# Discord MCP Cannot find channel

**TL;DR:** Use the 18-19 digit channel ID, not the channel name, in tool calls. Make sure the bot is actually a member of that server and can view the channel. Check the bot role has View Channel permission on the channel.

## The error

```
Cannot find channel
```

## Fix it

1. In Discord, right-click the channel and Copy Channel ID (enable Developer Mode first).
   Expected: You have the numeric ID.
2. Confirm the bot is in the server member list.
   Expected: The bot appears as a member.
3. Check the channel permission overwrites for the bot role.
   Expected: View Channel is allowed.
4. Retry the tool with the numeric channel ID.
   Expected: It succeeds.

## When this applies

Discord MCP channel tools fail with Cannot find channel on a channel that exists.

## When this does NOT apply

If the bot is not in the server at all, invite it first. Token errors fail earlier at login.

## Tool compatibility

barryyip0625/mcp-discord, any version

## Also seen as

- Discord MCP channel not found
- bot cannot see channel MCP
- Cannot find channel discord bot

## Why it happens

The bot's view is limited to servers it joined and channels it can view. A name instead of an ID, or a missing View Channel permission, makes the channel invisible to the lookup.

## Edge cases

- Thread channels need the parent channel visible too.
- Channel IDs are snowflakes; names are not unique and are not accepted.
- After inviting the bot, wait a few seconds for guild caching.