Discord already comes with some awesome security features, but we should also try to do more to protect accounts as users. Passwords are hackable and these malicious people can access private conversations. Thus, Discord has implemented the two-factor authentication system, also known as 2FA.
Enabling 2FA is a relatively simple process, and it secures your account better than a single password. Not only that, but 2FA is also required for some Discord servers or using admin privileges.
If you want a quick guide to enabling (and disabling) this essential feature, you've come to the right place. Keep reading to learn how to enable and disable 2FA on different devices.
How to Enable or Disable 2FA in Discord on the iPhone App
Discord for mobile devices works much the same as the desktop client or browser version. You will also need to download one of two third-party apps. Both are available for free in the App Store.
For those who want to enable 2FA on an iPhone, take a look at these steps:
- Launch Discord on your iPhone.
- Find the gear icon near the bottom of the screen and tap it.
- You are now in the settings menu; tap "My Account" to access the appropriate settings.
- Tap "Enable Two-Factor Authentication".
- Download either Authentic or Google Authenticator on your iPhone.
- Enter the code you received in the authenticator app or scan the QR code from Discord.
- Once the codes are accepted, 2FA will become active.
- Tap "Done" to continue using Discord.
However, sometimes it is necessary to disable 2FA. Follow these instructions to get started:
- Launch Discord on your iPhone.
- Find and tap the gear icon.
- In the settings menu, tap on "My account".
- Look for the "Remove 2FA" option next to "Show backup codes".
- Enter your Discord authorization code or backup code.
You can always follow the same steps to re-enable 2FA.
How to Enable or Disable 2FA in Discord on Android App
Compared to the iOS version, Discord on Android devices is not too different. The user interface is also the same. As a result, you can follow steps similar to the instructions on iPhone.
Here's how to enable 2FA on your Android device:
- Go to the Discord app on your Android phone or tablet.
- At the bottom left of the screen, find the gear icon and tap it.
- In the Settings menu, tap "My Account" to access the right area.
- Find the big button with "Two-Factor Authentication" on it.
- Tap "Enable Two-Factor Authentication".
- Download Authentic or Google Authenticator on your phone.
- You will receive a code that you can enter into the authenticator app.
- Once the codes are accepted, your Discord account is now protected by 2FA until you deactivate it.
- Tap "Done" to continue chatting with your friends.
Alternatively, you can also use the authenticator app to scan the QR code Discord provides you. This will link the accounts.
As for turning it off, here's what you need to do:
- Go to your Discord app.
- Tap the settings icon.
- Go to "My Account" for the option to enable or disable 2FA.
- Tap "Remove 2FA" under "Two-Factor Authentication Enabled".
- Enter your Discord passcode or backup code in the field.
- Tap “Remove 2FA”.
- Your account will now have no 2FA protection until you re-enable it.
It may be faster to log in without 2FA, but you're considerably less secure. However, you may need to disable this feature in some situations.
One thing to note is that on Android, Google Authenticator requires you to use ZXing Barcode Scanner if you intend to use barcodes. If you want to save time or just don't want to download another app, you can manually enter the code instead of downloading the scanner.
How to Enable or Disable 2FA in Discord from PC
Even if you use Discord on a PC, you still need a mobile device to use Authy or Google Authenticator. Thus, we recommend that you keep your mobile phone nearby for easy use. Either way, the process remains similar to the steps for the other devices listed above.
For PC users, try these instructions to enable 2FA:
- Open Discord on your browser or use the desktop client.
- Click the cog icon to enter the settings menu.
- Click on "My Account".
- Select the larger button with "Enable two-factor authentication" on it.
- Download your authenticator app of choice, as mentioned above.
- Get the barcode or key on Discord.
- Enter the provided key or use the barcode scanner in the authenticator app.
- Once you have entered the required codes, your account will now have 2FA enabled.
As for those who want to turn it off, here's how:
- Launch Discord for PC.
- Go to the Settings menu.
- Click on "My Account".
- Click on “Remove 2FA”.
- Enter the required Discord Authorization Code or Backup Code.
- Once done, your account is no longer protected by 2FA.
Why enable two-factor authentication?
With 2FA, hackers will have a much harder time trying to gain access to your account. Unlike a one-time password, the 2FA service requires codes that can only be accessed by you. The codes also work once per connection.
These codes reach you by SMS or by specific applications such as Authy or Google Authenticator. Although 2FA is not perfect, the method is simple and effective.
Sometimes you also need to disable 2FA. Some users do this because they lose access to their phones and cannot log into their accounts.
Using backup codes, you can disable 2FA and log back into your account. After getting a new phone, you can follow the above steps and re-enable 2FA.
However, keep in mind that you will need to create a new account if you do not have your backup codes. The reason for this is that Discord does not have access to your codes, nor can it give you new ones. So, it's a good idea to keep your codes somewhere accessible.
Additional FAQs
Can I disable 2FA without logging in?
No. .. you can not do that. If you want to disable 2FA, you must redeem a backup code after logging into your Discord account. There is no other way to disable the feature in the app.
Can you enable 2FA with PC?
Yes, although you still need a phone and authenticator app, you can still enable 2FA via PC.
Extra security means extra insurance
Having 2FA to protect Discord accounts is a great way to ensure your privacy isn't violated. Although the process requires a third-party app, you only need a few minutes of setup. After that, you don't have to worry about 2FA anymore.
Do you think 2FA is a great idea? What do you think of the servers required by 2FA? Let us know in the comments section below.
