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How to automatically translate Discord messages

Use BabelBot to translate new messages as your members chat. This guide takes you from adding the bot to checking your first translation.

Add BabelBot to DiscordAlready installed? Open the dashboard

Updated

  1. Add BabelBot to your server

    Select Add BabelBot to Discord. Choose your server and approve the requested permissions. Continue to guided setup after authorization.

    If your server is missing, check that you signed in with the correct Discord account and have Manage Server permission.

  2. Choose the languages your members read

    Select at least one target language in guided setup. BabelBot detects each message’s source language, so you only choose the languages for the translations.

    Start with the languages your community needs. Free supports two target languages. After setup, use channel rules to exclude admin or bot-command channels.

  3. Choose where translations appear

    Choose replies, threads, or Replace the original, then select Turn on translation. Sign in with Discord if prompted. You can change the delivery mode later under Settings in the dashboard.

    Reply mode starts with Embed. You can choose Plain text later. Linked language channels are optional and can wait until your first translation works.

    Replies
    The translation appears as a reply beneath the original message. Both stay in the channel.
    Threads
    The translation appears in a thread attached to the original message. Open the thread to read it.

  4. Send your first test message

    Post a short sentence in a channel BabelBot can read. Use a language different from your target language.

    For an English target, try the Spanish sentence below. Check the channel for the translated message. Guided setup also checks translation activity.

    Your first translation
    You

    Hola, ¿cómo estás?

    BabelBot
    English

    Hello, how are you?

    Example with English as the target language and Embed replies. Your channel uses the languages and delivery mode you choose.

If no translation appears

Open your server in the dashboard and check these settings before you send another message.

  • Translations are on, and at least one target language is selected.
  • Channel rules allow translation in the test channel.
  • BabelBot can view the channel, read message history, and send messages. Embed replies also need Embed Links. Grant any permissions listed in the dashboard warning.
  • Thread mode also needs Create Public Threads and Send Messages in Threads.
  • The test message contains a sentence in another language, rather than only a link or emoji.
Read the troubleshooting guide

Setup questions

Do members need a command for each message?

No. Once you enable automatic translation, members keep chatting. BabelBot translates new messages in enabled channels. Server settings live in the dashboard.

Can I translate in DMs or a server I do not manage?

Install BabelBot for your Discord account, then use the Translate Text message menu. Personal installation does not enable automatic translation for a server.

Can I turn translation off again?

Turn Translations off on your server’s Overview page to stop automatic translations and bridges. To exclude individual channels, use channel rules. A channel rule does not stop bridge traffic; disable or remove that bridge separately.

Where can I check language and plan limits?

Your dashboard shows the server’s plan and usage. The pricing section on the BabelBot homepage lists target-language limits and the AI allowance for each plan.

Keep the first setup small

Confirm that a message translates before you add channel rules, linked language channels, or other settings.

Add BabelBot to DiscordRead the dashboard guide
See BabelBot features and pricing