Discord Safety Settings

Discord logo for this safety settings guide

Discord is a communication platform for communities called servers, alongside private messages, voice calls and video chat. Young people use it to talk while gaming, organise play and share interests with friends. These Discord safety settings help parents and eligible teenagers manage contact, content, spending and time. However, check Irish account eligibility before setting up an account.

Table of contents

Age Rating and Child Safety Warning

Discord requires users to meet the minimum age for their country. Its current guidance says this is at least 13 and can be as high as 16. Therefore, confirm the requirement shown for Ireland before registration. Do not use a false birthday or family linking to bypass the regional minimum.

Family Center is for eligible teens and adult guardians. It does not waive the minimum age or prove that every server is suitable.

Age group checks can affect mature spaces, content filtering and message requests. However, verification of age does not establish identity, safe behaviour or suitability of another person.

Read Discord terms for the applicable account rules and requirements.

Read Discord country age requirements for the applicable account rules and requirements.

Restrictions Available

Family Center requires separate adult and eligible teen accounts. However, both people must agree to connect.

  • On the teen account, open User Settings, then Account, Family Center and My Family.
  • Choose Show Code or Copy Link for the guardian invitation.
  • On the parent’s signed in account, scan that QR code or open the shared invitation and request the connection.
  • On the teen account, accept the parent’s request. Then check the parent appears under connected family.

Why it matters: Only connect a trusted guardian. Also review age group status if either account appears in the wrong role.

Official guidance: Discord safety settings: connect Family Center.

Discord Safety Settings: review activity without expecting message transcripts

Family Center summarises recent activity after connection. However, it does not display private message contents.

  • On the parent account, open User Settings, then Family Center and Activity.
  • Review recent friends, users contacted, call activity, servers, purchases and gifts. Discuss anything unfamiliar.
  • Review weekly email summaries too. If a teen chooses to share a report notification, ask what support they need.

Why it matters: The window covers the last seven days, rather than a complete archive. In addition, a teen can disconnect at any time.

Official guidance: Review activity without expecting message transcripts.

Set parent managed safety and privacy choices

Connected guardians can manage selected settings. Therefore, agree the choices with the teen before adjusting them.

  • On the guardian account, open Family Center and select the connected teen.
  • Review Sensitive content filters, Friend Requests, Server Direct Messages and Message Requests.
  • Choose Block rather than Blur where suitable, narrow friend requests and restrict server DMs.
  • Review Data & Privacy choices separately, then disable unnecessary improvement, personalisation or sponsored content data use.

Why it matters: Teens cannot change guardian managed choices while connected. However, guardians need adult age group confirmation for some changes and the link itself remains optional.

Official guidance: Set parent managed safety and privacy choices.

Set a monthly spending cap

This restricts covered purchases. However, subscriptions such as Nitro, Boosts, server subscriptions and Premium Apps fall outside the cap.

  • On the guardian account, open Family Center, then the teen’s Monthly Spending cap.
  • Select Edit, enter the intended amount, then select Save. A zero limit is available.
  • Review subscriptions separately rather than relying on the cap.

Why it matters: Billing exceptions can still create recurring charges. Therefore, review the purchase activity and store billing too.

Official guidance: Set a monthly spending cap.

Discord Safety Settings: schedule enforced downtime

Scheduled downtime restricts Discord access and notifications. However, another account or app can still bypass the family’s broader routine.

  • Open the linked teen in Family Center, then Parental Controls and Screen Time Limits.
  • Choose Schedule Downtime or Edit, then set the hours and days.
  • Enable the schedule and select Save Schedule.

Why it matters: The teen receives a warning before downtime. Also agree another way to reach trusted adults when Discord is unavailable.

Official guidance: Schedule enforced downtime.

Discord Safety Settings and Why They Matter

Discord privacy settings: restrict server direct messages

Sharing a server can create an unwanted contact route. Therefore, check global defaults and existing servers separately.

