Mute

Overview

The /mute command applies a timeout to a member, preventing them from sending messages, adding reactions, speaking in voice channels, and joining stage channels. Unlike kick/ban, the user remains in the server.

Command Details

Permissions Required

• User: MODERATE_MEMBERS permission

• Bot: MODERATE_MEMBERS permission

Command Syntax

/mute member:<@member> reason:<text> duration:<time>

Parameters

Parameter	Type	Required	Description
member	User	✅ Yes	The member to timeout
reason	String	✅ Yes	The reason for the timeout
duration	String	✅ Yes	Timeout duration (e.g., 5m, 1h, 1d). Max: 28 days

Features

1. Discord Native Timeouts

Uses Discord's built-in timeout feature:

• Prevents sending messages

• Prevents adding reactions

• Prevents speaking in voice

• Prevents joining stages

• User remains visible in member list

2. Maximum Duration

Discord limits timeouts to 28 days maximum. The command enforces this limit and rejects longer durations.

3. Role Hierarchy Protection

• Moderators cannot mute members with equal or higher roles

• Bot must be able to moderate the target member

• Maintains proper permission structure

4. DM Notifications

Muted users receive a DM containing:

• Server name

• Timeout reason

• Duration of timeout

5. Audit Logging

• Records in moderation history database

• Logs to configured audit channel

• Tracks: moderator, target, reason, duration, expiration

6. Database Tracking

Updates member record with:

• currentlyMuted flag set to true

• Moderation history entry

• Duration and expiration timestamp

• Active status tracking

Usage Examples

Example 1: Short Timeout (5 Minutes)

/mute member:@SpammingUser reason:Spamming messages duration:5m

Brief timeout to stop immediate spamming.

Example 2: Standard Timeout (1 Hour)

/mute member:@MinorOffender reason:Minor rule violation duration:1h

Typical timeout for minor infractions.

Example 3: Extended Timeout (1 Day)

/mute member:@RepeatedWarnings reason:Multiple warnings for inappropriate behavior duration:1d

Longer timeout for repeat offenders.

Example 4: Maximum Timeout (28 Days)

/mute member:@SeriousViolation reason:Serious harassment duration:28d

Maximum allowed timeout duration.

How It Works

1. Permission Validation:

   • Checks moderator has MODERATE_MEMBERS permission

   • Verifies moderator's role is higher than target's

   • Ensures bot can moderate the member

   • Validates duration doesn't exceed 28 days

2. Duration Validation:

   • Parses duration string (e.g., "1h", "7d")

   • Converts to milliseconds

   • Checks against 28-day maximum

   • Rejects if exceeds limit

3. DM Notification:

   • Attempts to DM user before timeout

   • Includes server name, reason, duration

   • Logs warning if DM fails

   • Timeout proceeds regardless of DM success

4. Apply Timeout:

   • Uses Discord's timeout API

   • Sets timeout duration

   • Includes reason in audit log

5. Database Updates:

   • Adds entry to moderation history

   • Sets currentlyMuted flag

   • Records expiration timestamp

   • Marks as active

6. Automatic Expiration:

   • Discord handles timeout expiration

   • Bot updates database when timeout ends

   • Sets active to false in history

   • Clears currentlyMuted flag

Duration Format

Accepted duration formats:

Format	Meaning	Example	Max
Xm	X minutes	30m	40,320m (28d)
Xh	X hours	12h	672h (28d)
Xd	X days	7d	28d

Valid Examples:

• 5m - 5 minutes

• 30m - 30 minutes

• 1h - 1 hour

• 12h - 12 hours

• 1d - 1 day

• 7d - 7 days

• 28d - 28 days (maximum)

Invalid Examples:

• 30d - Exceeds 28-day limit

• 1w - Week format not standard (use 7d)

Error Handling

• Equal/Higher Role: "You cannot mute a member with equal or higher role than yours."

• Not Moderatable: "I do not have permission to mute this member."

• Duration Too Long: "Timeout duration cannot exceed 28 days."

• DM Failure: Logged as warning, timeout proceeds

• General Error: "Unable to timeout member."

Mute vs Other Actions

Feature	Mute	Kick	Ban
User Stays in Server	✅ Yes	❌ No	❌ No
Can See Messages	✅ Yes	❌ No	❌ No
Can Send Messages	❌ No	❌ No	❌ No
Duration	Up to 28 days	N/A	Permanent or temporary
Severity	Moderate	Higher	Highest

Related Commands

• Unmute - Remove timeout early

• Warn - Issue warning without timeout

• Kick - Remove from server temporarily

• Ban - Remove from server permanently/temporarily

• User Info - View current timeout status

Configuration

Configure audit logging in config.json:

{
  "channels": {
    "logs": "AUDIT_CHANNEL_ID"
  }
}

Best Practices

• Escalate progressively - Start with warnings, then short mutes, then longer

• Clear reasons - Always explain why and for how long

• Appropriate durations - Match severity (5m for spam, 1d for harassment)

• Don't max out immediately - Reserve 28d for serious repeat offenses

• Document patterns - Use /user-info to track repeat behavior

• Communicate with team - Discuss longer mutes (>7d) with other mods

When to Use Mute

Good Use Cases:

• Active spamming or flooding

• Heated arguments that need cooling

• Minor rule violations

• First or second offense

• When user needs time to calm down

Consider Other Actions:

• Warning: For first-time minor issues

• Kick: When user needs stronger message

• Ban: For serious violations or repeat offenders

Tips

• Start with shorter durations (5-30m) for first offenses

• Use 1-6h for standard infractions

• Reserve 1-7d for repeat offenders

• Only use 28d for serious, repeated violations

• Unmute early if user shows understanding

• Use with warnings as progressive discipline

• Check timeout status with /user-info before adding more time