Discord Developer Mode: How to Turn It On and Copy Any ID

Every user, server, channel and message on Discord has its own long ID number. You'll never see them in normal use, until a support agent, a bot setup guide or a report form asks for one. That's where Discord developer mode comes in.

The name sounds technical, but it's just a toggle. Discord describes it as a setting that "exposes context menu items helpful for people writing apps using the Discord API." In plain terms, it adds Copy ID options to your right-click and long-press menus.

This guide shows how to turn on Discord developer mode on desktop and mobile, how to copy each type of ID, and why you'd want them in the first place.

At a glance - Where: User Settings > Advanced > Developer Mode - Works on: desktop, browser and mobile - What it adds: Copy User ID, Copy Server ID, Copy Channel ID and Copy Message ID options - User IDs: 17 or 18 digits, unique and can't be changed - Common uses: Discord support tickets, reports and setting up bots

⚙️ How to Turn On Discord Developer Mode (Desktop)

1. Select the cogwheel in the bottom-left corner to open User Settings.
2. Scroll down to Advanced under App Settings.
3. Select the toggle next to Developer Mode.

A checkmark means it's on. An x means it's off.

Turning on Developer Mode under User Settings > Advanced. Image: Discord.

📱 How to Turn On Developer Mode on Mobile

1. Tap your avatar in the bottom-right corner.
2. Tap the cogwheel in the top-right corner.
3. Scroll down to Advanced under App Settings.
4. Tap the toggle next to Developer Mode.

Same rule as desktop: a checkmark means enabled.

🆔 How to Copy User, Server, Channel and Message IDs

With Developer Mode on, here's where each option lives.

User ID

You can copy a user's ID from a server, a group chat or a DM. On desktop, right-click their name and pick Copy User ID. On mobile, tap the user, then the three dots in the top-right corner.

Copy User ID sits at the bottom of the user menu. Image: Discord.

Server ID

Right-click the server icon on desktop. On mobile, tap the server name and scroll to the bottom of the menu.

Channel ID

Right-click (desktop) or long-press (mobile) the channel. Bonus trick: if you type <#channelID> with a real channel ID in a message, Discord turns it into a clickable channel link.

Message link and Message ID

Right-click or long-press the message and choose Copy Message Link. In Discord's screenshots, the same menu also shows a separate Copy Message ID option.

The message menu with Copy Message Link and Copy Message ID. Image: Discord.

A message link is often more useful than the bare ID. Discord's own reporting guide shows that a message link follows the format discordapp.com/channels/server-ID/channel-ID/message-ID, so one link carries all three numbers.

🧠 Why You'd Need Discord IDs

Discord support. Support agents may ask for a User, Server or Message ID to look into your issue. An ID points to exactly one thing, so there's no confusion.

Reports. Discord's reporting guidance asks for specific formats. For example, a report about a message should include the server, channel and message IDs (a message link covers all three).

Identifying an account. Usernames and display names can change. A User ID is unique and stays the same, which is why Discord's law enforcement guidance calls the User ID the most preferred way to identify an account.

Bots and apps. Many bot dashboards and commands ask for a channel, role or user ID. If you're setting up bots, our list of the best Discord bots for every server is a good starting point. Building your own? Read our Discord Developer Portal guide.

🛡️ Safety Notes

• Developer Mode is a menu setting. Discord describes it as adding context menu items, which is where the Copy ID options come from.
• IDs are not passwords. Discord says it will never ask for your password or account token. Anyone who does is not Discord.
• Check for the OFFICIAL badge. Real messages from Discord carry an OFFICIAL badge and can't be replied to.
• Don't share IDs you don't need to. Only give IDs to Discord support or tools you trust.

Scammers love fake "support" DMs and fake giveaways. Our guide to spotting fake giveaways in creator servers covers the warning signs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Discord developer mode?

Open User Settings, go to Advanced under App Settings and switch on Developer Mode.

Is Discord developer mode safe to turn on?

Yes. Discord describes it as a setting that adds context menu items for people building apps. It only adds Copy ID options to your menus.

Why don't I see Copy User ID?

Developer Mode is probably off. Turn it on in User Settings > Advanced, then right-click or long-press again.

How long is a Discord User ID?

Discord says User IDs are 17 or 18 digits long, unique to each user and can't be changed.

Can I turn Discord developer mode off again?

Yes. Use the same toggle. An x means it's disabled.

🎮 The Bottom Line

Discord developer mode is one of the most useful settings most people never touch. Flip one toggle under Advanced and you can copy any user, server, channel or message ID in seconds.

Keep it on if you run a server, use bots or ever deal with support. Just remember that IDs are for identifying things, and nobody from Discord will ask for your password or token.

What do you use Discord IDs for most?

Sources

1. Discord Help Center: Where can I find my User/Server/Message ID?, updated 2 November 2026
2. Discord Help Center: How to Find User IDs for Law Enforcement, updated 2 November 2026
3. Discord Help Center: How to Report the Location of Materials for Copyright and Trademark Claims, updated 27 October 2026
4. Discord Help Center: Discord Official Messages, updated 2 November 2026