The fastest way to find a Discord ID is to turn on Developer Mode, open the user’s profile, and copy their User ID. A Discord ID is not the same as a username. It is a long number tied to one account, even if the person changes their display name. Discord explains that Developer Mode is used to copy IDs for users, messages, servers, and channels [source: Discord].
TLDR: Turn on Developer Mode, right click a profile, then choose Copy User ID. For example, a user named pixelcat may have an ID like 80351110224678912. Usernames can change in seconds, but IDs stay fixed. If you moderate a server with 5,000 members, using IDs can save you from banning the wrong “Alex.”
1. Use Developer Mode on Desktop
This is the cleanest method. It also feels like the one Discord should make more obvious. Honestly, it feels like this setting is hiding in a drawer.
- Open Discord on desktop.
- Click the gear icon near your name.
- Go to Advanced.
- Turn on Developer Mode.
- Find the person in a server, DM, or friends list.
- Right click their name or avatar.
- Click Copy User ID.
Now paste it into a note, ticket, ban log, or mod report. You should see a long number. That number is the Discord ID.
Best for: mods, admins, support staff, and anyone who needs the exact account.
2. Use Developer Mode on Mobile
You can also do this on your phone. The taps are a bit different, and yes, it takes a few extra seconds for no good reason.
- Open the Discord mobile app.
- Tap your profile picture.
- Go to App Settings.
- Tap Advanced.
- Turn on Developer Mode.
- Open the user’s profile.
- Tap the three dots.
- Choose Copy User ID.
If you do not see the option, update the app. Also close and reopen it. Discord loves tiny menu changes.
3. Copy the ID From a User Profile
If Developer Mode is already on, this takes about two clicks.
- Open the person’s profile card.
- Right click on desktop, or tap the menu on mobile.
- Select Copy User ID.
This works from many places. You can use it in servers, friend lists, direct messages, and member lists. The key rule is simple: you must be able to view the user somewhere.
The catch is that a username alone is not enough. If someone says, “Find the ID for Luna,” that may be useless. There could be hundreds of Lunas. Some may use the same display name too.
Image not found in postmeta4. Pull the ID From a Mention
This one feels like a tiny magic trick.
When someone is mentioned in Discord, the raw mention often contains their ID. It may look like this:
<@80351110224678912>
The number inside is the user ID.
Try this:
- Type a mention, like @username.
- Send it in a test channel, or copy it before sending if your app allows it.
- On some bots, logs, or exports, view the raw text.
- Grab the number between
<@and>.
Sometimes the format has an exclamation mark, like this:
<@!80351110224678912>
No panic. The ID is still the number.
Best for: bot logs, exported chat, webhook payloads, and nerdy server work.
5. Check Bot Logs or Moderation Tools
Many Discord bots store user IDs in logs. This can help when a user leaves, changes their name, or tries to be sneaky.
Look in places like:
- join logs
- ban logs
- message delete logs
- mod action logs
- ticket transcripts
Good bots often show both the username and the ID. That is handy when two users have similar names. It also helps when someone changes their display name after causing trouble.
Expect to waste time on bad bot logs. Some only show names. That is cute, but not very useful when names change.
6. Use a Discord Bot Command
Some bots can show a user’s ID with a simple command. The exact command depends on the bot.
Common examples may look like this:
/userinfo @username!userinfo @username/whois @username
The bot may return the account creation date, join date, roles, and user ID. This is useful for server staff. It keeps everything in one place.
But there is one clear limit. The bot usually needs to share a server with that user. It cannot just scan all of Discord because you typed a random username.
Can You Find a Discord ID From Only a Username?
Usually, no. Not in a safe and reliable way.
A username or display name is not a unique identity card. People can change names. People can share similar names. Some accounts may look almost the same.
You need at least one of these:
- a shared server
- a direct message
- a friend connection
- a mention
- a bot log
- a message or profile you can access
Be careful with random “Discord ID finder” websites. Some are fine tools. Others are sketchy. Do not enter your token. Do not scan strange QR codes. Do not install random files just to find one number.
Quick Safety Tips
- Never share your Discord token. It can give access to your account.
- Do not trust usernames alone. Use IDs for reports.
- Store IDs with context. Add date, server, and reason.
- Use Copy User ID, not screenshots. Screenshots can miss details.
Final tip: If you can see the user’s profile, Developer Mode is your best friend. If you only have a name, you may be stuck. Annoying? Yes. Safer for privacy? Also yes.
