How to restrict Discord DMs from unknown users?
Maintaining your privacy on Discord is crucial, especially considering the potential risks associated with receiving unsolicited messages from unknown users. These messages can range from spam and phishing attempts to harassment and other forms of online abuse. By restricting DMs from unknown users, you can significantly enhance your online safety and create a more controlled environment for your Discord experience.
Discord’s built-in privacy settings make it easy to manage who can send you direct messages. You don’t need to be a tech expert to take control of your privacy on the platform. Let’s explore the simple steps you can take to restrict DMs from unknown users and safeguard your Discord account.
Accessing and Understanding Privacy Settings
To access and understand Discord’s privacy settings, follow these steps:
- Open the Discord app on your computer or mobile device and log in to your account.
- Click on the gear icon in the bottom-left corner of the app to access User Settings. Alternatively, you can right-click on your profile picture in the bottom-left corner and select ‘Settings’.
- Navigate to the ‘Privacy & Safety’ tab on the left sidebar.
- Under the ‘Direct Messages’ section, you’ll find various privacy options:
| Setting | Description |
|---|---|
| Allow direct messages from server members | Determines whether you can receive direct messages from users on servers you share with them. If unchecked, you will only be able to receive direct messages from friends or users you have explicitly allowed. |
| Allow direct messages from server members I’ve blocked | Determines whether you can receive direct messages from users you have blocked on Discord. If unchecked, you will not be able to receive direct messages from blocked users. |
| Show my online status | Determines whether you want to display your online status to other users. |
These privacy options allow you to control who can send you direct messages and how your online status is displayed. You can adjust these settings according to your preferences.
Restricting DMs from Non-Friends
You can use Discord’s privacy settings to restrict direct messages from people you’re not friends with.
To enable this feature:
- Open Discord and click on the gear icon next to your username in the bottom left corner to access User Settings.
- Select “Privacy & Safety” in the left sidebar.
- Under “Direct Messages,” enable the option “Allow direct messages from.”
- Select “Server Members” to allow DMs from people in servers you’re both in, “Friends” to allow DMs only from your friends, or “Nobody” to disable all DMs.
This setting will prevent you from receiving direct messages from anyone who is not a friend or someone you share a server with. You can still receive messages from verified bots, even if you have enabled the “Nobody” option.
| Setting | Description |
|---|---|
| Server Members | You can receive direct messages from anyone who is in a server that you are both a member of. |
| Friends | You can only receive direct messages from people you have added as friends. |
| Nobody | You can only receive direct messages from verified bots. |
If you are in a server with someone, they will still be able to send you a direct message even if you have “Friends” selected as your DM setting. This is because you are both members of the same server.
If you do not want to receive DMs from someone in a server, you can block them. Blocking someone will prevent them from sending you messages, joining your voice calls, mentioning you, or reacting to your messages.
Additional Privacy Measures
In addition to restricting direct messages from unknown users, you can explore other privacy features on Discord for enhanced protection.
Consider these options:
- Disable Direct Messages: If you want to completely avoid receiving direct messages, you can disable them entirely. This feature prevents any user, known or unknown, from sending you a direct message. To disable direct messages, go to your User Settings and navigate to the Privacy & Safety section. Find the ‘Direct Messages’ section and toggle off ‘Allow direct messages from anyone.’ This is a strict measure, but it guarantees that no direct messages can reach you, prioritizing your privacy.
- Block Specific Users: You can block specific users who are bothering you or sending unwanted messages. This prevents blocked users from interacting with you in any way, including sending direct messages, joining your voice channels, or mentioning you in public channels. To block a user, go to their profile, click the three dots next to their name, and select ‘Block.’ This is a targeted approach to manage interactions with specific individuals.
- Privacy Modes: Discord offers ‘Theater Mode’ and ‘Go Live’ modes. ‘Theater Mode’ allows you to focus on a specific channel or conversation, reducing distractions and promoting privacy while using Discord. ‘Go Live’ is designed for live streams and ensures only those invited to your stream can join. These modes offer a more focused and private experience for certain Discord activities.
By combining these additional privacy measures with restrictions on direct messages from unknown users, you can create a more secure and controlled environment on Discord, protecting your privacy and reducing unwanted interactions.
By restricting DMs from unknown users, you significantly reduce the risk of encountering unwanted messages, scams, or inappropriate content. It helps you maintain a secure and positive Discord experience. Discord offers several privacy features that you can utilize to control your interactions and safeguard your privacy. It’s crucial to stay updated on any changes to these settings, as Discord regularly introduces new features and enhancements. Remember to report any suspicious activity to Discord’s support team. By taking these proactive steps, you can contribute to a safer and more enjoyable Discord environment for yourself and others.