Can you download your Discord messages?
What is Discord's data package?
The data package is a ZIP file of your account data that you request from Discord's settings. According to Discord's support article "Your Discord Data Package", its messages folder "contains all the messages that you have sent on Discord", split into DMs, group messages and channels. Each message has an ID, timestamp, contents and attachment links. Messages you deleted aren't included. (Source: support.discord.com/hc/en-us/articles/360004957991)
How to request the data package
In Discord, open User Settings and request your data from the privacy section. Discord emails you a download link when the package is ready, which can take some time.
Data package vs chat exporter
| Feature | Discord data package | DiscordSuite |
|---|---|---|
| Whose messages | Only yours | Everyone's in the chat you export |
| Scope | Your whole account | One channel, thread or DM at a time (several channels with Chat Exporter) |
| Format | JSON files | HTML, CSV, Excel, JSON or TXT |
| Readable as a conversation | No | Yes (HTML) |
| When you get it | After Discord emails it to you | Starts when you click Export |
| Includes servers you left | Your sent messages | No (only chats you can open now) |
When to use which
Use the data package for a full record of everything you've written. Use DiscordSuite when you need a complete conversation, with replies from others, in a format you can read or analyze. For DMs specifically, see How to export Discord DMs; to get set up, read How DiscordSuite works.
Frequently asked questions
Does Discord save chat history?
Discord keeps messages on its servers until they're deleted, and you can scroll back through any chat you can access. It doesn't offer an export button for channels or DMs.
Does the Discord data package include messages sent to me?
No. Discord's support article says the package contains the messages you have sent.
Is there a way to download a full Discord chat history?
Yes. Use a chat exporter such as DiscordSuite to save a full channel or DM, with everyone's messages, to a file.