“My son wants to use Discord—is it safe?”
“Why did my account get locked for being underage?”
Discord is the go-to place for gaming and community chat, but it has strict rules regarding age. Ignorance of these rules is the #1 reason for sudden account bans.
The short answer: You must be at least 13 years old to create a Discord account. However, to access certain “Age-Restricted” (NSFW) communities, you must be 18 or older.
Here is a complete breakdown of Discord’s age policies, why they exist, and the specific restrictions for iPhone users.
🛑 The Core Rule: 13+ to Join
According to Discord’s Terms of Service and US laws like COPPA (Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act), no one under the age of 13 is allowed to use the platform.
- Account Creation: When you sign up, you are asked for your Date of Birth.
- The Consequence: If Discord finds out a user is under 13 (even if they joke about it in chat), the account will be disabled immediately.
- Regional Differences: While 13 is the standard, some countries have higher limits (e.g., South Korea requires users to be 14+).
⚠️ Warning: Do not lie about your age during sign-up. If you lose access to your account due to an age error, you will have to provide a government ID to get it back.
🔞 The “Age-Restricted” Rule (18+)
While the app is open to teens, some content is strictly for adults. Discord uses an “Age-Restricted” (formerly NSFW) label for this.
1. Age-Restricted Servers
Some communities focus on adult themes, violence, or mature conversations. These servers must classify themselves as 18+.
- If you are under 18: You cannot join or view these servers at all.
- If you are over 18: You must enter your birthdate to confirm your age before entering.
2. Age-Restricted Channels
A standard server (safe for teens) might have one specific channel dedicated to adult topics. This channel will be marked 18+, and users under 18 will be blocked from clicking into it.
📱 The iOS (iPhone) Restriction: 17+
If you use Discord on an iPhone or iPad, you might notice different behavior. This is due to Apple’s App Store safety guidelines.
- App Store Rating: Discord is rated 17+ on the App Store.
- NSFW Blocking: Apple strictly prohibits “Not Safe For Work” content in apps. Therefore, iOS users cannot access Age-Restricted servers through the mobile app, even if they are logged in as an adult.
- The Workaround: To view these communities on iOS, you usually have to enable a specific setting on the Desktop/Web version of Discord first (“Allow access to age-restricted servers on iOS”), though some content remains permanently blocked on Apple devices.
👪 For Parents: Safety & Family Center
If you are a parent worried about your teen using Discord, you don’t have to be in the dark.
- Family Center: Discord has a built-in feature called Family Center. It allows you to link your account with your teen’s account.
- What you can see: You can see who they are talking to and what servers they join.
- What you CANNOT see: You cannot read the actual contents of their messages. It balances safety with privacy.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How does Discord verify my age?
A: It is primarily self-reported.
When you create an account, you enter your birthday. However, if you attempt to access 18+ content, or if you are reported for being underage, Discord may lock the account and require a photo of a Government ID to unlock it.
Q: What happens if I lie about my age?
A: You risk a permanent ban.
If you are under 13 and claim to be older, you are violating the Terms of Service. If caught, your account will be deleted. If you are an adult but set your age to “12” as a joke, you will also be locked out and forced to send ID to support.
Q: Can a 12-year-old use Discord with parental permission?
A: No.
Discord does not have a “parental consent” clause for users under 13. They strictly prohibit use under 13, regardless of parental approval.
Q: What if I try to join an 18+ server while under 18?
A: You will be blocked.
The app will simply tell you that you cannot join the community.
🌟 Summary: Play by the Rules
Discord is an amazing tool for connecting with friends, but safety comes first.
- Under 13? You cannot use Discord.
- Under 18? You can use Discord, but you cannot enter adult servers.
- iPhone User? Apple might block NSFW servers even if you are an adult.
Next Step: Whether you are a new user or a parent, check your User Settings > Privacy & Safety today to ensure your messaging and friend request settings are safe!