What is an Authenticator App?

Using an Authenticator App (also called a Time-based One-Time Password or TOTP) is another great way to secure your account by providing a one-time code alongside your password - this ensures that someone can’t log into your account if they only have your password. You can set up an Authenticator App from your Account Settings on the mobile, desktop, and browser app.

How to Register an Authenticator App

Mobile

1. Tap your avatar in the bottom-right corner and then tap on the cogwheel [] in the top-right corner.

2. Press on Account and then select Enable Authenticator App.

3. To begin this authentication process, you'll need to download either Google Authenticator or Authy on your mobile device.

4. Follow the instructions in the Discord app to copy your secret key into your Authenticator App so it can generate your one-time codes. You’ll be asked to enter one of those codes generated by the Authenticator App to ensure it’s working properly.

5. You can now link your phone number to your Discord account to help act as a backup method for obtaining these authentication codes. This can help you be less worried about losing access to your Authenticator app, but reduces how secure your account is.

6. After enabling an Authenticator App, the Discord app will also have a list of backup codes for login: each of these can be used once instead of a code generated by your Authenticator App, in case you lose access to it. Make sure to download and store these backup codes in a safe, easily accessible place! If you lose these, Discord can’t help you get back into your account.

If you set up your Authenticator App through Authy you can set up a backup by following these steps. If you set it up through Google Authenticator you can back up your account by following these steps.

Desktop/Browser

1. Start by selecting the the cogwheel [] next to your username.

2. This will open your User Settings and take you to the My Account page. While here, you will be able to view the Multi-Factor Authentication options under the Password and Authentication section.

3. Press the Enable Authenticator App button to get started. To begin the authenticator process, you will have to download Google Authenticator app or the Authy app on your mobile device. After you’ve downloaded an Authenticator App, open it on your mobile device and use the camera function to scan the QR code in the Discord app.

4. After scanning the QR code that is displayed in the Discord app, your Authenticator App will generate a 6 digit code. Enter that 6 digit code into “Login with your code” and then tap on Activate.

5. You can now link your phone number to your account to help act as a backup method for obtaining these authentication codes. This can help you be less worried about losing access to your Authenticator App, but reduces how secure your account is.

6. After enabling an Authenticator App, the Discord app will also have a list of backup codes for login: each of these can be used once instead of a code generated by your app, in case you lose access to it. Make sure to download and store these backup codes in a safe, easily accessible place! If you lose these, Discord can’t help you get back into your account.

If you set up your Authenticator App through Authy, you can set up a backup by following these steps. If you set it up through Google Authenticator, you can back up your account by following these steps.

Logging in With an Authenticator App

After enabling an Authenticator App you’ll see an additional prompt to enter an authentication code when you log in to your Discord:

Enter a code from your app or from your list of backup codes, select Confirm, and you’re in!