- What a Discord ID is and why it beats a username
- Step one: switch on Developer Mode in Discord
- Copying your own Discord user ID
- Finding a Discord server, channel or message ID
- When you'll need your Discord ID as a server owner or creator
- Keeping your Discord ID safe to share
- If Copy ID isn't showing in Discord
- Frequently asked questions
To find your Discord ID, turn on Developer Mode in User Settings under Advanced, then right-click your name (or open your profile and tap the three dots on mobile) and choose Copy User ID. The step people miss is Developer Mode: until it's on, the copy option doesn't appear at all.
Your Discord username is what people see, but behind it sits a long number that never changes. You'll usually only go looking for it when something asks for it: Discord support, a bot you're adding to your server, a giveaway tool, or a moderator trying to identify the right account.
The number is hidden by default, which is why so many people can't find it. You switch on one setting, then copy it from a menu. Here's how, on a computer and on a phone, plus how to grab the IDs for servers, channels and messages while you're there.
What a Discord ID is and why it beats a username
According to Discord's help, every user has a 17 or 18 digit user identification number, often shortened to UID. It's unique to you and it can't be changed. Servers, channels and individual messages each have their own ID numbers too.
Usernames are a different story. Discord's help points out that people can change their usernames, and display names can differ from usernames. That's why support teams and moderation tools prefer the ID: it still points to the same account after a name change. If you've recently renamed yourself, my guide on changing your Discord display name and username explains how those two names work.
You can use Discord for years without ever needing these numbers, and Discord's help says as much. Think of the ID as the account's fingerprint: you only reach for it when a person or a tool has to be completely sure which account they're dealing with. Copy it once, keep it in a notes app, and you won't have to repeat these steps next time.
Step one: switch on Developer Mode in Discord
The Copy ID options only appear once Developer Mode is on. Don't let the name put you off. It doesn't change how Discord looks or works for you, it just adds the copy options to your menus.
On a computer
- Click the cog icon in the bottom-left corner to open User Settings.
- Scroll down the left-hand menu to Advanced.
- Switch on Developer Mode.
On iPhone or Android
- Tap your profile picture in the bottom-right corner.
- Tap the cog icon in the top-right corner.
- Scroll down to Advanced under App Settings.
- Switch on Developer Mode.
Copying your own Discord user ID
With Developer Mode on, you can copy anyone's ID, including your own. Discord's help gives these routes:
On a computer
- Go to a server, group chat or direct message where your name appears.
- Right-click your name or profile picture.
- Select Copy User ID.
- Paste it wherever you need it.
On a phone
- Go to a server, group chat or direct message.
- Tap your name or profile picture to open your profile.
- Tap the three dots in the top-right corner.
- Tap Copy User ID.
Exactly the same steps work for anyone else's ID. Just right-click or tap their name instead of yours.
Want AI doing the heavy lifting in your marketing?
I build the systems that handle the boring 80 percent, so you get your week back. Done properly, with the human kept in.
Finding a Discord server, channel or message ID
| What you need | On a computer | On a phone |
|---|---|---|
| Server ID | Right-click the server icon, Copy Server ID | Tap the server name, scroll down, Copy Server ID |
| Channel ID | Right-click the channel, Copy Channel ID | Long-press the channel, scroll down, Copy Channel ID |
| Message link | Right-click the message, Copy Message Link | Long-press the message, Copy Message Link |
Discord's help notes that the message link takes anyone with access straight to that message, which is handy when you're pointing a moderator or your support team to a specific post. Discord also says that once you've copied a channel ID, you can use it to create a clickable link to that channel in a message.
When you'll need your Discord ID as a server owner or creator
- Setting up a bot. Many bots ask for user, role or channel IDs so they know where to post and who to listen to. My walkthrough on adding a bot to your Discord server covers the invite side.
- Contacting Discord support. Discord says support may ask for an ID, and the user ID is its preferred way to identify an account.
- Handing over a server. If you're passing a community to a business partner, it helps to confirm you've got the right account. Here's how to transfer ownership of a Discord server.
- Reporting a problem account. A user ID identifies the right person even if they change their name tomorrow.
Keeping your Discord ID safe to share
Your ID isn't a password, and on its own it doesn't let anyone into your account. It does identify you, though, so I'd only share it with tools and people you trust. Never type your password or a login code into a site that says it needs your ID for something, and if a stranger asks for it alongside your login details, treat it as a scam and walk away.
If Copy ID isn't showing in Discord
- Check Developer Mode is switched on under Advanced in User Settings.
- Make sure you're right-clicking or tapping the person's name or picture, not the message text.
- On mobile, open the full profile first, then use the three dots in the top-right corner.
- Update the Discord app and restart it if the menus look different from the steps above.
- Still stuck? Try the desktop or browser version, where the right-click menu is easiest to reach.
Frequently asked questions
How do I find my Discord ID?
Switch on Developer Mode under User Settings, then Advanced. Then right-click your name on a computer, or open your profile and tap the three dots on a phone, and choose Copy User ID.
How long is a Discord user ID?
Discord's help says each user has a 17 or 18 digit user identification number, unique to that account.
Does my Discord ID change if I change my username?
No. Discord says user IDs can't be changed, which is why support and bots rely on them instead of usernames.
Is it safe to share my Discord ID?
It isn't a password and doesn't give access to your account, but it does identify you. Share it with tools and people you trust, and never hand over login details with it.
What does Developer Mode do in Discord?
It adds Copy ID options to the menus for users, servers, channels and messages. It doesn't change anything else about how Discord works for you.
