Discord completed a major privacy change in March 2026: voice and video calls now use end-to-end encryption by default across its supported call surfaces. That sounds simple, but it is easy to assume the protection applies to every part of Discord. It does not.
Here is what Discord's DAVE encryption protects, what it leaves outside that boundary, and how to confirm that a call is encrypted.
Are Discord calls end-to-end encrypted in 2026?
Yes. Discord says every voice and video call in direct messages, group direct messages, voice channels, and Go Live streams has been end-to-end encrypted by default since early March 2026. You do not need to enable a privacy setting before joining.
The system is called DAVE, short for Discord Audio and Video End-to-End Encryption. During an encrypted call, the media keys are held by the call participants rather than Discord, so outsiders cannot decipher the audio or video content.
What Discord's end-to-end encryption covers
Voice and video in DMs and group DMs
One-to-one calls and group calls are covered. The encryption protects the live audio and video shared among the people in that call.
Voice channels
Regular server voice channels are covered too. Discord changes the encryption state as people join or leave so that the current participants share the active call keys.
Go Live streams
Go Live screen sharing is included. Discord provides a separate Stream Privacy Code that participants can compare when they want to verify a stream.
The Stage channel exception
Stage channels are not included in Discord's end-to-end encryption rollout. Discord describes Stages as broadcast spaces built on different technical systems, so do not treat a Stage event like a private encrypted call.
What DAVE does not encrypt
Discord's announcement is specifically about audio and video. Discord states that text messages are not end-to-end encrypted and continue to follow its existing content-moderation approach. A lock on a voice call therefore does not mean the surrounding DM text, server messages, attachments, or account data have become end-to-end encrypted.
It also does not create a personal backup of your messages. If preserving your own history matters, you can request your Discord data package. Friendcord can turn that package into a searchable archive on your device; it does not alter Discord's encryption or retrieve data that is absent from your export.
How to verify that a Discord call is encrypted
On desktop or in a browser
While you are in the call, open Voice/Video Details near the lower-left call controls. Select the Privacy tab and look for the green lock that says the call is end-to-end encrypted.
On mobile
Open the focused voice-call view, tap the voice-channel or call name near the top, and look for the same green lock in the call details.
Compare the privacy code when identity matters
The Privacy tab displays a Voice Privacy Code. Call participants can compare that code through a separate communication method. Everyone must compare it at the same time because the code changes when somebody joins or leaves. Discord also offers participant verification and persistent verification keys for stronger identity checks.
What to do if Discord will not let you join a call
First update Discord. Clients that do not support DAVE cannot join regular Discord calls now that end-to-end encryption is required. Restart the app after updating, then try the call again.
If you are on Windows and the updater repeatedly installs an old version, check whether Discord is running in Windows compatibility mode. Discord documented that setting as a cause of failed updates during the DAVE enforcement rollout. Disable compatibility mode, fully restart Discord, and update again.
FAQ
Are Discord text DMs end-to-end encrypted?
No. Discord's DAVE rollout protects audio and video calls, not text messages.
Can Discord listen to an encrypted voice call?
Discord says only the participants in a DAVE call hold the media encryption keys, and Discord itself cannot access the live audio or video content.
Are Discord Stage channels end-to-end encrypted?
No. Stage channels are the stated exception to the voice and video encryption rollout.
Do I need Nitro to use encrypted calls?
No. Discord describes end-to-end encryption as the default for its voice and video calls, not as a Nitro feature.
Do I need to turn DAVE on?
No. Updated Discord clients use it automatically. The Privacy tab is for checking the encryption state and verifying participants, not for enabling encryption.
Official sources
Read Discord's 2026 completion announcement, its call verification guide, and the original DAVE technical overview for the full details.