Discord server owners can choose a verification level to control who can send messages and join voice channels. This feature blocks spam bots, trolls, and new accounts from disrupting your community. Each tier raises the requirement for a user to prove they are a real person. This article explains what each verification level does, how to change it, and which situations call for a higher or lower setting.
Key Takeaways: Discord Server Verification Levels
- Server Settings > Moderation > Verification Level: The single place to adjust all tiers for your server.
- Low (Email Verified): Blocks users who have not confirmed their email address with Discord.
- Medium (5 Minutes on Discord): Requires the account to be at least five minutes old before sending messages.
- High (10 Minutes in Server): Requires the user to have been a member of the server for ten minutes before speaking.
- Highest (Verified Phone): Requires a phone number linked to the Discord account.
What Each Verification Level Does and When to Use It
Discord’s verification system has five tiers: None, Low, Medium, High, and Highest. Each tier adds a requirement a user must meet before they can send messages or join voice channels. The goal is to reduce spam, raids, and harassment without blocking legitimate new members. Below is a breakdown of each tier and its ideal use case.
None — No Restrictions
With the None tier, any user can join the server and immediately send messages. This setting is best for private servers where all members are trusted, such as a small friend group or a team workspace. It offers zero protection against spam bots or trolls.
Low — Email Verified
The Low tier requires every user to have verified their email address with Discord before they can send messages. This blocks the most basic spam bots that use unverified accounts. It is the default setting for most new servers and works well for public communities that want a basic level of security without slowing down new members.
Medium — 5 Minutes on Discord
The Medium tier adds a time requirement: the user’s Discord account must be at least five minutes old. This stops raiders who create fresh accounts just to spam a server. Use this tier in medium-sized public servers where you see occasional spam but do not want to inconvenience most new members.
High — 10 Minutes in Server
The High tier requires the user to have been a member of the server for at least ten minutes before they can send messages. This is effective against organized raids where multiple accounts join at once. It is a good choice for large public servers with active moderation. New members can still read channels and learn the rules during the waiting period.
Highest — Verified Phone
The Highest tier demands that the user’s Discord account has a verified phone number attached. This is the strongest protection against spam and harassment. Use it for servers that have experienced severe raids or for servers where sensitive content is shared. It can reduce the number of new members because some people do not want to link a phone number.
Steps to Change the Verification Level
Changing the verification level takes only a few clicks. You must have the Manage Server permission to make changes.
- Open Server Settings
On the Discord desktop app or web browser, click the server name at the top left of the channel list. A drop-down menu appears. Select Server Settings. - Go to the Moderation Section
In the left sidebar, click Moderation. This page shows all safety tools for the server, including the verification level. - Select a Verification Level
Under Verification Level, click the drop-down menu. Choose the tier you want: None, Low, Medium, High, or Highest. The change takes effect immediately. - Test the New Setting
Ask a friend who meets the new requirements to join and send a message. Also test with an alt account that does not meet the requirements to confirm they are blocked.
Common Mistakes and Limitations
Verification Level Does Not Apply to Admins or Mods
Users with the Administrator permission or Manage Server permission bypass the verification level entirely. If you want to restrict admins, you must adjust their individual role permissions.
High Tier Can Confuse New Members
When you set the High tier, new members see a message that they cannot send messages for ten minutes. Some users may think the server is broken. Add a welcome channel with a pinned message explaining the delay.
Highest Tier Reduces Sign-Ups
Many users do not want to add a phone number to Discord. If you set the Highest tier, expect fewer new members. Only use this tier when spam is a serious problem.
Verification Level Does Not Replace Role-Based Permissions
The verification level only controls the basic ability to send messages and speak in voice channels. It does not block access to specific channels or features. Use role permissions together with the verification level for full control.
Discord Server Verification Levels: None vs Low vs Medium vs High vs Highest
| Item | Requirement | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| None | No requirement | Private friend servers where everyone is trusted |
| Low | Email verified | Most public communities with basic spam protection |
| Medium | Account at least 5 minutes old | Medium servers that see occasional raids from new accounts |
| High | Member of server for 10 minutes | Large servers with active moderation and risk of coordinated raids |
| Highest | Phone verified | Servers with severe spam problems or sensitive content |
You now know how each Discord server verification level works and which one fits your community. Start with the Low tier for a balanced approach. If spam persists, move to Medium or High. Use the Highest tier only when necessary because it reduces sign-ups. Remember to combine the verification level with role-based permissions for complete control over who can access specific channels.