How to Set Up Verification Roles
Verification roles are one of the simplest ways to protect a Discord server from bot accounts, spam raids, and rule-breakers before they can post. New members are given a restricted role on join, and only gain full access after completing a verification step.
Why Use Verification Roles
- Blocks bots and alt accounts from posting links or spam immediately after joining.
- Slows down raids by adding friction before a new member can chat.
- Filters out inactive joins — members who never verify simply stay muted.
Basic Setup Steps
- Create an "Unverified" role with no permissions beyond viewing a welcome channel.
- Set this role as the default under Server Settings → Roles, so every new member gets it automatically.
- Create a "Verified" role with normal member permissions (chat, react, view channels).
- Choose a verification method:
- Reaction-based — members react to a message in the welcome channel to get the Verified role.
- Bot-based — a bot like Carl-bot or MEE6 handles a captcha, DM confirmation, or timed wait before assigning the role.
- Lock down all other channels so only the Verified role can view or post.
- Test the flow with an alt account before announcing it live.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Forgetting to set the new role as default — new members won't be restricted at all.
- Giving the Unverified role too many permissions, defeating the purpose.
- Not exempting moderators/bots from the restriction, locking staff out.
Related Tools
Bots like Carl-bot, Wick, and MEE6 all support automated verification with anti-raid features layered on top, such as join-rate limits and account-age checks.