Discord Privileged Intents Update (2026) – The New 10,000 User Rule Explained
Discord has changed the Privileged Intents verification requirement from 100 servers to 10,000 users. Learn what changed, what stayed the same, and how it affects Discord bot developers.
What You Need to Know
TL;DR
Discord has changed the Privileged Intents approval threshold from 100 servers to 10,000 users. Applications under 10,000 users can continue enabling Privileged Intents directly from the Developer Portal, while applications exceeding 10,000 users must apply for access. The 100-server bot verification requirement remains unchanged, making Privileged Intents approval and bot verification two separate processes.
Discord just updated their Privileged Intents verification rules. The old requirement of verifying at 100 servers for Privileged Intents access has changed to 10,000 users across all servers. But here's the catch: the 100-server bot verification requirement hasn't changed.
This update affects all Discord bot developers, especially those using Discord.py who deploy bots to multiple servers. Let's break down exactly what changed, what didn't, and how to get Privileged Intents for your bot https://support-dev.discord.com/hc/en-us/articles/6207308062871-What-are-Privileged-Intents.
What Are Privileged Intents?
Privileged Intents give your Discord bot access to sensitive user data and events that regular intents can't access. These include:
- Messages Content Intent – Read the full content of messages
- Members Intent – Track member joins, leaves, and updates
- Presence Intent – See when users change their status
Without Privileged Intents, your bot can only access limited metadata. For bots that need to process messages, manage members, or track user activity, these intents are essential https://support-dev.discord.com/hc/en-us/articles/6177533521047-Privileged-Intents-Best-Practices.
The Big Change: A New Threshold for Privileged Intents
Before June 2026
Previously, Discord required applications using Privileged Intents to apply for approval once they reached 100 servers (guilds).
This meant that even bots serving relatively small communities could trigger the review process simply by being installed in a large number of servers.
After June 2026
Discord now uses total user count instead of server count when determining when an application must apply for Privileged Intents access.
- Under 10,000 users → Privileged Intents can be enabled directly from the Developer Portal.
- 10,000+ users → An application for Privileged Intents access is required.
What This Means in Practice
Under the new system, a bot in 150 servers with 8,000 users can continue using Privileged Intents without applying for approval.
However, a bot in only 50 servers with 12,000 users must submit a Privileged Intents application because it exceeds the new user-based threshold.
The key change is simple: Discord now evaluates Privileged Intents eligibility based on user reach, not server count.
What Didn't Change: Bot Verification Still Starts at 100 Servers
While Discord changed the threshold for Privileged Intents access, the requirement for bot verification remains exactly the same.
Many developers are confusing these two systems, but they serve different purposes and are managed separately.
| Requirement | Threshold | Purpose | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Privileged Intents Access | 10,000 users | Access to sensitive gateway intents | ✅ Updated |
| Bot Verification | 100 servers | Verification of large-scale applications | ❌ Unchanged |
Key Difference
The June 2026 update only affects Privileged Intents access.
- If your application reaches 10,000 users, you may need to apply for Privileged Intents access.
- If your bot reaches 100 servers, bot verification requirements still apply.
- Reaching one threshold does not automatically trigger the other.
Example
A bot in 150 servers with only 6,000 users may require bot verification but not Privileged Intents approval.
Likewise, a bot in 40 servers with 15,000 users may require Privileged Intents approval without needing bot verification.
The important takeaway is that Discord now evaluates server count and user count separately, depending on the requirement being reviewed.
Real-World Examples
The following examples show how Discord's new requirements apply to different types of bots.
| Scenario | Servers | Users | Privileged Intents Access | Bot Verification |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small Bot, Many Servers | 120 | 6,000 | ✅ No application required | ✅ Verification required |
| Popular Bot, Few Servers | 40 | 15,000 | ✅ Application required | ❌ Not required |
| Large Bot, Many Users | 200 | 50,000 | ✅ Application required | ✅ Verification required |
What These Examples Show
- A bot can exceed 100 servers and require bot verification without needing Privileged Intents approval.
- A bot can exceed 10,000 users and require Privileged Intents approval without needing bot verification.
- Large bots that exceed both thresholds must complete both processes.
The key takeaway is that server count and user count are now evaluated separately, meaning a bot may trigger one requirement without triggering the other.
How to Enable Privileged Intents for Your Discord Bot
Enabling Privileged Intents is straightforward and can be done directly from the Discord Developer Portal.
