Adding a bot takes one minute. Adding it safely, with the right permissions and without handing Administrator to something you found in a random server, takes two. Here's the full process.
Step 1: You need Manage Server
Only members with the Manage Server permission can invite bots. If the "Add to Server" screen shows no servers, that's why.
Step 2: Use the official invite link
Always invite from the bot's official website or its listing on top.gg, never from a link pasted in DMs. Scam "verification bots" are the #1 way servers get nuked. (Pair this with a security bot if your server is large.)
Step 3: Review the permission checklist
The OAuth screen lists everything the bot asks for. Rules of thumb:
- Moderation bots legitimately need Kick/Ban/Manage Messages.
- Music and fun bots do not need Administrator. Untick it.
- You can untick anything, the bot will simply lack that ability until you grant it later in Server Settings → Roles.
Step 4: Pick the server and authorize
Choose your server, complete the captcha, done. The bot's role appears in Server Settings → Roles, drag it above the roles it needs to manage, below your admin roles.
Step 5: Run the bot's setup
Most modern bots configure from a web dashboard now. Noxyr, for example, walks you through channels, tickets, welcome messages and security toggles at its dashboard: no command memorising.
Common mistakes
- Granting Administrator "to make it work", fix the role order instead.
- Leaving unused bots in the server for years. Audit quarterly; every stale bot is attack surface.
- Inviting look-alike bots (check the verified checkmark next to the bot's name).