Snapchat is a popular social media app that allows users to send photo and video messages that disappear after being viewed. Many Snapchat users choose to password protect or “lock” their accounts for privacy reasons. However, sometimes users forget their password or get locked out of their account for other reasons. When this happens, they may wonder if there is a way for someone else to unlock their Snapchat account.
Why Would You Need Someone to Unlock Your Snapchat Account?
There are a few common reasons why a Snapchat user might need help accessing a locked account:
- Forgotten password – This is probably the most common reason. You set a password to protect your privacy, but later forget what password you used.
- Wrong password attempts – Entering the wrong password too many times can temporarily lock you out of your account.
- Hacked or compromised account – Sometimes hackers are able to lock you out of your own account.
- Stolen or lost device – If you lose the device linked to your Snapchat account, you may no longer be able to access your account.
- Banned account – Snapchat may ban accounts that violate their terms, making it impossible to log in.
In any of these situations, having someone else unlock your Snapchat for you may be the only way to regain access.
Can Someone Else Unlock Your Snapchat?
The short answer is maybe, but it’s tricky. Snapchat does not officially provide a way for someone else to unlock an account. Here are the main options:
Retrieve Your Password
If you simply forgot your password, Snapchat does allow you to reset it after going through a password recovery process. This involves entering the email or phone number associated with your account. You’ll then receive a link to create a new password.
However, this only works if you still have access to the email or phone number on file. If you don’t, then retrieving your password may not be possible without further help.
Contact Snapchat Support
The only surefire way to get someone else to unlock your Snapchat account is by contacting Snapchat Support directly. Here are some key things to keep in mind:
- Proof of Identity – You will need to provide proof that you are the account holder. This can include a photo ID, former password, associated email/phone number, etc.
- Recovery Email – Submit a recovery email address you still have access to. This will allow Snapchat to send a password reset link.
- Account Details – Having specific details about the account can help verify your identity to Snapchat.
- Patience – It may take Snapchat Support 1-2 weeks to fully unlock your account after investigating.
Keep in mind Snapchat Support will generally only unlock the account for the original owner. They will not give access to someone else unless you specifically authorize it.
Third Party Snapchat Unlocking Services
There are some online services that claim they can unlock or hack into Snapchat accounts. These types of services should generally be avoided. Here’s why:
- Against Snapchat Terms – These services violate Snapchat’s terms and often rely on illegal hacking methods.
- Scams – Many third party services turn out to be scams designed to steal money.
- Banned Accounts – Your account may end up getting banned by Snapchat if unauthorized changes are detected.
- Limited Success – Few services can actually get into a Snapchat account without the password.
In general, it’s safer and more effective to utilize Snapchat’s official account recovery process through their Support team.
Steps to Unlock a Snapchat Account
If you need someone else to help unlock your lost Snapchat account, follow these general steps:
- Gather Info – Have the account holder collect as much identifying info as possible – username, password, email/phone, etc.
- Contact Snapchat – Get in touch with Snapchat Support through their website to explain you lost access.
- Provide Details – Submit all requested details to verify identity and ownership of the account.
- Get Recovery Email – Have Snapchat send a password reset link to an email you still access.
- Create New Password – Follow instructions in the recovery email to create a new Snapchat password.
- Update Password – Once unlocked, immediately update password to re-secure the Snapchat account.
This process requires patience but is the safest way to get back into a Snapchat account with help from someone else you trust. Avoid any third party services claiming they can immediately unlock the account for you.
What to Do If You Can’t Get Back Into Snapchat
For some users, retrieving access to a locked Snapchat account ends up being impossible if:
- You cannot complete identity verification with Snapchat Support.
- The registered email and phone number are inaccessible.
- You do not remember critical login details.
If you have no way to go through Snapchat’s official account recovery process, then unfortunately that account may remain locked forever.
However, you still have a couple options:
Create A New Snapchat Account
The simplest move is to just start fresh with a brand new Snapchat account using a new username and password. You’ll lose access to your old messages and Memories. But you can at least resume using Snapchat going forward.
Abandon the Account
If losing that particular Snapchat account doesn’t matter much to you, then simply abandon it and move on. Continue using other social media accounts you can still access.
Prevent Needing Someone to Unlock Snapchat in the Future
To avoid being locked out of your Snapchat account again in the future, here are some tips:
- Strong Password – Create a lengthy, unique password that’s hard for others to guess.
- Password Manager – Use a secure password manager app to store your password.
- Two-Factor Authentication – Enable two-factor authentication for enhanced security.
- Email/Phone Access – Make sure you maintain access to the email and phone number on your Snapchat account.
- Avoid Sharing – Never share your Snapchat password with third party services.
Following best security practices greatly reduces your risk of needing help from someone else to unlock your account again.
Conclusion
Losing access to your Snapchat account can be frustrating. In some cases, your only recourse is to have someone else assist with unlocking it. Contact Snapchat Support and provide verifying account details. Avoid any sketchy third party services claiming they can immediately help unlock accounts. With patience and the proper process, you should be able to regain access to your rightful Snapchat account. Going forward, be sure to use strong security practices to avoid getting locked out again.