Unmute

Overview

The /unmute command removes an active timeout from a member, allowing them to send messages, add reactions, and participate in voice channels again.

Command Details

Permissions Required

• User: MODERATE_MEMBERS permission

• Bot: MODERATE_MEMBERS permission

Command Syntax

/unmute member:<@member> reason:<text>

Parameters

Parameter	Type	Required	Description
member	User	✅ Yes	The member to remove timeout from
reason	String	✅ Yes	The reason for removing the timeout

Features

1. Early Timeout Removal

• Removes active Discord timeout

• Member can immediately participate again

• Useful for early releases or mistakes

2. Audit Trail

• Logs the unmute action

• Records reason for removal

• Tracks moderator who removed timeout

3. Database Updates

• Updates moderation history

• Sets timeout record to inactive

• Clears currentlyMuted flag

4. DM Notification (Optional)

Member may receive notification that their timeout was removed early.

Usage Examples

Example 1: Early Release for Good Behavior

/unmute member:@ReformedUser reason:Showed understanding of rules, early release

Remove timeout before expiration for users who demonstrate improvement.

Example 2: Accidental Mute

/unmute member:@WrongPerson reason:Muted wrong user by mistake

Quickly correct an accidental timeout.

Example 3: Appeal Accepted

/unmute member:@AppealedUser reason:Appeal accepted, timeout removed

Remove timeout after reviewing an appeal.

How It Works

1. Permission Check: Verifies moderator has MODERATE_MEMBERS permission.

2. Member Fetch: Retrieves the member from the guild.

3. Execute Unmute:

   • Calls Discord API to remove timeout

   • Uses helper function executeUnmute()

   • Removes timeout instantly

4. Database Updates:

   • Updates moderation history entry

   • Sets active flag to false

   • Clears currentlyMuted flag

   • Records moderator and reason

5. Audit Logging:

   • Posts to audit log channel

   • Includes: who unmuted, who was unmuted, reason

   • Timestamp of removal

6. Confirmation: Sends confirmation message to moderator.

Error Handling

• Not Timed Out: This command does not send a specific error—verify the member is timed out before running.

• Permission Error: Bot or moderator lacks permissions

• Member Not Found: Cannot find specified member

• General Error: "Error executing unmute command"

Related Commands

• Mute - Apply a timeout

• User Info - Check if user is currently timed out

• Warn - Issue warning without timeout

• Ban - Ban a member

Configuration

Uses audit log channel from config.json:

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

Best Practices

• Always provide clear reasons - Document why timeout was removed early

• Check history first - Use /user-info to see what they were muted for

• Communicate expectations - Make sure user understands why they were muted

• Don't repeatedly unmute - If user continues bad behavior, don't keep unmuting

• Team coordination - Discuss with other mods before unmuting serious cases

• Document decisions - Keep detailed reasons for early releases

When to Use Unmute

Good Reasons:

• User shows genuine understanding and remorse

• Timeout was accidental or too harsh

• User successfully appealed

• Situation was misunderstood

• User needed in server for important reason

Bad Reasons:

• User begged in DMs without showing understanding

• Not enough time passed for reflection

• User has pattern of repeat offenses

• Pressure from friends without improvement

Tips

• Let timeouts run their course for first offenses (teaches consequences)

• Early unmute is a privilege, not a right

• Use early unmute as a teaching moment

• Consider setting expectations when unmuting

• Document the unmute reason thoroughly

• If unmuting repeat offender, warn them this is final chance

• Don't feel pressured to unmute just because someone asks

Moderation Philosophy

Timeouts serve multiple purposes:

1. Immediate behavior correction - Stop problematic behavior

2. Cooling off period - Give user time to reflect

3. Message to community - Show rules are enforced

When deciding to unmute early:

• Has enough time passed for reflection?

• Has user shown genuine understanding?

• Is there pressure from the user or others?

• What message does it send to the community?

• Will user likely repeat the behavior?