Build a welcome bot with discord.js

The fast way: use the template

1. Create a bot from the Welcome template and choose Node.js (discord.js).
2. Open Test, press Simulate member join, and watch the welcome message and role assignment.
3. Add DISCORD_TOKEN, enable the Server Members Intent, and deploy.

How it works in code

Under the hood, a welcome bot listens to the GuildMemberAdd event. That event needs the privileged Server Members Intent.

const { Client, GatewayIntentBits, Events } = require("discord.js");

const client = new Client({
  intents: [GatewayIntentBits.Guilds, GatewayIntentBits.GuildMembers],
});

client.on(Events.GuildMemberAdd, async (member) => {
  const channel = member.guild.channels.cache.find((c) => c.name === "welcome");
  if (channel?.isTextBased()) {
    await channel.send(`Welcome to ${member.guild.name}, ${member}!`);
  }
  const role = member.guild.roles.cache.find((r) => r.name === "Member");
  if (role) await member.roles.add(role);
});

client.login(process.env.DISCORD_TOKEN);

Common problems

• Nothing happens on join — the Server Members Intent is off in the Developer Portal.
• Missing Permissions (50013) — the bot lacks Manage Roles, or its role is below Member.
• Unknown channel — create a #welcome channel or change the name.