How to Get the Discord Developer (Active Developer) Badge

Qualify and claim the badge by registering a slash command and keeping your application active.

🏅 Discord Active Developer Badge

Show the world you're an active Discord developer with this exclusive profile badge!

🎯 What is the Active Developer Badge?

The Discord Active Developer Badge is a special profile badge that appears on your Discord profile, showcasing your involvement in Discord's developer ecosystem. It's Discord's way of recognizing developers who actively maintain and use Discord applications.

Why get this badge?

  • 🏆 Recognition: Shows your developer credentials on your Discord profile
  • 🔗 Networking: Connect with other developers in the Discord community
  • 📨 Updates: Get early access to developer news and feature announcements
  • 🎆 Free: No cost involved - just requires an active Discord application

📋 Badge Requirements (2025)

Discord has specific requirements for the Active Developer Badge that you must meet:

⚠️ Important: Only application commands (slash commands and context menu commands) qualify. Legacy prefix-based commands or other API interactions do not count!

  • 📱 Application Ownership: You must own or collaborate on at least one registered Discord application (verified or unverified)
  • ⚙️ Active Commands: Your application must have executed at least one application command within the last 30 days
  • 📈 Data Sharing: You (or a team member) must have "Use data to improve Discord" enabled in User Settings → Privacy & Safety
  • ⏰ Consistency: Your application should remain somewhat active to maintain eligibility (commands used within 60 days)

🚀 Step-by-Step Guide to Get Your Badge

Step 1: Create or Verify Your Discord Application

If you don't already have a Discord bot, you'll need to create one first:

  • Visit the Discord Developer Portal
  • Create a new application or use an existing one
  • Navigate to the "Bot" section and create a bot user
  • Note your Application ID from the "General Information" tab

Don't have a bot yet? Follow our comprehensive guide: How to Create a Discord Bot

Step 2: Deploy Slash Commands

Your bot must have at least one registered slash command. Here's a quick example if you need one:

// Simple slash command registration
const { SlashCommandBuilder, REST, Routes } = require('discord.js');

const commands = [
    new SlashCommandBuilder()
        .setName('hello')
        .setDescription('Replies with a greeting!')
];

const rest = new REST({ version: '10' }).setToken(process.env.DISCORD_TOKEN);

(async () => {
    try {
        console.log('Registering slash commands...');
        await rest.put(
            Routes.applicationCommands(process.env.APPLICATION_ID),
            { body: commands }
        );
        console.log('Successfully registered slash commands.');
    } catch (error) {
        console.error(error);
    }
})();

Step 3: Execute Your Commands

Once your slash commands are registered, you need to actually use them:

  • Invite your bot to a Discord server where you have permissions
  • Type / in any channel to see available slash commands
  • Execute at least one of your bot's commands
  • Wait up to 24 hours for Discord to recognize the activity

Pro Tip: Use your commands regularly! The badge requires activity within the last 30 days, and to maintain the badge, you need activity within 60 days.

Step 4: Enable Data Sharing (Critical!)

This step is often overlooked but absolutely essential:

  • Go to Discord → User Settings (gear icon)
  • Navigate to "Privacy & Safety"
  • Ensure "Use data to improve Discord" is enabled
  • This allows Discord to track your bot's command usage for badge eligibility

⚠️ Critical: Without data sharing enabled, Discord cannot detect your bot activity, and you won't be eligible for the badge!

Step 5: Claim Your Badge

After your bot has been active for 24+ hours:

  • Visit the Discord Developer Portal
  • Look for the "Active Developer Badge" section or notification
  • If eligible, you'll see a "Claim Badge" button
  • Set up your developer server (must be a Community Server where you have Admin permissions)
  • Choose a channel for Discord developer news updates
  • Complete the claim process

🔧 Troubleshooting Common Issues

🚫 Badge Not Appearing?

  • Wait longer: Allow up to 24-48 hours after command usage
  • Check data sharing: Ensure "Use data to improve Discord" is enabled
  • Verify commands: Only slash commands and context menu commands count
  • Command activity: Make sure commands were used within the last 30 days

🤖 Bot Commands Not Working?

  • Registration issues: Ensure commands are properly registered with Discord
  • Permissions: Verify your bot has necessary permissions in the server
  • Intents: Check that your bot has the required Gateway Intents
  • Error handling: Look at console logs for error messages

📋 Server Setup Problems?

  • Community Server: Your designated server must be set as a Community Server
  • Admin permissions: You need Administrator permissions in the server
  • Channel selection: Choose an appropriate channel for developer news

🏆 Maintaining Your Badge

Getting the badge is just the beginning! Here's how to keep it:

  • 🔄 Stay Active: Use your bot's commands at least once every 60 days
  • 🔍 Monitor Activity: Keep track of when your commands were last used
  • 🛠️ Maintain Your Bot: Fix bugs and keep your bot online and functional
  • 📊 Track Usage: Consider adding logging to monitor command usage

🎉 Congratulations! Once you have the Active Developer Badge, you're officially part of Discord's developer community. Your profile will show this achievement, and you'll receive updates about new Discord features and API changes.

🚀 Next Steps

Now that you have your badge, consider expanding your Discord development skills:

  • 📚 Learn More: Explore advanced bot features like databases, AI integration, or web dashboards
  • 🌍 Join Communities: Connect with other Discord developers in official and community servers
  • 📈 Scale Up: Consider hosting your bot professionally for better reliability
  • 🤖 Try No-Code: Explore Friendify for advanced AI bots without coding

Need help with bot development? Check out our other guides: