The Process of Enabling 2FA on Discord

First and foremost, acquiring an authenticator app is paramount. Both Google and Apple offer a multitude of authenticator apps on their respective app stores, granting you the opportunity to peruse various options. However, we suggest opting for Google Authenticator or Authy, given their cost-free nature and user-friendly interfaces.

Once you have made your selection, proceed to download the chosen app onto your Android or iPhone. If the app necessitates the creation of an account, kindly establish one and configure the app as per the provided instructions. Subsequently, you can proceed to enable 2FA on your Discord account via both desktop and mobile platforms, as delineated below.

Enabling 2FA on Your Discord Account via Desktop

For those primarily employing Discord on their computers, activating 2FA on your Discord account can be accomplished through either the Discord website or the Discord app. Here are the steps to follow:

Open the Discord app or visit the Discord website on your computer.
Log in to the Discord account you wish to secure.
Click the User Settings icon (gear icon) in the left sidebar.
Scroll down to the “My Account” section and find “Enable Two-Factor Auth.”
Click the button and enter your Discord password when prompted.
A QR code and 2FA key will appear on your screen.
On your smartphone, open your preferred authenticator app (e.g., Google Authenticator or Authy).
Create a new account entry in the authenticator app and scan the QR code displayed on your computer screen.
Alternatively, manually enter the 2FA key from your computer screen into the authenticator app.
Enter the six-digit code generated by the authenticator app on your computer and click “Activate” to enable 2FA on your Discord account.

Subsequently, Discord will prompt you to enable SMS authentication and download backup codes. It is advisable to store these backup codes in a secure and easily accessible location. Backup codes prove invaluable should you lose access to the authenticator app, guaranteeing that you are not permanently locked out of your Discord account. Should you desire to configure SMS-based 2FA, kindly proceed to the subsequent section.

Enabling 2FA on Discord via Mobile Phone

Discord facilitates the addition of 2FA to your account through its mobile app, available on both Android and iPhone devices. The following steps outline the process, noting that these instructions remain largely identical for both platforms:

Launch the Discord app on your mobile device and log in if necessary.

Tap on the profile icon in the bottom navigation bar.
Select “Account” from the options.
Tap on “Enable Two-Factor Auth” and authenticate by entering your account password.
When prompted to download an authenticator app, proceed to the next step.
Copy the code displayed on the screen.
Open your preferred authenticator app on your mobile device and create a new account entry.
Manually enter the code into the authenticator app.
Enter the six-digit code generated by the authenticator app into the Discord app and tap “Done.”

Enabling SMS-Based 2FA on Your Discord Account

SMS-based 2FA serves as an alternative method to protect your Discord account. While it serves the purpose, we recommend the app-based approach over the SMS-based method due to the latter being slower, less reliable, and less secure. However, if you still prefer to use SMS-based 2FA, follow the steps below to enable it on your Discord account. This process can be carried out on both desktop and mobile platforms.

Visit the My Account page on Discord.
Scroll down to the “Password and Authentication” section and choose “Enable SMS Authentication.”
Enter your password and confirm the action.
Select your country code, enter your mobile number, and tap “Send.”
Enter the six-digit code received via SMS.
Re-enter your password and confirm the action.

Disabling 2FA on Discord via Desktop/Web

There may be instances where you need to disable two-factor authentication on your Discord account, such as when you encounter difficulties accessing your account or when you intend to transfer ownership to another user. In this section, we will guide you through the steps to disable 2FA on Discord, enabling you to regain access to your account or transfer ownership.

Open the Discord app or website on your computer.
Click on the Settings gear icon at the bottom-left corner of the screen.
Under the “Password and Authentication” section in the “My Account” tab, click on “Remove 2FA.”
Enter the six-digit code from the authentication app or use one of your backup codes if you’re certain about disabling 2FA.
Click on “Remove 2FA” to complete the process.

Disabling 2FA on Discord via iOS/Android

On Discord mobile apps (both Android and iOS), it is mandatory to set up SMS-based 2FA to access the “Remove 2FA” option. If you haven’t set up SMS authentication, the option will appear grayed out. Follow these steps to remove two-factor authentication from your Discord account:

Note: To access the “Remove 2FA” option on Discord mobile apps, you must have set up SMS-based 2FA.

Open the Discord app on your iOS or Android device.
Go to the “My Account” page.
Tap the “Remove 2FA” option after setting up SMS-based 2FA.
Enter your authentication code or backup code to disable two-factor authentication.

Please note that enabling and disabling 2FA on your Discord account is an important security measure. It is highly recommended to keep 2FA enabled to protect your account from unauthorized access and potential security breaches.

FAQ

What is two-factor authentication (2FA)?
Two-factor authentication is an additional layer of security that requires users to provide two forms of identification to access their accounts. In the case of Discord, it typically involves entering a password and a unique authentication code generated by an authenticator app.
Why should I enable 2FA on my Discord account?
Enabling 2FA adds an extra layer of security to your Discord account, making it more difficult for unauthorized individuals to gain access. It helps protect your personal information, conversations, and server memberships from being compromised.
Which authenticator apps are recommended for use with Discord?
Google Authenticator and Authy are two popular and reliable authenticator apps recommended for use with Discord. They are available for both Android and iOS devices and offer easy setup and usage.
Can I enable 2FA on both desktop and mobile devices?
Yes, you can enable 2FA on your Discord account using both desktop and mobile devices. The process is slightly different for each platform, as outlined in the earlier sections of this guide.
What are backup codes, and why should I download them?
Backup codes are a set of codes provided by Discord that can be used to access your account in case you lose access to your authenticator app. It’s highly recommended to download and securely store these codes in a safe place as a backup measure.
Can I use SMS-based 2FA instead of an authenticator app?
Yes, Discord offers the option to enable SMS-based 2FA, where authentication codes are sent to your mobile phone via SMS. However, it is generally considered less secure and reliable compared to app-based 2FA.
How can I disable 2FA on my Discord account?
To disable 2FA on Discord, you need to go to the account settings and follow the steps outlined in the earlier sections of this guide. However, it is important to note that disabling 2FA removes the added layer of security and may make your account more vulnerable to unauthorized access.

How to Enable and Disable 2FA on Discord for Account Security