, you must unpin older messages before pinning new ones.
Steps to Pin a Message in a Discord Channel
The steps differ slightly between the desktop app and the mobile app. Both methods achieve the same result. You need the Manage Messages permission in the channel to pin a message.
On Desktop (Windows, Mac, or Browser)
- Open the channel
Navigate to the server and channel where the message you want to pin is located. - Hover over the message
Move your mouse cursor over the message you want to pin. Three icons appear on the right side of the message: a smiley face, a pencil, and a plus sign in a circle. - Click the plus sign icon
Click the circle with a plus sign. This opens a small menu with the option Pin Message. - Click Pin Message
Discord shows a confirmation pop-up. Click the blue Pin button to confirm.
On Mobile (iOS and Android)
- Open the channel
Go to the server and channel that contains the message. - Long-press the message
Press and hold your finger on the message until a menu appears. - Tap Pin
Scroll through the menu options and tap Pin. The message is immediately pinned without a confirmation pop-up.
How to View Pinned Messages in a Channel
Once a message is pinned, anyone in the channel can view it. On desktop, click the pushpin icon at the top-right of the channel header. On mobile, tap the channel name at the top of the screen, then tap Pinned Messages. A panel opens showing all pinned messages in reverse chronological order, with the most recent pin at the top.
How to Unpin a Message
- Open the Pinned Messages panel
Click the pushpin icon on desktop or tap the channel name > Pinned Messages on mobile. - Find the message you want to unpin
Scroll through the list to locate the message. - Click or tap the X icon
On desktop, hover over the pinned message and click the X that appears on the right. On mobile, tap the three dots next to the message and select Unpin. - Confirm the unpin
A pop-up asks if you are sure. Click Unpin or tap Yes to confirm.
Common Mistakes and Limitations When Pinning Messages
You Don’t Have the Manage Messages Permission
Only members with the Manage Messages permission can pin or unpin messages. If the option is grayed out or missing, ask a server admin or moderator to grant you that permission or to pin the message for you.
The Channel Reaches 50 Pinned Messages
Discord allows a maximum of 50 pinned messages per channel. When you reach that limit, you must unpin an existing message before pinning a new one. Consider unpinning outdated announcements or resolved discussions to free up space.
Pinned Messages Are Not Editable
You cannot edit a pinned message directly. To update the content, unpin the old message, edit the original message in the chat, and pin it again. Alternatively, send a new message with the updated information and pin that instead.
Deleting a Message Also Removes It from Pins
If a pinned message is deleted by the author or a moderator, it disappears from the Pinned Messages panel as well. There is no way to recover a deleted pinned message. Always make sure the content is final before pinning.
Pinned Messages vs Channel Description vs Server Rules
| Item | Pinned Messages | Channel Description | Server Rules Channel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Location | Top of the channel in a separate panel | Below the channel name in the header | Dedicated channel, often the first channel in the server |
| Capacity | Up to 50 messages per channel | Single text field, up to 500 characters | Unlimited messages and embedded content |
| Best use | Short-term announcements, event links, temporary info | Channel purpose, topic, or permanent description | Server-wide rules, guidelines, and policies |
| Permissions needed to edit | Manage Messages | Manage Channel | Manage Server or Manage Channel |
Pinned messages are ideal for temporary or rotating information. The channel description is better for a permanent summary of the channel’s purpose. A dedicated rules channel works best for server-wide policies that all members must read.