What is the Difference Between a Ban and a Kick on Discord?

The core difference between a ban and a kick on Discord lies in their permanency and the mechanism for rejoining a server. A kick is a temporary removal, allowing a user to rejoin a server with a valid invite link. Conversely, a ban is a more permanent exclusion, preventing a user from rejoining unless the ban is manually lifted. Think of it like this: a kick is like being asked to leave the room for a moment, while a ban is like having your access revoked entirely. This distinction is critical for server administrators to understand when managing their communities on Discord. It influences how they maintain order and deal with users who may not be adhering to the server rules. Understanding these differences ensures that the appropriate action is taken for each situation, maintaining a positive and organized environment.

Understanding Kicks on Discord

Temporary Removal

When you kick someone from a Discord server, you’re effectively removing them from the server at that moment. However, this action doesn’t prevent them from rejoining. If the user has an active invite link, they can immediately rejoin the server. It’s like gently ushering someone out the door, but the door is still unlocked.

Why Kick Someone?

Server moderators or admins might use the kick function for a variety of reasons, including:

• Minor Infractions: If someone is causing minor disturbances or momentarily breaking the server rules, a kick serves as a warning without completely cutting off their access.
• Temporary Suspension: Sometimes, a user might be asked to leave briefly to cool down or to address an ongoing issue. A kick can offer that temporary separation.
• Housekeeping: If the server needs to adjust user roles or perform other administrative actions, a kick might temporarily remove a user.
• Non-Serious Misbehavior: When someone is not following the rules but the violation is not considered severe enough for a full ban, a kick provides a softer approach.

The User Experience After a Kick

From the perspective of the kicked user, they will be abruptly removed from the server. They can then use a valid invite link to rejoin at any time, unless, of course, the kick has been followed by a ban. It’s a temporary setback, not a permanent exclusion.

Understanding Bans on Discord

Permanent Exclusion

A ban on Discord is significantly different. It’s a permanent removal, preventing a user from rejoining the server through any means. Even with a valid invite link, they will not be able to get back in unless a server administrator takes specific actions to lift the ban. This is akin to locking a user out of the metaphorical building and throwing away the key.

Why Ban Someone?

Server bans are typically employed for more serious infractions, including:

• Severe Rule Violations: When a user flagrantly disregards the server’s rules, often repeatedly or causing significant disruption.
• Harassment or Bullying: If a user is engaging in abusive or harassing behavior towards other members of the community.
• Spamming or Botting: Those who flood the server with spam or automated bot activity.
• Malicious Behavior: Any action meant to deliberately harm the server or its members.
• Repeated offenses: When someone continues to violate server rules, or commits several less serious violations, after being previously kicked, a ban is often the next course of action.

The User Experience After a Ban

When someone is banned, they are completely blocked from rejoining the server. They will not see the server in their server list and any attempts to use an invite link will be unsuccessful. This is a much stricter measure aimed at protecting the server and its members from further harm.

How to Lift a Ban

The only way a banned user can rejoin the server is if a server administrator manually unbans them. This is typically done by going into the server settings and removing their name from the ban list.

The Hybrid Approach: Kicking Then Banning

Discord provides a combination approach to dealing with troublesome users. An administrator can kick a user and then immediately issue a ban. This ensures that they can not immediately rejoin using the invite link. Using this approach effectively means that you can use a kick as a first measure, and then a ban if the user continues to violate server rules.

The Importance of the Audit Log

Discord maintains an audit log that records all administrative actions taken on a server, including kicks and bans. This log helps server administrators and moderators track user removals, review actions, and maintain transparency within the server. The audit log ensures that a historical record of server management is readily available and easily searchable.

Discord Warnings vs Bans

Discord now gives out warnings to users violating rules before moving to bans. If a user breaks a rule, they will receive a DM from Discord that will explain the violation, the action that is being taken and the warning being given. However, repeat offenders and users who commit serious offenses, might receive longer bans or even a permanent ban.

IP Bans on Discord

Discord allows IP bans. Every ban is essentially an IP ban. This means that the person will not be able to access the server from a new account on the same internet network. This is very effective when trying to ensure that a banned person is kept out of your server.

Conclusion

The difference between a kick and a ban on Discord is essential for maintaining a healthy and organized server environment. Kicks are temporary removals and can act as warnings, while bans are permanent exclusions used for serious infractions. Server administrators must understand the nuances of both functions to ensure they use the appropriate action for each situation. Using the kick followed by a ban approach when necessary ensures that repeat offenders cannot keep returning. And, it is important to keep in mind that there is no way for a banned user to get back into the server, unless they are unbanned by an administrator.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can a kicked user rejoin a server even if they don’t have an invite?

No, a user needs a valid invite link to rejoin a server after being kicked. Without an invite link, they cannot get back in.

2. How can I tell if I’ve been kicked or banned from a Discord server?

If you’ve been kicked, you will no longer see the server in your server list but can rejoin with an invite link. If you’ve been banned, the server will also be gone from your list, and you will be unable to rejoin using an invite link.

3. How can I appeal a Discord ban?

The most direct approach is to contact the server’s administration team to discuss the situation. Otherwise, you can use a VPN to try and get around the ban.

4. Can I ban someone after kicking them?

Yes, you can kick someone and then immediately ban them to prevent them from rejoining. This is a way of taking immediate action and preventing them from re-entering the server.

5. Does Discord notify users when they are kicked or banned?

Discord does not directly notify users if they are kicked from a server. Banned users are also not directly notified, but they will discover it when attempting to rejoin the server with an invite link.

6. Can I see who has been kicked or banned from my server?

Yes, Discord provides an audit log that records all actions taken by server moderators and administrators. In this log, you can view all kicks and bans along with who initiated the action.

7. What happens if I accidentally ban someone on Discord?

You can go to the ban list in server settings and remove them from the list. This will allow the user to rejoin the server.

8. How long does a Discord server ban last?

A server ban lasts indefinitely unless manually lifted by a server administrator.

9. Is there a difference between a server ban and a platform ban on Discord?

Yes, a server ban prevents access to a specific server, while a platform ban (which is rare) restricts access to Discord itself.

10. Can someone create a new account to bypass a Discord ban?

Yes, creating a new account can bypass a server ban, however, Discord can sometimes detect this and ban the new account. If the user was also IP banned, they would have to bypass the IP ban as well to be able to access the server with a new account.

11. Does Discord ever warn users before banning them?

Yes, Discord has started to limit the features of rule breakers instead of outright banning them. Users violating rules will receive a DM from Discord explaining the violation, the action that is being taken, and the warning they are being given.

12. Can my IP address be banned on Discord?

Yes, Discord allows IP bans, which are usually automatically included in a server ban. This is usually more effective than a standard server ban.

13. Is it possible to bypass a Discord IP ban?

Yes, you can bypass an IP ban by using a VPN (Virtual Private Network), proxy server, or Tor browser, however, using these tools has its own risks that need to be considered.

14. What is a Discord shadow ban?

A shadow ban occurs when your posts are not visible to others, but you are not notified of any action taken. It is usually a way to stop spammers or other rule breakers from engaging with the community.

15. How can I keep my Discord server safe from rule breakers?

Establishing clear rules, training moderators, utilizing Discord bots for moderation, and making use of the audit logs are some ways you can improve your servers security. Ensure that you use both kicks and bans when necessary, and keep your server a safe and welcoming space for all users.