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

By AndroidGreek Team
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Discord is the primary communication platform for numerous individuals. Whether you use it to connect with friends or stay updated on the latest advancements in your areas of interest, you must activate two-factor authentication for your account.

Termed 2FA, or two-factor authentication, shields your Discord account against unauthorized access and ensures the security of your data. This security measure necessitates inputting a six-digit authentication code—the second authentication factor—in conjunction with your password—the first—each time you log into your Discord account.

Accompany us on this journey, and we shall illustrate the procedure for enabling 2FA on Discord, thereby protecting your account and its associated data.

The Process of Enabling 2FA on Discord

First and foremost, acquiring an authenticator app is paramount. Both Google and Apple offer many authenticator apps on their respective app stores, allowing you 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, 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 enable 2FA on your Discord account via both desktop and mobile platforms, as delineated below.

Enable 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.

  1. Open the Discord app or visit the Discord website on your computer.
  2. Log in to the Discord account you wish to secure.
  3. Click the User Settings icon (gear icon) in the left sidebar.
  4. Scroll to the “My Account” section and find “Enable Two-Factor Auth.”
  5. Click the button and enter your Discord password when prompted.
  6. A QR code and 2FA key will appear on your screen.
  7. Open your preferred authenticator app (e.g., Google Authenticator or Authy).
  8. Create a new account entry in the authenticator app and scan the QR code on your computer screen.
  9. Alternatively, manually enter the 2FA key from your computer screen into the authenticator app.
  10. 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 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, which is available on Android and iPhone devices. The following steps outline the process, noting that these instructions remain primarily identical for both platforms:

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

Enable SMS-Based 2FA on Your Discord Account.

SMS-based 2FA is an alternative method for protecting your Discord account. While it serves its purpose, we recommend the app-based approach over the SMS-based method because it is slower, less reliable, and less secure. However, if you still prefer 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.

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

Disable 2FA on Discord via Desktop or Web

There may be instances where you need to turn off 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. This section will guide you through the steps to disable 2FA on Discord, enabling you to regain access to your account or transfer ownership.

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

Disable 2FA on Discord via iOS or Android

On the Discord mobile apps (both Android and iOS), setting up SMS-based 2FA to access the “Remove 2FA” option is mandatory. If you still need SMS authentication, the option will appear greyed out. Follow these steps to remove two-factor authentication from your Discord account:

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

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

Turning 2FA on and off your Discord account is an important security measure. It is highly recommended that you keep 2FA enabled to protect your account from unauthorized access and potential security breaches.