  • Open User Settings, then Content & Social and the Direct messages controls.
  • Disable unwanted DMs from server members and apply the offered change to existing servers where suitable.
  • For an individual server, open its name menu, then Privacy Settings and review Direct Messages.

Why it matters: Friends and existing connections need separate review. However, a server restriction does not block every person everywhere.

Official guidance: Discord privacy settings: restrict server direct messages.

Keep Message Requests and spam filtering

Requests separate some unfamiliar contact from the main inbox. In addition, spam filtering checks incoming DMs.

  • Open User Settings, then Content & Social or the current Messaging Permissions area.
  • Keep Message requests enabled and choose Filter all for direct message spam.
  • Open the Message Requests inbox from the direct message area. Review before accepting, then ignore or block unwanted contact.

Why it matters: Teen or unconfirmed accounts cannot simply turn these protections off. However, a filter does not detect every scam.

Official guidance: Keep Message Requests and spam filtering.

Discord privacy settings: narrow friend requests

A friend connection can make later contact easier. Therefore, treat acceptance as a deliberate decision.

  • Open User Settings, then Content & Social and Friend Requests.
  • Disable Everyone if unnecessary. Review Friends of Friends and Server Members separately.
  • Review existing friends through their profiles and remove connections you no longer trust.

Why it matters: Mutual friends do not verify identity or intent. Also remember that shared communities can include strangers.

Official guidance: Discord privacy settings: narrow friend requests.

Discord safety settings: sensitive content filters

Filters blur or block detected sexual or graphic media. However, they do not identify every harmful image or text.

  • Open User Settings, then Content & Social and Sensitive content filters.
  • Review each displayed category and conversation type. Choose Block where available for the strongest restriction.
  • For linked teens, make guardian managed changes through Family Center instead.

Why it matters: Teens have protected defaults and cannot use adult options to show all flagged media. Also seek help if an unexpected image appears.

Official guidance: Discord safety settings: sensitive content filters.

Review age group and assurance

Age assurance establishes an age group rather than trustworthiness. In addition, methods and requirements vary by region.

  • Open User Settings, then Account Status and Age Group.
  • If the group is incorrect or unconfirmed, use the account’s official age confirmation prompt.
  • Read the offered facial estimation or document verification privacy information before deciding how to proceed.
  • Never send an identity document to a DM claiming to be support or falsify a birthday.

Why it matters: Some providers process a selfie or document while Discord receives an age result. Therefore, read the current handling and retention explanation rather than assuming identical checks everywhere.

Official guidance: Review age group and assurance.

Discord security settings: passkeys and authentication

Additional sign in protection reduces takeover risk. However, recovery methods must remain available.

  • Open User Settings, then Account or My Account.
  • For a passkey, select Security Keys, then Add and complete device authentication.
  • For an authenticator, select the offered authentication setup, enter the requested account password and scan the setup code in your authenticator.
  • Confirm its generated code, then save Backup Codes securely.

Why it matters: Support cannot simply remove lost authentication protection. Also never scan a login QR code from an unsolicited message.

Official guidance: Discord security settings: passkeys and authentication.

Discord Safety Settings for Authorised Apps

An authorised app can receive the permissions you grant it. Therefore, review access separately from public profile connections.

  • On desktop or browser, select the settings cog for User Settings. Open Authorized Apps.
  • Review the listed applications and their permissions. Select Deauthorize for unwanted access.
  • On mobile, tap your avatar at the bottom right, then the settings cog at the top right. Open Authorized Apps.
  • Select the x button beside an unwanted mobile app entry and complete any removal confirmation.
  • Decline new bot, game or AI access requests when you cannot explain why the requested permissions are necessary.

Why it matters: Removing access limits future use of the authorisation. However, it does not erase information the operator already received. If you suspect account compromise, also use the password and recovery instructions below.

Official guidance: Discord Safety Settings for Authorised Apps.

Discord Safety Settings for Connected Accounts

Connections can link gaming, music and other profiles to Discord. A familiar connection can still reveal another username or activity.

