Discord AutoMod setup guide: every rule, response and exemption

Where AutoMod lives and who can change it

Open your server, click the server name, then Server Settings > Safety Setup and find the AutoMod section. You need the Manage Server permission to create or edit rules. AutoMod runs on Discord's side, so it keeps working even if a moderation bot goes offline.

Before you start, create a private #mod-log channel that only moderators can see. Every rule will send its alerts there.

Set it up in 10 minutes

1. Create #mod-log (deny View Channel for @everyone, allow for your Moderator role).
2. Enable mention spam: pick a low limit for unique mentions per message, set responses to block message + send alert to #mod-log + timeout.
3. Enable suspected spam content: block message + send alert.
4. Enable commonly flagged words: turn on the preset lists that match your audience; add an allow list for words that are legitimate in your niche.
5. Add a custom keyword rule for scams: phrases like *free nitro*, *steam gift*, *airdrop*, *dm me for*, plus misspellings using * wildcards. Add an optional custom message so members know why a message was blocked.
6. Enable the member profile filter with your slur list and impersonation patterns like *admin*, *support*, *mod* combined with your brand name.
7. On each rule, add exempt roles (Moderator, Team, Instructor) and, if needed, exempt channels (for example a #staff channel).

Picking responses

• Block message: the message never posts. Add a short custom explanation so honest members are not confused.
• Send alert: posts a copy to #mod-log with the member, the matched word and quick actions. Always turn this on so you can spot false positives.
• Timeout member: available on some rule types (mention spam and custom keywords). Use it for scam patterns, not for profanity, so you do not silence a paying student over one word.

Test it before members find the gaps

1. Use a second account (or ask a trusted member) with no exempt roles.
2. Post a test message containing one keyword from each rule and a message with too many mentions.
3. Confirm the message is blocked, the custom explanation shows, and the alert lands in #mod-log.
4. Post a few normal messages in your niche's vocabulary to check for false positives; add those words to the allow list.
5. Review #mod-log weekly for the first month and tune keywords.

Where AutoMod stops and a bot starts

AutoMod handles keywords, mentions and spam well. It does not do warn/strike systems, case logs, or link-domain allow lists the way bots do. If you need those, add one moderation bot such as Carl-bot or Dyno and keep AutoMod as the first line of defense. See MEE6 vs Carl-bot vs Dyno.

Quick answers

discord automod setup guide: where do I find AutoMod?

Server Settings > Safety Setup, in the AutoMod section. You need the Manage Server permission. On mobile, open Server Settings and look for the same safety/AutoMod section.

Does AutoMod need the server to be a Community server?

AutoMod is available in servers without Community enabled. Some safety features in Safety Setup are tied to Community, so check Discord's AutoMod FAQ for the current list.

Can AutoMod use regex?

Yes. Custom keyword rules accept wildcards with * and support regex patterns, plus an allow list of words that should never trigger the rule.

Will AutoMod block my moderators and team?

Only if you forget to exempt them. Add your Moderator, Team or Instructor roles as exempt roles on each rule. Members with Administrator or Manage Server are typically exempt automatically.

Do I still need a moderation bot?

For a small course or SaaS community, AutoMod plus a private mod-log channel is often enough. Add a bot when you need warnings, strike counts, detailed logging or link filtering.

Related guides

• How to stop spam bots joining my Discord
• Best moderation settings for a new Discord server
• MEE6 vs Carl-bot vs Dyno for a community server
• Discord server rules template for a community (copy and paste)