Step 1: Open the Developer Portal
Visit the Discord Developer Portal and sign in with your Discord account.
Step 2: Select Your Application
Choose the bot application you want to configure from your list of applications.
Step 3: Navigate to the Bot Settings
In the left sidebar, click Bot to open your bot's configuration page.
Step 4: Locate Privileged Gateway Intents
Scroll down until you find the Privileged Gateway Intents section.
Step 5: Enable the Required Intents
Toggle on only the intents your bot actually needs:
- Message Content Intent – Allows your bot to access message content.
- Server Members Intent – Allows member join, leave, and update events.
- Presence Intent – Allows your bot to receive user status updates.
Step 6: Apply for Access (If Your App Exceeds 10,000 Users)
Once your application reaches Discord's Privileged Intents threshold, Discord will notify you that action is required.
You may receive:
- An email from Discord sent to the email address associated with your Developer account.
- A direct message or notification from Discord regarding your application.
- A warning inside the Discord Developer Portal.
When you open your application in the Developer Portal and navigate to the Bot tab, you may notice a ⚠️ warning indicator showing that your application requires Privileged Intents review.
Scroll down to the Privileged Gateway Intents section. If your application is required to apply, Discord will display an "Apply for Access" button near the intent settings (such as Presence Intent, Server Members Intent, or Message Content Intent).
Click the button and complete the requested information about how your bot uses Privileged Intents. Discord will then review your application and notify you of the decision.
Tip: Don't wait until the last minute. If Discord notifies you that your application requires review, submit the request as soon as possible to avoid interruptions to your bot's functionality.
Important Notes
- Apps under 10,000 users can enable Privileged Intents without applying.
- Apps over 10,000 users must request approval from Discord.
- The 100-server bot verification requirement remains unchanged and is separate from Privileged Intents access.
For the latest information, always refer to Discord's official documentation and Developer Portal.
When Do You Need to Verify?
Discord now uses two separate thresholds: one for Privileged Intents access and another for bot verification. Understanding the difference is important, as they serve different purposes.
Privileged Intents Access
You must apply for Privileged Intents access when your application reaches 10,000 users across all servers.
- Under 10,000 users → Enable Privileged Intents directly from the Developer Portal.
- 10,000+ users → Submit a Privileged Intents access request through the Developer Portal.
Bot Verification
The bot verification requirement remains unchanged.
- Under 100 servers → No bot verification required.
- 100+ servers → Bot verification is required.
Quick Reference
| Situation | Privileged Intents Application Required? | Bot Verification Required? |
|---|---|---|
| 50 servers, 5,000 users | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| 120 servers, 5,000 users | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| 50 servers, 15,000 users | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| 150 servers, 25,000 users | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
Important: Reaching 10,000 users does not automatically mean your bot must be verified, and reaching 100 servers does not automatically mean you need Privileged Intents approval. These are separate requirements managed independently by Discord.
Why Discord Made This Change
Discord's move from a server-based threshold to a user-based threshold reflects a more practical approach to evaluating bot impact and data access.
More Accurate Measurement
A bot in 50 large servers can interact with significantly more users and data than a bot in 150 small servers. Measuring by total users provides a more accurate picture of an application's reach.
Stronger Focus on User Privacy
Privileged Intents grant access to sensitive events and user information. By using user count as the threshold, Discord can better identify applications that have access to large amounts of user data.
Fairer for Smaller Developers
Under the previous system, some bots were required to go through additional review simply because they were present in many small communities. The new approach focuses on actual user reach rather than server count alone.
Better Alignment with Platform Growth
As Discord continues to grow, user count has become a more meaningful metric than server count when assessing the scale and potential impact of an application.
Reduced Friction for Niche Bots
Many utility, moderation, and community bots operate in numerous small servers. The new threshold allows these developers to continue growing without immediately facing additional verification requirements.
While Discord has not publicly detailed every reason behind this change, the update suggests a shift toward evaluating applications based on their actual user reach and data exposure rather than the number of servers they are installed in.
Best Practices for Using Privileged Intents
Privileged Intents provide access to sensitive gateway events and user information. While they are powerful, Discord expects developers to use them responsibly and only when necessary.
Privacy & Compliance
- Enable only the intents you need – Avoid requesting access to data your bot doesn't use.
- Be transparent with users – Clearly explain what information your bot collects and why.