  • On desktop or browser, open User Settings using the settings cog. Select Connections. Current clients may group these controls under Connected Apps.
  • On mobile, open your avatar and the settings cog, then Connections. Review each connected account.
  • To remove a connection, select its X icon, then choose Disconnect in the confirmation prompt.
  • If you retain a connection, review its activity sharing choice. Turn sharing off when that activity should not be shown.
  • Review the connected service’s own access settings too. Some services require removal on both sides.

Why it matters: Disconnecting a service is separate from hiding activity or removing an authorised app. Previously shared information can remain elsewhere. Also, Discord Support cannot remove a connection for you, so preserve access to your own account.

Official guidance: Discord Safety Settings for Connected Accounts.

See Discord’s connection activity controls and the Crunchyroll example requiring removal on both services.

Choose When Discord Transmits Your Voice

Voice Activity transmits microphone audio automatically when it detects speech. For more deliberate control, consider Push to Talk on the desktop app.

  • Select the cogwheel to open User Settings, then choose Voice & Video.
  • Under Input Mode, select Push to Talk.
  • Select the Edit Keybind icon. Press the keyboard key you want to use, then check the key shown under Shortcut.
  • Test the microphone in a call with a trusted person. Hold the chosen key to speak, then release it and confirm that transmission stops.
  • If you choose Voice Activity instead, review Automatically determine input sensitivity and test whether background conversation triggers transmission.

Why it matters: Microphones can reveal household conversations. However, Push to Talk does not prevent another participant recording audio. In a browser, it only works while the Discord window has focus. Therefore, use the desktop app when you need this control while playing.

Official guidance: Choose When Discord Transmits Your Voice.

Check the Camera Before a Discord Call

A video call can show the child and their surroundings. First, review the camera without joining a public conversation.

  • Open User Settings through the cogwheel, then select Voice & Video.
  • Choose the intended device from the Camera dropdown. Select Test Video to inspect the view.
  • Move identifying items, photographs and private paperwork out of view before a call.
  • In a direct message, select Start Voice Call if you want to begin without video.
  • During the call, use Turn on Camera only when ready. Select the camera button again to Turn off Camera.

Why it matters: A preview helps reveal accidental background exposure. However, it cannot stop viewers taking screenshots or recording a call. Discord also tests different call layouts, so button positions may vary. Leave the call if the child feels pressured to switch on video.

Official guidance: Check the Camera Before a Discord Call.

Limit What Discord Screen Sharing Reveals

Screen sharing can expose messages and other applications. Where possible, choose one application window rather than the entire screen.

  • Join the intended server voice channel, then select the Screen streaming icon in the voice status panel.
  • Choose the individual application window you intend to share. Check the selection before choosing Go Live.
  • For a direct message call, select Share Your Screen, choose Application and the intended window, then select Go Live.
  • Before starting a server stream, select Hide stream preview if you do not want other server members to see a preview.
  • Alternatively, open User Settings, then Voice & Video. Find Stream Previews and turn the setting off. On mobile, open your avatar, the settings cog and Voice to find this setting.

Why it matters: Sharing one window reduces accidental exposure elsewhere on the computer. However, hiding a preview does not restrict people already watching the stream. Therefore, check the audience and close private material before sharing.

Official guidance: Limit What Discord Screen Sharing Reveals.

Review Mobile Discord Screen Sharing

Mobile screen sharing can expose private messages and notifications. First, update Discord and close sensitive material before joining a call.

  • Join the intended voice call or server voice channel. Check who is present before sharing.
  • In a voice call, swipe up from the bottom and select Screenshare. In a video call, use the Screenshare icon in the bottom controls.
  • Read the device’s screen sharing permission prompt. Continue only if you intend to share. Android instructions show Start now before the countdown.
  • To end sharing, select Stop Sharing in the chat window, or press the Screenshare icon again. The device notification panel can also offer Stop Streaming.
  • Check that sharing has ended before reopening private messages or another sensitive app.

Why it matters: Do not assume the desktop application window choice applies to your phone. Device prompts and app support can vary. In a server, the role also needs Video permission. Hiding a stream preview does not stop people already watching.

