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Can a permanently locked Snapchat be unlocked?

Can a permanently locked Snapchat be unlocked?

Having your Snapchat account locked can be very frustrating, especially if the lock is permanent. A permanent lock means you can no longer access your account or any of its content. While it may seem hopeless, there are a few things you can try to get your account back.

Why Snapchat Permanently Locks Accounts

Snapchat has a few reasons for permanently locking accounts:

  • Suspicious activity – If Snapchat detects suspicious or fraudulent activity, like hacking attempts or spamming, they may permanently lock the account.
  • TOS violations – Breaking Snapchat’s Terms of Service agreement, like sending inappropriate content or harassment, can lead to a permanent ban.
  • Law enforcement requests – Snapchat will permanently lock accounts if law enforcement requests it due to illegal activity.
  • Multiple lockouts – Getting temporarily locked out multiple times for things like using third-party apps may cause Snapchat to permanently ban you.

So if you’ve violated Snapchat’s rules or Terms of Service in a major way, the permanent lock is their way of removing you from the platform.

Appealing the Lock

If you believe your account has been permanently locked by mistake, you can try appealing to Snapchat support:

  1. Fill out the account unlock request form – This is found in the Snapchat app by going to Settings > Support > My Account is Locked > Continue.
  2. Explain your situation – Clearly but politely explain why your account should be unlocked in the request form.
  3. Provide details – Give specific dates, examples, and any evidence that can back up your appeal.
  4. Check back for a response – It may take up to 24 hours to get a reply from the Snapchat team.
  5. Accept the final decision – If your appeal is denied, there is little else you can do to unlock the account.

However, most permanent account locks are not reversed through the appeals process unless there’s clear evidence it was a mistake on Snapchat’s end. But it’s always worth politely trying to appeal just in case.

Using a Different Account

If the appeals process doesn’t work, your only option is to start over with a brand new Snapchat account using a different username and phone number. Here are some tips for setting up a new account after being permanently locked out:

  • Use a new email and phone number – Snapchat links accounts through your mobile number and email address, so change both when starting over.
  • Create a fresh username – Don’t try variations on your old handle or anything similar that could get flagged.
  • Add new friends/contacts – Connect with different people than your previous banned account.
  • Avoid past behavior – Don’t do anything that led to your old account getting banned.
  • Link to other accounts carefully – Only connect new social media profiles not associated with your locked account.

Essentially, act like a brand new user without any connection to the permanently locked profile. This gives you the best chance of avoiding issues that could get your new Snapchat shut down too.

Retrieving Data from a Locked Account

If you have a locked Snapchat account, any photos, videos, conversations, and other data are inaccessible…or are they? There are couple of tricky methods people have used to salvage their locked account data:

  • Local data: On Android phones, users have pulled Snapchat data from local device backups and caches using file explorer apps.
  • Cloud backups: Some users have managed to restore select Snapchat data if they had cloud backups enabled in Google Drive or iCloud.
  • Snapsaving apps: Some Snapchat saving apps pull data out of Snapchat before an account is locked. So users can access saved Snap history if they linked the app before being banned.

However, these methods have mixed results and take some tech savvy to pull off. There’s no guarantee you’ll get any data back from a permanently locked account. The best way to access your memories is to back them up regularly before any issues occur.

Can a Friend Unlock Your Account?

When your Snapchat account is permanently locked, is it possible for a friend to get it unlocked on your behalf? Unfortunately, no – there is no option for a friend to unlock someone else’s locked Snapchat account. Here’s why:

  • Security – Snapchat cannot verify the friend’s identity or if they have permission to access your account.
  • Privacy – Your account contains private conversations, photos, contacts, etc. that cannot be shared.
  • Verification – The account is linked to your unique phone number/device which a friend can’t replicate.
  • Policy – Snapchat’s rules do not allow unlocked requests from anyone except the account holder.

For account security and privacy reasons, Snapchat does not give friends or family access to unlock locked accounts. The appeals process has to directly come from the account owner through the app itself.

Third Party Unlocking Services

You may come across sites and apps claiming they can unlock your permanently locked Snapchat account for a fee. Generally, these third party unlocking services do not work as advertised.

Here are some reasons to be wary of these services:

  • Account access – They cannot actually get into your locked Snapchat account without your username/password.
  • No affiliation – Snapchat does not authorize or work with third party companies for unlocks.
  • Scams – Many sites promise unlocks but just take your money without delivering.
  • TOS violations – These services often use hacking methods banned by Snapchat’s Terms of Service.
  • Bans – Using third party unlock methods could get any new accounts you create banned as well.

In most cases, third party Snapchat unlocking services are scams preying on desperate users. Your best options are to appeal directly to Snapchat or start fresh with a new account.

Conclusion

Here are some key takeaways on unlocking permanently locked Snapchat accounts:

  • Directly appeal the ban with Snapchat, providing any helpful context.
  • If appeals fail, create a new account with different credentials.
  • Friends cannot unlock accounts on someone else’s behalf.
  • Third party unlocking services typically cannot deliver results.
  • Retrieving data from a locked account is difficult and limited.

While extremely challenging, starting fresh with a new account you access carefully may be the best way forward after being permanently banned. With responsible and rule-abiding use, you can hopefully avoid a repeat locking scenario.