How To Uninstall Discord Malware in 2024 (Guide)

Discord is a free text chat app that connects millions of gamers and fandoms. Unfortunately, the popular app has become a rich environment for threat actors. More than 150 million active Discord users have been the target of malware distribution. Even though the multimedia social platform has implemented stronger security measures, users are still at risk due to the easy exchange of files and links. 

If you’ve become the unlucky target of a phishing attack or cyber attack on Discord, you need to take action to protect your account and devices. Keep reading to learn how to uninstall Discord malware and which antivirus programs are the best for protecting you against future infections.

How to remove Discord malware

If you’ve been infected with Discord malware, you should remove it before it can do further damage. No matter which operating system you have, Discord malware can be harmful to any device, so fast removal is crucial.

1. Run an antivirus

The best antivirus software can be a tool to help you find Discord malware and remove it. To run your antivirus software and check for malware:

1. Open your antivirus program.
2. Go to your scan feature and perform a full scan.
3. If the antivirus finds any suspicious files, delete them.
4. Reboot your device.

Best antivirus software for malware protection

2. Uninstall the Discord app

Sometimes your Discord app could be running malicious JavaScript code. If that’s the case, antivirus software may not remove it. The best way to address this issue is to uninstall the app from your device. You can reinstall it again later.

How to uninstall Discord on Microsoft Windows

1. Go to your PC settings and choose Apps.
2. Find your Discord app and click Uninstall.
3. Go to the Discord website to reinstall if needed.

How to uninstall Discord on a Mac

1. From Finder, go to Applications.
2. Find the Discord app and move it to Trash.
3. Empty the trash file.
4. Reinstall the app, if needed, from the Discord website.

How to uninstall Discord on Android

1. Go to your Apps section and find Discord.
2. Tap Uninstall.
3. Confirm the uninstall.

How to uninstall Discord on iPhone

1. From Settings, go to General, then iPhone storage.
2. Find the Discord app and select it.
3. Click Delete App and Confirm.

3. Reset web browser settings

If you use the Discord browser extension or notice your browser homepage changed, you may also need to clean your web browser settings. Here's how to do that:

How to remove the Discord virus from Google Chrome

1. Open Chrome and click the three vertical dots in the top-right corner.
2. Go to Settings > Reset settings.
3. Choose Restore settings to their original defaults, then click Reset settings.

How to remove Discord malware from Mozilla Firefox

1. Open Firefox and click on the three horizontal bars in the top-right corner.
2. Choose Settings, then Home.
3. Click the Restore Defaults button at the top of the page. (If you don't see the button, your Firefox browser is already set to its original defaults.)

How to remove Discord malware from Safari

If you use Safari as your web browser, you should also clear your history and cache.

1. Open Safari, then click the Safari menu button in the top-left corner.
2. Click Clear History... and select the all history option. Click Clear History.
3. Click the Safari button again and choose Preferences, then open the Privacy tab.
4. Click the Manage Website Data button and choose Remove All.
5. Next, open the Extensions tab and click the Uninstall button next to any suspicious or unwanted extensions.
6. To clear your Safari cache, click the Safari button and open your Preferences window.
7. Go to the Advanced tab and make sure the box next to Show Develop menu in menu bar is checked.
8. Click on the Develop button in the top-left menu bar and choose Empty Caches.

How to remove a Discord virus from Microsoft Edge

1. Open Edge and click on the three horizontal dots in the top-right corner of the window.
2. Choose Settings, then Reset settings.
3. Click Restore settings to their default values, then click Reset when prompted.

What is Discord malware?

Discord malware is a broad term that describes any malicious program that attacks unsuspecting users of the app. If you’ve encountered a Discord cyberattack, you’ve experienced one of several ways a Discord virus can spread throughout the platform.

How could I get a Discord virus?

There are some common ways Discord hackers might choose to attack. You may get a malicious link in a Discord chat room and are encouraged to click on it. The link won’t look suspicious at first sight, but when you open it, an installation is triggered, and malware infects your device.

You can send texts and share files on Discord, so hackers use that method to spread Discord malware. If you download the files, it gives hackers direct access to your device.

Discord hackers may inject malicious codes that infect your system with malware during installations. That happens when you accidentally use a contaminated Discord installation file. It’s most common when users attempt to install the Discord app from a website other than the official Discord site.

How to recognize Discord malware

If you have a good anti-malware tool, it should alert you to malicious software, including viruses, Trojans, spyware, and ransomware.

Additionally, you should look for these common signs of Discord malware:

• Adware infects your device and keeps showing pop-up ads while you’re online. Adware is used to entice you to click on various ads that could redirect you to a malicious site.
• Remote Access Trojans (RAT) are malicious Discord links that are received in your chat messages. These Trojan links allow hackers to control your device and access your personal information. If you notice your identity has been compromised, it could be a sign of RAT malware.
• Spyware hides in your device to monitor your online activities. Spyware is often hard to detect, but you’ll likely notice your data has been stolen when this type of Discord malware invades.

How to avoid Discord malware

Many platforms allow you to chat with your friends and exchange files. You can still have fun with these apps while staying safe online and avoiding harmful malware. Use these tips for the best Discord security:

• Avoid suspicious links. If you receive a link you don’t expect, use caution before clicking on it. If it looks to be from a friend on the platform, message the user privately and ask if it was sent by mistake.
• Download from official sites only. If you’re downloading files, only use the official Discord website. Hackers love sending viruses through infected files, so don’t use a file you aren’t sure is safe.
• Beware of phishing links from Discord bots. These bots are automated and safe when used by the Discord server. However, hackers often use them to spread Discord Trojans or other malware. Avoid interacting with messages sent by bots.
• Install antivirus software. For the most advanced security, you should install an antivirus before using Discord. Antivirus is the first line of defense when hackers try to invade your device.
• Don’t overshare your information. It’s easy to share too much personal data when you feel comfortable chatting online, but that could allow someone to steal your identity or infect your device with Discord malware.
• Don't fall for "free" offers. If you get messages offering free products, don’t respond. Discord will not contact you regarding free services, so that message is a scam.

FAQs

Bottom line

Discord can be a fun app for sharing information in a group setting and chatting with people with the same interests. Unfortunately, when these platforms gain such popularity, they become targets for hackers and other threat actors. If you are the victim of a cyber attack, you can remove Discord malware, no matter which operating system you use.

There are steps to take to help keep your device safe and malware-free. The first step is to use top-rated antivirus software like TotalAV or Norton to clean your device of malware. The second is to follow cybersecurity best practices to safeguard your devices from future infections.