Official guidance: Review Mobile Discord Screen Sharing.

Restrict Discord Server Screen Sharing Permissions

Server owners and administrators can control which roles may stream. These server permissions are separate from a child’s personal account settings.

  • Open Server Settings, then Roles. Select the role you need to review.
  • Under Voice Channel Permissions, turn Video off if that role should not stream. Save any prompted change.
  • For a channel specific restriction on desktop, right click the voice channel and select Edit Channel.
  • Open Permissions, then Voice Channel Permissions. Disable Video for the relevant role in that channel.
  • Check the effective result using a member account with the intended role. Review other roles and channel overrides if streaming remains available.

Why it matters: Discord places screen sharing behind the Video permission. However, a server rule does not configure private calls or other servers. Ordinary members cannot change these settings for a server they do not manage.

Official guidance: Restrict Discord Server Screen Sharing Permissions.

Discord Safety Settings for Streamer Mode

Streamer Mode hides selected Discord information during a broadcast. Set it up before sharing your screen.

  • Open the settings cog for User Settings. Select Streamer Mode in the side panel.
  • Turn Enable Streamer Mode on. Check the banner confirming that it is active.
  • Enable Hide Personal Information and Hide Instant Invite Links to reduce exposure of account details and server invite codes.
  • Review Disable Sounds and Disable Notifications. Enable them if Discord alerts should not interrupt or appear during the broadcast.
  • Review Automatically Enable/Disable if using OBS or XSplit. Also check the shared view yourself before going live.

Why it matters: This reduces accidental disclosure in Discord. However, a configured display name remains visible. It cannot hide private material in other applications or prevent a viewer recording the stream. Selecting Disable in the banner switches the protection off, while the banner’s close button only hides the banner.

Official guidance: Discord Safety Settings for Streamer Mode.

Review Discord Clips and Recorded Audio

Discord currently documents Clips as Windows early access for Nitro members. Some compatible systems may have it enabled by default.

  • Open User Settings, then Clips. Turn Enable Clips off if you do not want Discord creating local clips.
  • To inspect existing clips, open a text channel and select the plus icon beside the message box. Choose Share a Clip.
  • Hover over a clip and select Edit. Review the picture and audio. Disable Voice Channel Audio before sharing if conversations should be excluded.
  • To remove a local clip, select its trashcan icon. Check the selection and confirm Delete Clip only when permanent removal is intended.

Why it matters: Local storage does not make a shared clip private. Turning Clips off does not erase existing recordings, and deleting a local clip does not erase recipients’ copies. Other people can also use separate recording software. Therefore, discuss consent before recording or sharing voices.

Official guidance: Review Discord Clips and Recorded Audio.

Review servers, voice channels and screen sharing

Community rules and moderation affect daily safety. However, a topic name or popular membership does not establish suitability.

  • Open each server’s information and rules, then review the channels and moderation arrangements together.
  • Use the server menu’s Leave Server option for an unsuitable space and confirm.
  • Before a voice or video session, check participants and use the microphone or camera controls to disable access when unnecessary.
  • Before Share Your Screen, choose only the required app window and close private notifications or documents.

Why it matters: Screen sharing can expose codes, images and private messages. Also remember that voice sessions can move contact beyond written moderation.

Official guidance: Review servers, voice channels and screen sharing.

Check Discord Group Calls and Leave Unwanted Groups

A group direct message can gain new members. Therefore, review the audience each time rather than assuming yesterday’s group is unchanged.

  • On mobile, tap the conversation name at the top to inspect the group and its members.
  • Use the phone icon to start a voice call if you do not intend to share video. The video icon starts a video call instead.
  • To mute interruptions on mobile, tap the conversation name, then the bell icon and choose the notification option.
  • To leave on desktop or browser, right click the group in your DM list. Select Leave Group and confirm.
  • On mobile, tap the conversation name, then its settings cog. Select Leave Group and confirm.