- Protect user data – Never expose sensitive information through logs, public channels, or unsecured databases.
- Review stored data regularly – Remove outdated or unnecessary information whenever possible.
Development Best Practices
- Design with minimal permissions – Build features around the smallest set of intents required.
- Avoid unnecessary caching – Large member caches can increase memory usage and complexity.
- Handle missing data gracefully – Your bot should continue functioning even when certain privileged events are unavailable.
- Test before scaling – Validate your bot in smaller communities before deploying to thousands of users.
Performance Considerations
- Process events efficiently – Don't perform heavy operations inside gateway event handlers.
- Respect Discord's rate limits – Excessive API requests can lead to temporary restrictions.
- Monitor resource usage – Track memory, CPU, and event throughput as your bot grows.
- Prepare for growth – As your user count increases, review whether your infrastructure can handle the additional load.
Tip: If you're applying for Privileged Intents access, Discord is more likely to approve applications that clearly demonstrate a legitimate need for the requested intents and follow data-minimization principles.
FAQ: Common Questions About the Update
Does this affect my existing bot?
If your bot is already using Privileged Intents and remains under the 10,000-user threshold, you don't need to do anything. If your application recently exceeded 10,000 users, Discord may require you to apply for Privileged Intents access.
Can I still enable Privileged Intents without verification?
Yes. Applications under 10,000 total users can enable Privileged Intents directly from the Discord Developer Portal without submitting an application.
What if I have 100 servers but only 5,000 users?
You can continue using Privileged Intents without applying because you're below the 10,000-user threshold. However, you may still need to complete Discord's bot verification process because the 100-server verification requirement has not changed.
How do I check my application's user count?
Open your application in the Discord Developer Portal and navigate to the Bot tab. Discord displays your application's user count near the top of the page.
How will I know when I need to apply for Privileged Intents?
Discord may notify you through email, Developer Portal alerts, or other official notifications. You may also see a ⚠️ warning indicator in your application's Bot settings, along with an Apply for Access button in the Privileged Gateway Intents section.
Has the verification process changed?
The application process remains largely the same. The primary change is the threshold: Discord now uses 10,000 users instead of 100 servers when determining whether Privileged Intents access requires approval.
Will Discord change these requirements again?
Discord periodically updates its developer policies and platform requirements. Developers should monitor official Discord announcements and documentation to stay informed about future changes.
What This Means for Discord.py Developers
If you're building Discord bots with Discord.py, this update affects your deployment strategy:
For Multi-Server Bots
- Monitor your total user count across all servers, not just server count
- Use
bot.get_guild()to track user distribution - Consider implementing user analytics in your bot to monitor growth
For Code Updates
# Check your intent configuration
from discord import Intents
intents = Intents.default()
intents.messages = True # Requires Privileged Intents
intents.members = True # Requires Privileged Intents
For Deployment
- If you're on Render, Colab, or cloud platforms, ensure your bot can handle increased user loads
- Test your bot's performance with larger user bases before hitting 10K
Bottom Line
Discord has officially moved the Privileged Intents approval threshold from 100 servers to 10,000 users, shifting the focus from server count to actual user reach.
For most developers, this means Privileged Intents access is now determined by how many users your application serves rather than how many servers it is installed in. However, it's important to remember that bot verification and Privileged Intents approval are separate requirements.
Key Takeaways
- ✅ Applications under 10,000 users can enable Privileged Intents directly from the Developer Portal.
- ✅ Applications with 10,000+ users must apply for Privileged Intents access.
- ✅ The 100-server bot verification requirement remains unchanged.
- ✅ User count and server count are now evaluated independently.
- ✅ Developers should only request Privileged Intents when they are genuinely required.
As Discord continues to evolve its developer platform, understanding these requirements is essential for building scalable and compliant applications. Whether you're running a small community bot or a large multi-server application, keeping track of both your user count and server count will help you stay ahead of future verification requirements.
Official Resources
For the most up-to-date information, refer to Discord's official documentation:
- Discord Developer Portal
- What Are Privileged Intents?
- How to Get Privileged Intents
- Privileged Intents Best Practices
- Discord Developer Change Log
- Discord.py Intents Documentation
- Discord Developers Server
Bookmark these resources to stay informed about future policy changes and platform updates.
This post was last updated on June 12, 2026, reflecting Discord's latest Privileged Intents verification update.