When people use Discord, one feature many may find useful—or sometimes annoying—is the automatic game detection that updates your status when you’re playing a game. While this adds a bit of fun and connection for gamers, it can sometimes interfere with your desire for privacy or professionalism. Whether you’re streaming, working, or just don’t want others to know what you’re playing, removing a game from your Discord status can be essential.
TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read)
To remove a game from your Discord status, disable the “Display currently running game as a status message” option in Discord settings. You can also remove specific games manually from activity status or uninstall third-party integrations. Game activity may return if you re-enable the feature or if Discord automatically detects a game, so check your settings periodically. For complete privacy, toggle off all game activity sharing from your settings.
Understanding Discord’s Game Activity Feature
By default, Discord detects what you’re playing and displays it as part of your status. This feature appeals to gamers who want to share what they’re doing with friends. However, not everyone wants their currently running game broadcasted. This becomes even more relevant in professional or public servers where discretion is valued.
Discord detects games through its “Game Activity” feature, which scans for executable files running on your computer. If it recognizes the name of an app or game in its internal database, it will automatically show it as your status. The good news is—this functionality can be turned off or edited.
How to Turn Off Discord’s Game Activity Status
The easiest way to stop games from showing in your Discord status is by disabling the global Game Activity setting. Here’s how to do that:
- Open Discord.
- Click the gear icon next to your username in the bottom-left corner to open User Settings.
- Scroll down to the Activity Settings section.
- Click on Activity Privacy.
- Locate the toggle for “Display activity as a status message” and switch it to off.
Turning this off will prevent Discord from showing what game or application you’re currently using. It applies globally, so no game activity will be shared until you toggle it back on.
Removing Specific Games from Your Activity
If you want to keep game status for select games but remove just one particular title, there’s a more surgical approach. Here’s how to manually manage listed games:
- Navigate to User Settings.
- Go to the Registered Games section under “Activity Settings.”
- Find the game you want to remove from this list.
- Hover over it and click the ‘X’ icon to remove it.
This only removes the game from the list of recognized apps. If you relaunch the game and Discord still recognizes it, it may be added again. So if you’re using an application Discord repeatedly detects as a game, it’s safer to disable automatic game detection altogether.
What About Custom Status Messages?
If you’ve set a custom status, you might wonder whether it overrides the game activity. The answer is yes and no. Your custom message shows up alongside the game if that setting is still enabled. So even if you type “Working late tonight,” Discord may still show “Playing Call of Duty” right underneath it.
To ensure only your custom status is visible, turn off the game activity feature entirely. This way, you maintain privacy while using a personalized message.
Using Invisible Mode as an Extra Layer
Discord’s Invisible status option not only hides your online presence but also mutes automatic actions like game status updates. You can activate it like this:
- Click your avatar icon in the bottom-left corner.
- Select Invisible from the list of status options.
Keep in mind, though, once you come back online, your status settings (including game activity sharing) revert based on earlier configurations. This is more of a temporary solution than a permanent one.
Managing Third-Party Integrations
In some cases, games or activities may appear in your Discord status because of third-party integrations like Spotify, Twitch, or Steam. To manage or disconnect these:
- Open User Settings.
- Click on Connections.
- Find the service in question and click the ‘X’ to disconnect, or toggle off “Display on profile”.
Removing or hiding these connections ensures your gaming or listening habits remain private—even if the primary game activity feature is still enabled.
Mobile Users: What You Need to Know
Many people use Discord on their mobile devices, either on Android or iOS. Unfortunately, the mobile app has limited capabilities when it comes to managing game activity. Most of the settings, like toggling off “Display activity as a status message,” can only be accessed via the desktop application. If you want to change these settings using your phone, your best bet is to log into Discord from a desktop or laptop and follow the steps above.
Advanced Options: Modify the Executables
For users seeking complete control, a more technical workaround involves renaming or modifying the game’s executable file. Discord detects applications by their .exe names and matching strings from its backend. By renaming the file, you may prevent automatic detection—though this might cause functionality issues with the game itself or its launcher.
Caution: This method is not recommended unless you’re comfortable troubleshooting potential issues that may arise. Always backup your files before making changes to executable files.
Keeping Game Status Settings in Check
It’s important to remember that Discord frequently auto-updates and sometimes reintroduces features or resets preferences. Always double-check your settings after major updates to ensure your preferences are still active.
Conclusion
While Discord’s automatic game status feature can be fun, it may not align with your preferences for privacy or professionalism. By understanding how to disable or fine-tune the display of game activity, users can take full control over how they appear to others on the platform. Whether turning off the feature globally, removing specific games, or managing third-party integrations, the key is knowing where to look and which toggles to control.
FAQ: Removing Games from Your Discord Status
- Can I remove just one game from my Discord status?
Yes, you can remove specific games from the Registered Games list under User Settings. However, Discord may detect it again if launched. - Does disabling game activity affect custom status messages?
No, disabling game activity only prevents apps and games from auto-appearing. Your custom status will remain unaffected. - Why does a game I removed keep reappearing?
Discord may re-detect the game if the automatic recognition feature is still enabled. To prevent this, disable “Display activity as a status message.” - Do I need Discord Nitro to manage game activity?
No, managing game status is a free feature available to all users, regardless of Nitro subscription. - Can I manage these settings from my mobile device?
Currently, most status and activity settings must be changed from the desktop version of Discord.