Why it matters: Any current member can add people within the group size limit. Only the creator can remove members. Muting notifications does not restrict contact. Leaving stops messages from that group, but another member can add you again. Block and report unwanted contact separately.

Official guidance: Check Discord Group Calls and Leave Unwanted Groups.

Block a Discord account

Blocking stops direct messages from that account. Use reporting separately when behaviour breaks Discord’s rules.

  • On desktop or web, select the person in the server’s Members list to open their profile.
  • Next, select the ellipsis, choose Block and confirm. Alternatively, right click their name in a direct message or friends list and select Block.
  • On mobile, open a server channel and tap its channel name to see members. Select the person, tap the ellipsis and choose Block.
  • Finally, review any shared group or server. Leave an unsuitable space rather than relying only on the block.

Why it matters: A block limits contact, but it does not remove the person from shared communities. Shared messages and interactions can still leave gaps. Ignoring someone is a different choice, explained below.

Official guidance: Block a Discord account.

Discord Safety Settings for Reporting

A report asks Discord to review a specific possible violation. Therefore, report the actual content rather than only describing an account.

  • On desktop, right click the relevant message. On mobile, press and hold that message.
  • Select Report Message. Choose the violation type and then the most relevant specific category. Complete the reporting prompts.
  • For a profile violation, open the person’s profile and its three dot menu. Select Report User Profile.
  • Next, select the profile elements you are reporting, choose the violation type and complete the remaining prompts.
  • If a safe record is needed, right click or hold the message and select Copy Message Link. Keep the link private.

Why it matters: A specific report gives reviewers context. However, review can take time and does not guarantee removal. Block unwanted contact and seek urgent help separately. Do not organise repeated or malicious reports.

Official guidance: Report Discord messages and profiles.

Ignore a Discord user

Ignore hides new messages, notifications and profile activity from a particular person. It offers distance without a full block.

  • On desktop or web, right click the person’s avatar. Select Ignore.
  • Next, choose Ignore again in the confirmation window.
  • On mobile, tap the avatar and then the ellipsis at the top right. Select Ignore and follow any confirmation.
  • For a rule violation, report the relevant message as well. Ignoring someone does not submit a report.

Why it matters: Ignoring reduces exposure and does not notify the person. However, it does not remove them from a shared server or prove that harmful behaviour has stopped.

Official guidance: Ignore a Discord user.

Discord Safety Settings: review and cancel recurring subscriptions

Subscriptions can fall outside the guardian spending cap. Therefore, review Nitro, Boosts, server and app subscriptions separately.

  • Open User Settings, then Subscriptions. Select the relevant subscription and its Cancel option.
  • Read the remaining term and complete every cancellation confirmation.
  • If Apple or Google Play billed the purchase, open that store’s subscriptions screen and cancel the corresponding entry there.
  • Review Billing and stored payment methods too. Contact official billing support about unauthorised charges or refund eligibility.

Why it matters: Uninstalling Discord does not cancel a subscription. Also do not assume a refund follows automatically from cancellation.

Official guidance: Review and cancel recurring subscriptions.

Discord Privacy Settings for Product Improvement

Discord offers a separate choice about using information to improve its products. For example, this can concern how you navigate the service.

  • On desktop or web, open the settings cog for User Settings. On mobile, open your profile and the settings cog.
  • Next, select Data & Privacy. Find Use Data to Improve Discord.
  • Turn the choice off if you do not want Discord to use new information for this improvement purpose. If a linked guardian manages it, review the choice together in Family Center.

Why it matters: The preference applies across devices. However, it does not stop necessary service data or erase earlier information. Discord says signals still travel to its systems, while their use for this purpose changes.

Official guidance: Choose whether data improves Discord.

Review Discord personalisation data

Personalisation can use games, interactions, servers and connected accounts to shape recommendations and promotions.

  • Open User Settings on desktop or Settings on mobile. Next, select Data & Privacy.
  • Find Use data to personalize my Discord experience. Turn it off if you prefer not to use account information for these recommendations.
  • For a guardian managed teen account, review the corresponding Family Center privacy choice together.

