> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://securitybot.gitbook.io/securitybot-knowledge-hub/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://securitybot.gitbook.io/securitybot-knowledge-hub/usage/get-started-free.md).

# Get Started (Free)

The free tier gives you scammer alerts, basic chat filtering, CAPTCHA verification, and activity logging at no cost. Follow these steps to get protected.

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## 1. Invite SecurityBot

Click the invite link on [securitybot.gg](https://securitybot.gg) or use the "Add to Discord" button on the pricing page. Select your Discord server and grant the requested permissions.

{% hint style="warning" %}
SecurityBot needs **Administrator** permission to function correctly. Without it, some features may not work as expected.
{% endhint %}

## 2. Position the SecurityBot Role

In your Discord server settings, go to **Roles** and drag the **SecurityBot** role above the roles it needs to manage. SecurityBot can only moderate users with roles below its own.

## 3. Run the Setup Wizard

Type `/setup` in any channel. The wizard walks you through configuring your server step by step.

On the free tier, the wizard covers:

* Setting staff roles (admin and moderator)
* Choosing a log channel
* Configuring chat filters (links, addresses, handles, invites)
* Setting up ignored channels and categories
* Enabling CAPTCHA verification

{% hint style="info" %}
Some steps like bot purging and preset allowlists are only available on Premium. The wizard automatically skips these on the free tier.
{% endhint %}

## 4. What You Get

Once setup is complete, your server is protected with:

* **Scammer alerts** - Known scammers trigger a log notification when they join. Your mods can then ban manually.
* **Chat filters** - Links, wallet addresses, handles, and invites are filtered automatically (10 actions/day cap).
* **Allowlists** - Approve trusted domains, addresses, handles, and invites so legitimate content isn't blocked.
* **CAPTCHA verification** - New members must complete a CAPTCHA before gaining access.
* **Activity logging** - All SecurityBot actions are logged to your designated channel.

For details on free tier limits, see [Free Tier Limits](/securitybot-knowledge-hub/plans-and-pricing/plans-and-pricing/free-tier-limits.md).

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## What to Explore Next

* [Chat Filters](/securitybot-knowledge-hub/bot-guide/chat-filters.md) - Configure which content types to filter
* [Scammer Filter](/securitybot-knowledge-hub/bot-guide/scam-prevention-features/scammer-filter.md) - How the network-wide scammer database works
* [Verification](/securitybot-knowledge-hub/bot-guide/scam-prevention-features/verification.md) - Fine-tune your CAPTCHA setup
* [Administering SecurityBot](/securitybot-knowledge-hub/bot-guide/administering-securitybot.md) - Manage roles and permissions

***

## Ready for More?

Premium unlocks unlimited filtering, auto-ban for scammers, impersonation protection, channel locks, bot purging, and more. Visit [securitybot.gg/dashboard](https://securitybot.gg/dashboard) to upgrade, or see the [Get Started (Premium)](/securitybot-knowledge-hub/usage/get-started-premium.md) guide.