How to Add a Bot to Your Discord Server (Beginner’s Guide)

Adding a bot to Discord is quick once you know the steps. Whether it’s moderation, music, or your own custom bot, here’s exactly how to invite it and set it up correctly.

Before You Start

You need Manage Server permission on the server you’re adding the bot to. If it’s your server, you’re set.

Step 1 - Get the Bot’s Invite Link

Every bot has an OAuth2 invite URL with the bot and applications.commands scopes plus the permissions it needs. If you built the bot, you generate this in the Discord Developer Portal; if you deployed via SpawnBots, the dashboard gives you a ready-made invite link.

Step 2 - Choose the Server

Open the invite link, pick your server from the dropdown, and review the requested permissions. Grant only what the bot needs (moderation bots need Kick/Ban; music bots need Connect/Speak).

Step 3 - Confirm and Verify

Authorize, complete the captcha, and the bot appears in your member list. Within a minute it should be online (green dot). Try a slash command like /help to confirm it responds.

Bot Online but Not Responding?

• Check the bot has permission to read/send messages in that channel
• Enable required Gateway Intents (e.g., Message Content) in the Developer Portal
• Confirm the token is correct and the bot process is running

Don’t have a bot yet? Create one free on SpawnBots - pick a template, paste your token, and get an invite link instantly.