Snapchat is a popular social media app that allows users to send photos, videos, and messages that disappear after being viewed. When signing up for Snapchat, users are required to provide a phone number which is verified through a text message or phone call containing a verification code.
This verification process links the Snapchat account to the user’s phone number. So can you use Snapchat without providing a phone number during sign up?
Using Snapchat Without Phone Number
The short answer is no, you cannot use Snapchat without a phone number. Snapchat requires all users to provide a valid mobile phone number in order to create an account. This number is verified during the sign up process. Without a phone number, you cannot get past the verification step and will be unable to use Snapchat.
There are a few reasons why Snapchat insists on phone number verification:
- To prevent fake accounts and bots from overwhelming the platform
- To build unique profiles tied to real identities
- For security purposes and account recovery
The phone number requirement helps Snapchat moderate content and maintain the integrity of the app. It also enables password reset and account recovery in case you ever get locked out or forget login details. Your phone number essentially acts as your unique identifier on Snapchat.
Is There Any Way Around The Phone Number Requirement?
While Snapchat does require a phone number to sign up, there are some limited workarounds:
Use a Virtual Phone Number
Services like Google Voice and TextNow provide virtual phone numbers that can receive SMS messages online without being tied to a SIM card. You can sign up for one of these free virtual numbers and use it when creating your Snapchat account.
The downside is these virtual numbers are often already registered to other accounts or get blocked by Snapchat. There is no guarantee a virtual number will work for verification.
Borrow a Friend’s Phone Number
If you have a friend willing to lend their phone number temporarily, you can use it to get through Snapchat’s verification process initially. Once your account is set up, you can remove the phone number and still use Snapchat normally.
The risk here is your friend could potentially access or take over your Snapchat account later on. Only share a phone number with someone you completely trust.
Buy a Prepaid SIM Card
Another option is to purchase a prepaid SIM card with a new phone number attached to it. You can find inexpensive prepaid SIMs from various providers or retailers. The number will work for receiving Snapchat’s verification SMS.
While this method does cost a small amount of money, it provides a private phone number not tied to your real identity to use with Snapchat if privacy is a major concern.
Why Phone Numbers Are So Important for Snapchat
Snapchat began relying on phone number verification back in 2014 when the app introduced SMS-based two-factor authentication. This added an extra security layer to prevent account breaches in addition to login passwords.
Phone numbers help Snapchat with:
- Preventing malicious accounts and bot-generated content
- Stopping banned users from easily creating new accounts
- Linking accounts to real humans for advertising purposes
- Enabling password resets and recovery for locked accounts
- Building user profiles and social graphs based on phone contacts
Overall, phone number verification aligns with Snapchat’s goal of maintaining an authentic community with real user identities. The company states that fighting spam accounts helps keep Snapchat fun.
How Does Snapchat Detect Phone Number Proxy Services?
Given how essential phone numbers are to Snapchat, the app employs various methods to detect and block proxy/virtual numbers from third-party services during sign up:
- Checking known VoIP number ranges
- Analyzing call forwarding signatures
- Detecting numbers registered to multiple accounts
- Using phone carrier identification
- Matching number country code to device location
Snapchat keeps updating its detection mechanisms to stay ahead of new phone verification workarounds. This makes it quite difficult to use a disposable virtual number or proxy service to bypass the phone number requirement today.
What Happens If You Try Using Snapchat Without Phone Number Verification?
Attempting to use Snapchat without a valid phone number will result in limited functionality:
- Can’t complete initial account setup without verification
- Features like Snaps and Chats will be disabled
- Won’t be able to find and add friends
- Can’t access friend Stories and Group Chats
- Can’t enable Filters, Lenses, Bitmoji, etc.
- Will see limited Discover/publisher content
- Can’t integrate other apps like TikTok or Triller
Essentially, you’ll have an extremely limited Snapchat experience that renders the app useless. Phone number verification is mandatory to properly use Snapchat as intended.
Are There Any Actual Benefits to Using Snapchat Without a Phone Number?
Given how restrictive Snapchat is without a phone number, are there any potential upsides?
Here are a couple possible benefits:
- Increased privacy – Your account isn’t linked to a personal phone number traceable back to you.
- Anonymity – You can create a more anonymous Snapchat presence without your identity attached.
- No texts or calls – Avoid getting Snapchat notifications blowing up your actual phone.
For users highly concerned about privacy and anonymity, avoiding linking a personal phone number may be appealing. However, the limitations imposed by Snapchat make it very difficult to enjoy the platform without proper phone verification.
Can You Delete Your Phone Number from Snapchat Later?
Yes, it is possible to remove your phone number from Snapchat after your account is already set up and verified.
To do so:
- Go to your Snapchat profile and tap the settings (gear) icon.
- Tap ‘Mobile Number’ under the ‘Account Actions’ section.
- Select ‘Remove Mobile Number’.
- Confirm removal and enter your account password.
Without a phone number, you’ll lose SMS-based two-factor authentication. Your Snapchat account will continue working normally otherwise.
However, there are a few key disadvantages to removing your number:
- Lose SMS password recovery option
- Can’t re-enable 2FA without number
- No friend suggestions based on contacts
Overall, keeping your phone number linked provides important account security benefits even if you want increased privacy.
Conclusion
Snapchat is designed as a mobile app centered around phone-based communication, so phone numbers are unavoidable. While there are limited workarounds, using Snapchat without proper phone verification results in major limitations.
If you want to enjoy unfettered access to all Snapchat features, there is no viable substitute for linking a legitimate phone number you control. Phone numbers bring accountability that allows Snapchat to provide a trusted environment free of spam accounts.
For privacy reasons, you can remove your number later after verification. But losing security and recovery options may be an acceptable trade-off for some users seeking increased anonymity without their identity attached to an account.