BabelBot Discord translation FAQ

Common questions about BabelBot setup, translation behavior, billing, and moderation controls.

Short reference answers. For procedures, follow the linked guides.

Use this FAQ when you need a quick answer before opening the dashboard or asking support. The answers summarize the behavior admins most often need to verify: why messages skip, where settings live, which flows consume AI quota, and what members can do without Manage Server permission.

Setup and dashboard

Behavior

Members

Billing

Glossary (quick)

Term	Meaning
Target language	Language automatic translations are generated in
Don't translate from	Source languages BabelBot silently skips for normal automatic messages
Bridge	Linked channels that relay translated messages
AI translation	OpenRouter-backed; quota-metered
Custom words	Server terminology rules on Pro and above, scoped to one language or All Languages (AI translation only); see Dashboard Guide
Custom text translation	LibreTranslate-backed translation for plain text
Reply mode	Translations as channel replies
Thread mode	Translations grouped in a thread, except forum and media posts where Discord already uses a post thread
Voice chat translation	Live voice call translation in voice channel text chat, see guide
Voice note	Audio clip posted in a text channel

BabelBot Discord translation FAQ

Setup and dashboard

Why is a message not translated even though BabelBot is online?

What is the fastest way to inspect configuration?

Do I still configure languages with slash commands?

What permission do I need to manage BabelBot?

Can an AI assistant change my settings, and how do I disconnect it?

Behavior

Do bridges work in one direction or both?

How do I reduce translation noise in busy channels?

What is the difference between AI and text translation?

What does Partial translation mean?

Does BabelBot translate followed announcement crossposts?

Can BabelBot translate messages from other bots, like a rules embed?

How do I tell if this is a bug or expected behavior?

Members

How do I translate one message without waiting for auto-translate?

Can members opt out of translation for their own messages?

Do flag reactions work everywhere?

How do I translate a live Discord voice call?

What is the difference between voice chat and voice notes?

Does BabelBot translate PDFs, videos, and audio files?

Does voice chat translation use my message quota?

Billing

Where do I manage billing?

Who can change billing for a server?

What happens when we hit the AI limit on Free?

Is there a vote bonus on Free?

Can I move Founder Access to another server?

Glossary (quick)

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