How to enable two-factor authentication (2FA for short) for Discord

How to enable two-factor authentication (2FA for short) for Discord

Aries Ikel picture by Aries Ikel·Updated 01 Oct 2024·6 minutes to read

1

Download Authenticator App

  • Before we start, download Discord Authenticator App.

    iOS Apple App Badge

2

Locate 2FA Settings

  • Log in to your Discord account, and click on the small gear icon near your username on the bottom left.

    Discord app interface showing the user settings icon, highlighted with a red box and arrow in the bottom-left corner of the screen. This icon allows users to access the settings menu to enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA).
3

Two Factor Authentication

  • On the next page click on the button that reads Enable Two-Factor Auth. It will prompt you to confirm your Discord password.

    Discord account settings page showing the ‘Password and Authentication’ section. A red box highlights the ‘Enable Two-Factor Auth’ button, which allows users to add an extra layer of security by enabling Two-Factor Authentication (2FA).
4

QR Code

  • A pop-up window will appear for you to scan the QR Code with your Authenticator App. Keep this window open as you reach for your phone. Note that anywhere (not just Discord) that prompts Google Authenticator also supports Authenticator.
    Note: Do not scan the demo image shown below.

    Discord Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) setup screen displaying a QR code for scanning with an authenticator app. A red box highlights the QR code and a manual 2FA key option for users to enter if scanning the code is not possible.
5

Capture QR Code

  • Take out your mobile device and open the Authenticator App. At the bottom of the screen, tap the plus button add Item to scan a new account and hold your device up to the computer screen

    Two-step process for adding a Discord account to an authenticator app. The left screen shows the authenticator app’s home screen with a green arrow pointing to the ‘+’ button to add a new account. The right screen shows the ‘Scan QR Code’ interface, with a Discord 2FA QR code ready to be scanned to complete the setup.
6

Save Account

  • After successfully scanning the QR Code, the Authenticator App will automatically choose the Discord logo and autofill account name and secret key. Confirm it's correct by clicking Save.

    Authenticator app screen showing the ‘Edit Account’ page for Discord. Green arrows point to the service name (Discord), account email, and secret key fields. A green arrow highlights the ‘Save’ button in the top-right corner to confirm the addition of the Discord account for Two-Factor Authentication (2FA).
7

Two-Factor Authentication Code

  • Record the numerical token provided for Discord. Note that this code refreshes every 30 seconds.

    Authenticator app screen displaying the Discord account, highlighted with a green box and arrow. A 6-digit Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) code is shown next to the Discord account, ready to be used for securing the account.
8

Complete Enablement

  • Returning to the Discord website, enter the numerical token in the appropriate field. When done click Activate.

    Discord Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) setup screen showing the final step. A red box highlights the field where the 6-digit verification code is entered, and a red arrow points to the ‘Activate’ button to complete the 2FA setup.
9

Download back-up codes

  • You will now be shown your Discord back-up codes. These codes are one-time use each. If you run out of these codes, you can click the Generate Codes button again to re-roll a new set, but doing so will render the previous list obsolete, so be 100% sure to keep the latest set somewhere safe.

    Discord confirmation screen showing that Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) is activated. A red arrow highlights the ‘Download Backup Codes’ button, which allows users to save codes as a backup method in case access to the authenticator app is lost.

You're all set! You've enabled Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) for your Discord account. To learn more, visit the Discord support page. Stay safe!

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