To make an alt account on Discord, you need a unique email address that hasn't been used for another Discord account, and optionally a phone number for verification if Discord prompts you for one. An alt account lets you keep different parts of your online life separate, such as your personal conversations and your gaming communities, without mixing them together. You can even make Discord show what game you're playing on one account while the other stays private.
What you need to make an alt account on Discord
An alt account is a second Discord profile that exists entirely independently from your main account. Before you start, gather a valid email address that you haven't already used to register a Discord account. Discord will send a verification link to this address. You may also need access to a phone number, as Discord sometimes requires phone verification for new accounts, though this is not always mandatory. Having these ready ensures a smooth setup process.
Step 1: Sign up for a new Discord account
Open a web browser and go to discord.com, or open the Discord desktop or mobile application. Click the "Register" button to begin. You will see a registration form. Fill it out with a display name, a unique username (one not already taken by another user), the different email address you prepared, a strong password, and your date of birth. Once you have entered all the required information, submit the form to create your new account.
Step 2: Verify your email address
After you submit the registration form, Discord sends a verification email to the address you provided. Open your email inbox and look for a message from Discord. If you do not see it in your main inbox, check your spam or junk folders. Inside the email, click the "Verify Email" link. This activates your new alt account. Note that after verifying your email, Discord may ask you to verify your phone number before you can fully use the account; if this happens, follow the on-screen instructions to complete that step.
Step 3: Customize your alt account's profile and privacy
Once your account is verified, log in to your alt account. Open the User Settings by clicking the gear icon in the bottom-left corner of the Discord app or website. Set a distinct avatar by uploading a new image under the "My Account" tab, this helps you visually separate your alt from your main account. Then, go to the "Privacy & Safety" tab to adjust who can send you direct messages, add you as a friend, or mention you. In the "Notifications" tab, fine-tune what alerts you receive so your alt account behaves independently. These customizations ensure your alt identity feels separate and operates on its own terms.
Step 4: Join servers with your new alt account
With your alt account logged in, click the "Explore Public Servers" icon in the left sidebar. Browse categories or search for servers that match your interests. When you find a server you want to join, click it to read its description and rules, then click the "Join" button. You can also use direct invite links from friends or communities to join servers. This step lets you use your alt account to participate in different communities without affecting your main account's server list or reputation.
Step 5: Switch between your main and alt accounts
Discord includes a built-in account switcher that makes managing multiple accounts easy. A dropdown menu appears showing your alt account. Click "Switch Accounts" and then log in to your main account using its email and password. To switch back, click the same avatar and select your alt account from the list. On a browser, you can also log out and log back in with the other account's credentials. This seamless switching lets you move between identities without constantly logging in and out, making it simple to keep your online life organized, and you can even make small text in Discord to give each account a subtly distinct messaging style. If you ever need to know how to make a stage in Discord, that process is separate from creating an alt account and involves server permissions rather than account creation.
