Discord Privacy Settings: A Complete Guide
Discord collects data and exposes information by default. Here's how to lock down your privacy.
Accessing Privacy Settings
User Settings → Privacy & Safety
Direct Messages
- Allow direct messages from server members: Toggle off if you don't want DMs from strangers in mutual servers
- Message Requests: When DMs are restricted, unknown senders go to a request queue instead
Friend Requests
Control who can send you friend requests:
- Everyone
- Friends of Friends
- Server Members
- No one
Recommended: Server Members only to avoid spam.
Activity Privacy
- Display current activity as a status message: Shows what game/app you're using
- Share your detected activities with others: Controls Rich Presence visibility
- Allow friends to join your game: Disable if you want private sessions
Disable both if you don't want people to see what you're doing.
Data and Analytics
- Use data to improve Discord: Discord uses your activity data by default — toggle off to opt out
- Allow Discord to track screen reader usage: Analytics for accessibility features
Per-Server Privacy
Right-click any server → Privacy Settings:
- Allow direct messages from this server's members — per-server DM control
- Allow member verification for this server
Safe Messaging
Settings → Privacy & Safety → Safe Direct Messaging:
- Keep me safe — Scans DMs from unknown users for explicit content
- My friends are nice — Only scans non-friend DMs
- Do not scan — No scanning (not recommended)
Two-Factor Authentication
For maximum account security:
- Settings → My Account → Two-Factor Authentication
- Download an authenticator app (Authy or Google Authenticator)
- Scan the QR code and save your backup codes
- Enter a verification code to confirm
Related: Discord Two-Factor Auth Guide · Discord Scam Prevention Guide