Why it matters: The choice limits this personalisation purpose without removing access to conversations or voice channels. However, it is separate from profile visibility, product improvement and sponsored content choices.

Official guidance: Review Discord personalisation data.

Sponsored content includes paid promotions such as Quests. Discord provides separate data preferences for tailoring those promotions.

  • Open User Settings or mobile Settings, then Data & Privacy and How Discord uses your data.
  • Review Use data based on my Discord activity to personalize sponsored content. Turn it off to decline this use of your Discord activity.
  • Next, review Use data from third party sources about me to personalize sponsored content. Turn it off to decline personalisation using those sources.
  • Finally, check both choices after saving. Disabling the Discord activity option also disables the third party option. Disabling only the third party option leaves Discord activity personalisation separate.

Why it matters: These preferences distinguish two sources of advertising data. However, opting out does not remove all sponsored content. You can still see general promotions that do not use those personalisation choices.

Official guidance: Choose data used for sponsored content.

Topic preferences control categories of sponsored content. They are separate from how advertising data is used.

  • Open User Settings on desktop or Settings on mobile.
  • Next, choose Data & Privacy, Sponsored Content and Manage Sponsored Content.
  • Select or hide each available topic you do not want to see. Review the available topics together with the teenager.

Why it matters: Discord says selected topics stop appearing in sponsored content. However, this does not disable all advertising or control ordinary server messages. Topic availability can vary by region.

Official guidance: Hide unwanted sponsored content topics.

Request a private data copy

A data package can help review account information. However, you need a verified email and must wait before deleting the account.

  • Open User Settings, then Data & Privacy.
  • On desktop, select Request Data, choose the data and confirm the request.
  • On mobile, select Request all of my data and confirm.
  • Wait for the download sent to the account’s email, then store it privately before any closure decision.

Why it matters: Deleting or disabling the account before delivery cancels the request. Therefore, keep account access until the required copy arrives.

Official guidance: Request a private data copy.

Close an account after reviewing consequences

Account closure removes access to chats and purchases. However, messages can remain anonymised and recipients can retain copies.

  • Review billing and lawful data you need first. Transfer ownership of any server through its member management controls before account closure.
  • Open User Settings, then My Account on desktop or Account on mobile.
  • Select Delete Account, enter the requested password and authentication, then confirm only after reading the consequences.

Why it matters: The account enters a pending deletion period before permanent loss. Also check separately billed services rather than assuming every external charge ends.

Official guidance: Close an account after reviewing consequences.

Discord Safety Settings: choose profile audiences

Profile privacy limits who sees the full profile. However, it does not change who can send messages or friend requests.

  • On desktop or web, select the settings cog to open User Settings. Next, open Data & Privacy and scroll to Profile Privacy.
  • On mobile, tap You and the settings cog. Open Data & Privacy and find Profile Privacy.
  • Choose Friends Only for the narrowest audience. Desktop saves the choice automatically. On mobile, leave settings after selecting it.
  • If Discord offers to match activity sharing, review that prompt. Then review User Settings and Activity Sharing separately. Some versions call this Activity Privacy. Follow the activity audience instructions below.

Why it matters: This can hide a bio, connected accounts and other profile details from people outside the audience. The avatar, username, display name, banner and mutual servers remain visible. Also, teenagers can change their profile privacy preference without proving adult age.

Official guidance: Discord Safety Settings: choose profile audiences.

Enable the optional Language Filter, if offered

Discord documents this as an experiment rather than a universal control. However, it can reduce exposure to detected offensive English words.

  • Open User Settings and the offered Privacy & Safety filter area.
  • If present, turn on Enable language filter and confirm its enabled state.
  • If absent, use server moderation and leave unsuitable spaces rather than assuming the feature is active.

Why it matters: The filter uses a fixed word list and cannot catch every harmful message. Also review image filters separately.

Official guidance: Enable the optional Language Filter, if offered.

Review Discord Activity Audiences and Game Access

Activity visibility is separate from profile privacy. Review global, server, connection and game choices together.

