Discord has a huge global user base and, thus, security plays a non-negotiable role. When it comes to securing users’ accounts, two-factor authentication is a trusty seed. It creates one more layer of security that one has to verify to log in to the concerned account. However, like all not sown seeds turn fruitful, sometimes users also find that the 2FA feature is not working on Discord and they’re locked out of their accounts. In this article, we’ll discuss the potential causes and further fix the issue.
Why is Discord 2FA (Two-factor Authentication) Not Working?
Two-factor authentication on Discord requires users to present two different forms of identification before granting access to their accounts. Beyond the usual password, it involves a time-sensitive code generated by an authenticator app or received through email or SMS.
Now if codes generated by the authenticator app are not you are not receiving the codes from Discord or they aren’t letting you log in, these could be the possible causes:
- Expired 2FA codes
- Time Sync Issues
- Internet Issue
- Outdated App
- Discord Downtime
Tip: If you’re not receiving an SMS authentication code from Discord, make sure you’re entering the correct number and country code, or try logging in through another device.
Quick Answer
In order to resolve this issue, disable the VPN service on the device, if connected earlier. If it does not help, sync the device time:
1. In Settings, tap on General management, followed by Date and time.
2. Toggle off Automatic date and time and then select Set time.
3. Once the time is set, toggle on Automatic date and time.
Note: Since smartphones don’t have the same Settings options, they vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. Hence, ensure the correct settings before changing any on your device. The steps were performed on Samsung S20FE 5G, as shown in the illustrations below.
Method 1: Sync Device Time
Your phone’s time might not be synced. FA codes are time-based, and any time drift between the device and the Discord server can cause authentication failures. Let’s modify the time settings. Follow the steps below:
1. Open Settings and tap on General management.
2. Tap on Date and time.
3. Toggle off Automatic date and time and then select Set time.
4. Set the exact time and tap on Done.
5. Now again toggle on Automatic date and time.
Method 2: Wait for Discord Server Uptime
Discord servers in your region might be facing downtime issues due to heavy network traffic or be under maintenance. You can verify the same on Downdetector for Discord. If there are any discrepancies reported, wait until it is fixed.
Method 3: Improve Internet Connectivity on the Device
Regardless of whether you’re using an authentication app such as Google Authenticator or are using the SMS authentication method to log in to your Discord account, a stable internet connection is required. Issues with that can hinder the process of receiving codes. Refer to our guide on How to Boost Internet Speed on Your Android Phone.
If you use Discord on a PC, refer to our blog on Slow Internet Connection? 10 Ways to Speed up your Internet!
Method 4: Update Discord, then Authenticator App
Outdated apps are vulnerable to bugs and glitches, which could trigger such issues with their functionality. Usually, such bugs are fixed with updates. Hence we suggest you update both apps.
1. Open the Google Play Store and search for Discord.
2. Tap on Update.
3. Similarly search for Google Authenticator and Update it.
Check if the error is fixed now.
Method 5: Disable and Re-Enable 2FA
If the error still persists, we suggest you disable the two-factor authentication setup from your account once and then re-enable it. Follow the undermentioned steps:
Note: Make sure you’re successfully logged in to your Discord account on any other device.
1. Open Discord and click on the gear (Settings) icon next to your username in the left sidebar.
2. In the USER SETTINGS menu, move to the My Account tab, scroll down, and copy one 8-digit Backup code from those available.
Note: If you have the Backup codes file downloaded already, you can use the code from there as well.
3. Click on Remove 2FA.
4. Enter the 8-digit backup code you copied in Step 2 and click on Remove 2FA.
5. Now, click on Enable Two-Factor Auth.
6. Enter your PASSWORD and click on Continue.
7. Open Google Authenticator or Authy app on your phone, delete the associated account, and then scan the QR code.
8. Enter the 6-digit verification code generated and click on Activate.
9. Click on Enable SMS Authentication, enter the PASSWORD, and click on Confirm.
10. Now click on Download Backup Codes and save the file.
That’s it. Now check if 2FA is working on the Discord mobile app. If the error persists, you can use the SMS authentication method or Backup Codes to log in.
Also Read: How to Tell if Someone is Invisible or Offline on Discord
Method 6: Reset the Authenticator App
You can reset the Authenticator app you’re using for Discord on their smartphones as this process will eliminate all the stored data or configurations that might be causing the Discord 2FA not working issue.
Note: You might need to Sign In and re-authenticate your Discord account once the authenticator app is reset.
Follow the steps below:
1. In Settings, tap on Apps and select the authentication app. e.g., Authenticator from the menu.
2. Tap on Storage.
3. Tap on Clear cache and then on Clear data one after another.
4. Launch the app and re-authenticate your Discord account from an already logged-in device, if required.
Also Read: How to Bypass Two Factor Authentication on Instagram
Method 7: Contact Discord Support
If none of the methods have resolved the issue, you can contact the Discord Support team for it.
Do note that you would need to provide the undermentioned details:
- Email address associated with your Discord account
- Username and discriminator (e.g., Username#t1234 or in the new format)
- Proof of ownership (e.g., payment receipts for Nitro subscriptions or other account-related transactions).
Follow the steps below:
1. Open the Discord Support website, tap the three horizontal lines icon at the top, and select Submit a request.
2. From the What can we help you with? drop-down menu, select Help & Support.
3. Enter Your email address, select 2FA Lockout for the Type of question?, and once all the other details are filled in, tap on Submit.
Method 8: Reinstall Discord
Still haven’t found the solution? You can try uninstalling and then reinstalling Discord to get your 2FA working again. Follow the steps below:
1. Press & hold on the Discord icon in the app drawer and select Uninstall from the menu.
2. Now open the Google Play Store, search for Discord, and tap on Install.
3. Check if you can now use the 2 Factor-Authentication code to log in to your account.
What is Discord 2FA Lockout Issue?
Discord 2FA lockout issue refers to a situation where a user is unable to access their account because they’ve failed to provide correct Two-Factor Authentication codes multiple times. As a result, Discord may temporarily lock their account for security reasons. Users will only be able to log in once again after the lockout period expires. You can refer to our blog on Discord Two-Factor Authentication Lost? Your Guide to Login.
Discord has shown a strong commitment to providing the highest possible security to its users. We hope our guide helped you fix the Discord 2FA not working issue. If you have any queries or suggestions, do let us know in the comments section. Stay tuned to TechCult to find out solutions for such app-related errors.
