Why Is Snapchat Account Locked and How to Unlock It
Your Snapchat account may be locked for a variety of reasons including, but not limited to, failure to follow laid guidelines, terms of service, content violation, and more. Furthermore, Snapchat accounts are either temporarily locked or permanently locked. Let us understand why Snapchat accounts are locked, and what you can do to get your Snapchat account unlocked.
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Reasons Why Your Snapchat Account Is Locked
As noted above, there could be a host of reasons behind your Snapchat account’s lock. Here are a few of them in no particular order:
Breaking the rules or indulging in bad behavior can get your Snapchat account locked, temporarily or permanently. So what to do?
Pro Tip:Confused by all theicons and symbols on Snapchat and what they mean? We have a guide just for you.
How to Unlock Your Snapchat Account
If your Snapchat account has been permanently locked, there is no way to regain access to it. Unfortunate but we don’t make the rules. Usually, it takes a lot to get your account permanently banned. However, if the ban is temporary, you can take steps to get your Snapchat account unlocked.
1. Be Patient
Wait for 24 hours before the ban is lifted and then try to sign back in. When a ban is enforced, users are signed out automatically and unable to sign in for a day. Then you’re able to take further steps to ensure this doesn’t happen again. We discuss them in the next section.
2. Unlock Snapchat Account Using Unlock Tool
Snapchat offers adedicated link that will help you unlock your accountfaster. Again, you will need to sign in to uplift the ban. Once signed in, tap onUnlockbutton.
3. Use Forgot Password Option
If you still can’t sign in, tap onForgot Your Passwordoption and reset the password. Averification linkwill be sent to your registered email id. Open that link and then follow the on-screen instructions to set a new password.
4. Recover Hacked Snapchat Account
If you think your Snapchat account has been hacked, here’s what to do.
1.OpenSnapchat Help Page, and select theI think my account was compromisedoption.
Note:If that doesn’t work for you, repeat the same process but this time, selectI can’t access my account optioninstead,
2.Snapchat will ask for some details like username, verification details like email id and phone number, and a description of the problem you are facing. Fill out the form and submit it.
You can alsouse Snapchat in a browseron your computer.
What You Can Do to Avoid Snapchat Account Locks
Once you have regained access to your Snapchat account, make sure this doesn’t happen in the future. You can do so by being proactive and taking certain steps to secure your account. Also, as mentioned earlier, follow the Community Guidelines.
1. Verify Account Details
Verifyyour mobile number and email address if not already added to the profile.
1.Open Snapchat once you have gained access to it using the methods above. Now tap on yourprofile iconand then selectSettings (cog icon).
2.Again tap onSettings (cog icon)and here, you canenter or update email id and mobile numberdetails.
2. Use Official Apps Only
Use official Snapchat’sAndroidoriOSapps. Furthermore, uninstall any and all 3rd party apps you have been using.
3. Update Password and Enable 2FA
If you believe your Snapchat account was compromised, change your password andenable 2FA. First, we will change the password.
1.Go back to yourprofileand openSettings. You will find the Password and 2FA options.
2.Tap onPasswordhere. You will need to enter thecurrent passwordbefore you can create a new one. Thenew passwordneeds to be entered twice to ensure you remember what you entered as a password.
3.Go back to theSettingsscreen and select2FAnow. Snapchat will display some information. Tap onContinueandLet’s do it.
4.you’re able to choose to authenticate either via SMS or an Authenticator app like Google Auuthenticator or Authy. SMS is not safe and often subjected to SIM swap attacks. We recommend usingAuthenticator app. Download the app and then selectSet Up Automatically.
5.Tap onContinue. If you have a 2FA app already installed and set up (account created and signed in), Snapchat should open the app directly and add the details. The authenticator app will now generate a new 6-digit code every 30 seconds. Enter the newlygenerated codein the Snapchat app to verify and confirm.
Download Google Authenticator:Android|iOS
Download Authy:Android|iOS
4. Other Steps to Maintain Snapchat Account
- What to do if nothing works and my Snapchat account is still locked?
As a last resort, you cancontact Snapchat helpdeskwith key details like Snapchat account username, registered email id, and phone number.
- Can I create a new Snapchat account if the old one is rendered unusable or I can’t regain access to it?
Yes, you may create a new Snapchat account. However, you may need to use a new email id and a new mobile number. You can use the same email ID and number for both if you are running one personal and one business account.
Unlocking Locked Snapchat Account
There are a few ways to go about this problem. We highly recommend updating your account with a new password, 2FA, and personal details like email id and phone number. This will verify your Snapchat account won’t get locked in the future and if it does, you can unban or unlock it faster. Finally, don’t follow shady practices, be nice, and have fun and you should be okay.
Meanwhile, want to mute someone on Snapchat. Knoweverything that happens when someone is muted on Snapchat.
Gaurav Bidasaria
Gaurav is an editor here at TechWiser but also contributes as a writer. He has more than 10 years of experience as a writer and has written how-to guides, comparisons, listicles, and in-depth explainers on Windows, Android, web, and cloud apps, and the Apple ecosystem.
He loves tinkering with new gadgets and learning about new happenings in the tech world.
He has previously worked on Guiding Tech, Make Tech Easier, and other prominent tech blogs and has over 1000+ articles that have been read over 50 million times.