  • Open User Settings and Activity Sharing. Turn Share my activity off if you do not want activity shown.
  • If sharing remains on, review Automatically share my activity with. Choose Friends Only for the narrowest listed default. Review My Servers individually.
  • Open a server’s name menu and Privacy Settings to review Activity Status there. Keep global controls separate.
  • Review connection activity under Connected Apps and individual games under Games & Apps, then Registered Games.
  • Where supported, review Allow friends to join my game and Allow voice channel participants to join my game. Turn off unwanted joining. The latter applies to non Community servers.

Why it matters: A friend or another permitted server can still expose activity after a single server change. Some activity card experiments ignore server specific choices. Therefore, check global, connection and game controls rather than relying on one server toggle.

Official guidance: Review Discord Activity Audiences and Game Access.

Review Discord Devices and Active Sessions

The Devices panel lists account sessions. Use a trusted desktop client to review where the account is signed in.

  • Open the cogwheel beside your account to enter User Settings. Select Devices.
  • Review Current Device and Other Devices. Check each listed device against the devices you actually use.
  • To end one unwanted session, select the X beside that device. Read and complete any confirmation or authentication prompt.
  • To end the listed sessions together, select Log Out All Known Devices. Complete the confirmation and prepare to sign in again on trusted devices.
  • If you suspect access by someone else, change the password using the next section. Also use that route if the Devices panel is unavailable.

Why it matters: Some older devices may not appear in this list. Therefore, a familiar list does not prove that no other session exists. Ending sessions does not erase copied information or remove authorised apps. Review app access separately.

Illustrated device controls: Review Discord Devices and Active Sessions.

End Unwanted Discord Sessions After a Suspicious Login

Discord says changing your password signs out all devices. Use this response if you accidentally approve someone else’s login or suspect account access.

  • On a trusted desktop or browser, open User Settings through the cogwheel. Select My Account and Change Password.
  • Enter your current password and a new, unique password. Complete the change and any requested authentication code.
  • On mobile, open your avatar and settings cog. Select Account, then Password. Enter the current and new passwords, then select Change Password.
  • If you have forgotten the password, open Discord’s login screen. Enter the account email and select Forgot your password?. Follow the email instructions.
  • Afterwards, sign in only on trusted devices. Secure the linked email and review Authorized Apps separately.

Why it matters: Ending sessions limits further access. However, it does not undo copied messages or unauthorised purchases. Never approve a QR login sent by someone else. Choose Cancel if an unexpected login approval appears.

Official guidance: End Unwanted Discord Sessions After a Suspicious Login.

Discord’s QR login safety guidance confirms the sign out effect of changing the password. Use official compromised account support if you need recovery help.

Sign out of shared devices

An unattended signed in client can expose private conversations. Therefore, close account access deliberately.

  • On the shared device, open Discord’s User Settings through the settings cog.
  • Select Log Out and complete its confirmation.
  • If you suspect account compromise or cannot access an old device, use Discord’s official recovery guidance and review account security.

Why it matters: Closing the window alone can leave a session active. Also protect your email and authentication methods.

Official guidance: Sign out of shared devices.

How to Use Discord Safely

Review Discord safety settings together before changing a child’s access. For example, agree which contacts and groups serve a clear purpose. Also explain how to leave a conversation and ask for help.

Verify unexpected requests through a separate trusted channel. However, a familiar name, image or voice can come from a copied or stolen account. Never share passwords, login codes or intimate images under pressure.

Essential Safety Advice and Current Concerns

  • Treat requests for secrecy, money, intimate images or urgent account action as warning signs. Instead, pause and ask a trusted adult.
  • Use an avatar or another non identifying image where practical. Also keep school uniforms, home details and regular routes out of shared photos.
  • Discuss consent before forwarding messages or photos. However, encryption and disappearing content cannot prevent a recipient using another camera.
  • Respond calmly if a child reports harmful contact. Reassure them that asking for help will not automatically mean punishment.
  • Avoid unexpected downloads, account linking codes and third party recovery services. For example, legitimate support does not need your authentication secret.

