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Timeout

The timeout command (also available as mute) allows server moderators to temporarily restrict a member's ability to send messages, add reactions, and participate in voice channels.

This is an official Discord feature that temporarily restricts member interaction without removing them from the server. Tux integrates this with its moderation system, ensuring every timeout is logged as a case with its duration and reason.

Syntax

The timeout command can be used in two ways:

Slash Command:

Text Only
/timeout member:@user reason:STRING duration:TIME [silent:true/false]

Prefix Command:

Text Only
$timeout @user -duration TIME [reason] [-silent]
$to @user -duration TIME [reason] [-silent]
$mute @user -duration TIME [reason] [-silent]

Aliases:

You can also use these aliases instead of timeout:

  • to
  • mute

Parameters

Parameter Type Required Description
member Member Yes The member to timeout.
reason String No The reason for the timeout, logged in the moderation case and included in the DM notification. In prefix commands, this is a positional argument. In slash commands, it is a named parameter. Defaults to "No reason provided".

Flags

This command supports the following flags:

Flag Aliases Type Default Description
-duration -t, -d, -e Time Required Length of the timeout (max 28 days).
-silent -s, -quiet Boolean False If true, Tux will not attempt to DM the user.

-duration

The length of time the member should be restricted. Tux supports a standard time format (e.g., 1h, 30m).

Discord Limit

Discord limits the maximum timeout duration to 28 days. If you provide a longer duration, Tux will automatically cap it at 28 days.

  • Format: [number][unit] (e.g., 12h, 7d, 45m)
  • Aliases: -t, -d, -e

-silent

Whether to suppress the DM notification to the timed-out user.

  • Type: Boolean
  • Default: False
  • Aliases: -s, -quiet

Permissions

Bot Permissions

Tux requires the following permissions:

  • Moderate Members - Required to apply the Discord timeout.

User Permissions

Users need appropriate moderation permissions to use this command.

Permission System

Command permissions are configured per-guild using Tux's dynamic permission system. Configure via /config commands or see the Permission Configuration guide.

Usage Examples

Basic Timeout (Slash)

Timing out a member for 1 hour.

Text Only
/timeout member:@user reason:"Spamming" duration:1h

Prefix with Reason

Text Only
$timeout @user -duration 24h Spamming in #general

Max Duration (Slash)

Giving a user a 28-day timeout.

Text Only
/timeout member:@user reason:"Severe rule violation" duration:28d

Response Format

When executed successfully, Tux will:

  1. Attempt to DM the user with the timeout duration and reason (unless -silent is used).
  2. Execute the official Discord timeout action.
  3. Create a new moderation case in the database.
  4. Post a confirmation message in the current channel showing the timeout details.
  5. Log the action in the designated moderation log channel.

The confirmation message includes the timed-out user's name, the duration, the reason, and a link to view the moderation case.

Error Handling

Common Errors

Missing Permissions / Higher Role

When it occurs: Tux lacks the "Moderate Members" permission, or the target user's role is higher than Tux's role.

What happens: The bot sends an error message indicating insufficient permissions.

Solutions:

  • Ensure Tux has the "Moderate Members" permission
  • Move Tux's role higher in the hierarchy
  • Check that Tux's role has the necessary permissions in the server settings

Lacking Permission Rank

When it occurs: Your internal Tux permission rank is lower than the rank required to use this command.

What happens: The bot sends an error message indicating you don't have permission to use this command.

Solutions:

  • Contact a server administrator to check your rank
  • Adjust the command configurations via /config commands if you have admin access

Invalid Duration

When it occurs: The provided duration string is invalid or exceeds 28 days.

What happens: The bot sends an error message indicating the duration format is invalid or too long.

Solutions:

  • Use the [number][unit] format (e.g., 1h, 7d, 30m)
  • Ensure the total duration is less than or equal to 28 days (Discord's maximum)
  • Combine units if needed (e.g., 1d12h for 1 day and 12 hours)

Bots Cannot Be Timed Out

When it occurs: You attempt to timeout another bot.

What happens: The bot sends an error message indicating bots cannot be timed out.

Solutions:

  • Bots are immune to the timeout feature - use roles or a ban if necessary
  • Consider using /kick or /ban for bot moderation instead
  • /untimeout - Remove a timeout early
  • /jail - Restriction to a specific channel (alternative to timeout)
  • /cases - View moderation history