TL;DR: In Discord, open User Settings. Under Content & Social, turn off direct messages from server members and limit friend requests to Friends of Friends. Under Data & Privacy, switch off “Use data to improve Discord”, the two Sponsored Content personalisation toggles and “Use data to personalize my Discord experience”. Then check each server's own privacy settings.
Stop DMs from strangers in your servers
By default, people who share a server with you can message you. To change that, per Discord's privacy settings guide:
- Desktop: User Settings (cog, bottom left), Content & Social, then under Social permissions turn off Direct messages.
- Mobile: tap your profile icon, then the cog, Content & Social, and toggle Direct messages under Server Settings.
You can also set this server by server using the drop-down, so you can allow DMs in a small friends' server but block them in a big public one.
Limit who can send friend requests
In User Settings, Content & Social, Friend Requests you can choose:
- Everyone: anyone who knows your username or shares a server with you.
- Friends of Friends: needs a mutual friend.
- Server Members: people who share a server with you.
Turning all three off blocks friend requests entirely. Friends of Friends is a sensible middle ground.
Turn off data sharing
Under User Settings, Data & Privacy, PCWorld recommends switching off:
- Use my data to improve Discord
- Use my Discord activity to personalize Sponsored Content
- Use third-party data to personalize Sponsored Content
- Use data to personalize my Discord experience (this can change friend ordering in Active Now)
Also check the Clips section and turn off “Allow my voice to be recorded in Clips” if you don't want friends clipping your voice.
Discord's own help page says turning off “Use data to improve Discord” stops new usage data being collected for that purpose but data already collected may still be used. It applies to your account on every device. You can object further by emailing privacy@discord.com.
Block people and protect your account
- Block from a user's profile (the … menu) or by right-clicking their name on desktop.
- Turn on two-factor authentication and review authorised apps and connections.
- Don't link accounts (Spotify, Steam, X) you don't want shown on your profile.
Discord has had its own security incidents; see was I affected by the Discord data breach. For children, our guide to kids' gaming scams covers the free-currency tricks that start in Discord DMs.
A free email exposure check shows whether the email on your Discord account appears in known breaches.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I stop random people messaging me on Discord?
Go to User Settings, Content and Social, and turn off Direct messages from server members. You can set it per server too.
Where are Discord privacy settings?
In User Settings: Content and Social for DMs and friend requests, and Data and Privacy for how Discord uses your data.
What does Use data to improve Discord do?
It lets Discord use how you use the service, games you play and server structure to improve products. Turning it off stops new collection for that purpose.
Can I stop Discord personalising ads?
Yes. Turn off the two Sponsored Content personalisation settings under Data and Privacy.
How do I limit Discord friend requests?
In Content and Social, Friend Requests, untick Everyone and Server Members and keep only Friends of Friends, or turn all off.
Sources
- Discord Support: Privacy settings
- Discord Support: Data used to improve Discord
- PCWorld: Still using Discord? Turn off these 5 settings (March 2026)