Irish support and reporting

In immediate danger, call 112 or 999. Contact An Garda Síochána about private or encrypted abuse and safeguarding concerns. However, do not download, copy or forward sexual images involving children to collect evidence.

Hotline.ie accepts reports within its illegal online content remit. In addition, use Useful Links and Supports for further support routes. CODA’s contact form is not an emergency service.

Platform Support and Regional Differences

Menus vary between desktop, web and mobile. Some older documentation says Family Center linking needs mobile, while current parent and teen instructions also allow a web invitation. Follow the current account’s supported QR or invite flow.

Guardians cannot remove friends or servers on a teen’s behalf through Family Center. Instead, review those choices together. A teen can disconnect, and the account disconnects automatically when its age group becomes adult.

Family Center protections are free. Nitro and other paid services add features rather than a safety guarantee. Also use device permissions and app limits for account or device routes outside Discord’s guardian controls.

Discord text messages do not have the same end to end encryption model as its supported encrypted audio and video. Therefore, review chat privacy separately and avoid sharing sensitive information with strangers.

Discord Safety Settings Checklist

  • Confirm the genuine age, account type and supported country before setup.
  • Review the relevant contact, profile, group and content protections above. Also check each exception.
  • Protect recovery methods and every signed in device. Then remove sessions you no longer need.
  • Agree a location sharing purpose and an end time. Similarly, restrict camera and microphone access when unnecessary.
  • Check billing separately from app removal. For example, uninstalling an app usually does not cancel subscriptions.
  • Practise blocking, reporting and seeking help. Finally, repeat the review after updates, new contacts or a device change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a parent read Discord messages through Family Center?

No. Family Center shows supported activity information rather than message contents. Also remember that its view begins after the teen accepts the connection.

Does the spending cap cover Nitro?

No. Subscriptions have exceptions. Therefore, review billing separately even when the cap is zero.

Do Discord safety settings stop every harmful interaction?

No. Filters and contact controls reduce some exposure, while alternative accounts and shared spaces remain risks. Instead, combine settings with regular conversations and support.

Related CODA Guides

For more help with Discord safety settings, explore Resources for Parents, App Safety Settings and Video Guides.

References

Account and privacy guidance

Discord terms. Explains the relevant account requirements, control or support route.

Discord country age requirements. Explains the relevant account requirements, control or support route.

Discord safety settings: connect Family Center. Explains the relevant account requirements, control or support route.

Review activity without expecting message transcripts. Explains the relevant account requirements, control or support route.

Set parent managed safety and privacy choices. Explains the relevant account requirements, control or support route.

Set a monthly spending cap. Explains the relevant account requirements, control or support route.

Discord privacy settings: restrict server direct messages. Explains the relevant account requirements, control or support route.

Keep Message Requests and spam filtering. Explains the relevant account requirements, control or support route.

Further settings guidance

Discord safety settings: sensitive content filters. Explains the relevant account requirements, control or support route.

Review age group and assurance. Explains the relevant account requirements, control or support route.

Discord security settings: passkeys and authentication. Explains the relevant account requirements, control or support route.

Review authorised apps and connected accounts. Explains the relevant account requirements, control or support route.

Review and cancel recurring subscriptions. Explains the relevant account requirements, control or support route.

Request a private data copy. Explains the relevant account requirements, control or support route.

Close an account after reviewing consequences. Explains the relevant account requirements, control or support route.

Choose profile and activity audiences. Explains the relevant account requirements, control or support route.

Additional features and support

Enable the optional Language Filter, if offered. Explains the relevant account requirements, control or support route.

Sign out of shared devices. Explains the relevant account requirements, control or support route.

Hotline.ie reporting remit. Explains the relevant account requirements, control or support route.

Additional Control Sources

About Children of the Digital Age

Children of the Digital Age provides online safety education and training for schools, parents and organisations. Our work combines practical settings guidance with online behaviour, cyberpsychology and emerging risk awareness.

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    Last updated: 19 October 2026