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Can you make a Snapchat account without phone number on computer?

Can you make a Snapchat account without phone number on computer?

Snapchat has become one of the most popular social media platforms, especially among younger users. A key part of Snapchat is the ability to send disappearing photos and videos to friends. However, to create a Snapchat account you need to provide a phone number so that Snapchat can SMS verify your account.

This verification process aims to cut down on fake and spam accounts. But it also locks out users who don’t have a phone number to provide, such as kids without their own phone. So is there any way to create a Snapchat account without a phone number from a computer?

Can you sign up for Snapchat on a computer?

Snapchat does not allow you to sign up for an account directly from their website. The Snapchat website only allows existing users to log in to view Snapchat stories or access Snapchat support. There is no option to create a new Snapchat account on the website.

This is because Snapchat requires all new accounts to be verified via SMS text message. So you must create your Snapchat account through the mobile app on an iOS or Android device. The app connects to your phone number and sends a verification code to input which activates the account.

Workarounds to create a Snapchat with no phone number

Because Snapchat relies on a phone number for verification, there is no direct way to sign up without one. However, there are some workarounds that may allow you to use Snapchat on a computer without linking a phone number:

Use an existing Snapchat account

If you already have a Snapchat account tied to a phone number, you can log in on a computer through the Snapchat website or desktop apps. This allows you to view stories or memories without needing to verify a new account.

You won’t be able to create a new account. But you can use Snapchat on a computer by logging into your existing account without entering a phone number again. Just keep in mind you’ll still get notifications through the mobile app.

Borrow a phone number temporarily

Some services provide access to a temporary disposable phone number, often used to avoid giving out your real number. These temporary numbers can receive SMS or voice verification codes needed during signup.

However, borrowing a phone number just to create a Snapchat account goes against their terms of service. It could result in the account being banned if discovered, and may not work in all cases.

Try an online phone number service

There are apps and services like Talkatone that provide you with a virtual phone number to use for calls and SMS messages. You may be able to sign up for one of these online numbers and use it to verify a Snapchat account.

But again, since these aren’t “real” phone numbers, using them specifically to create social media accounts is usually prohibited. The account could be deleted if Snapchat detects you are using a virtual number.

Use an Android emulator to sign up

One option that has the best chance of working is using an Android emulator on your computer. An emulator mimics an Android device so you can access the Play Store and mobile apps on a PC.

By installing the Snapchat app in an emulator, you may be able to create an account that gets SMS verified through the emulator software. BlueStacks, Nox Player, and Genymotion are some emulators to try.

The downside is these emulators take time to setup, may have technical issues, and run the risk of detection by Snapchat which could lead to the account being banned.

Steps to create a Snapchat on emulator:

  1. Download and install an Android emulator on your computer like BlueStacks.
  2. Open the emulator and access the Google Play Store.
  3. Download and install the Snapchat app through the Play Store in your emulator.
  4. Launch the Snapchat app in the emulator and select “Create New Account”.
  5. Enter your account details. Leave the phone number field empty.
  6. Snapchat will ask to Verify your account. The emulator should generate a virtual SMS with a verification code.
  7. Input the verification code in the Snapchat app to complete signup without a real phone number.

This process relies on the emulator providing a virtual SMS number for verification instead of needing a real phone and number. However emulator detection and changing Snapchat policies could still result in the account getting banned.

Use a VoIP number to verify Snapchat

Another option is to use a VoIP (Voice over IP) phone number to verify your Snapchat account. VoIP numbers work like regular phone numbers for calling and texting over the internet.

Some popular VoIP services that provide phone numbers include:

  • Google Voice
  • Skype
  • TextNow
  • TextPlus

To sign up for Snapchat with a VoIP number:

  1. Get a VoIP number through an app or service above.
  2. Install the Snapchat mobile app on your smartphone.
  3. Enter your details to create an account. Use your VoIP number in the phone number field.
  4. Snapchat will send a verification code to that VoIP number.
  5. Open the VoIP app to receive the code and input it into Snapchat to verify.

Using a VoIP number in this way may allow you to create a Snapchat account without linking your real personal phone number. However, Snapchat might detect these types of numbers and ban the account.

Can you use Snapchat on a computer?

Once you’ve created a Snapchat account through the mobile app or an emulator, you can then access Snapchat through their website on a computer. This allows you to view stories or memories without the phone app.

Here are the ways to use Snapchat on a PC or Mac:

Access Snapchat through the browser

Go to snapchat.com in any desktop web browser and log into your account. This lets you see stories, view Snaps and memories, and change some account settings.

But browser access is limited. You can’t create new Snaps or message friends from the website.

Download the Snapchat desktop app

Snapchat has official desktop apps for Windows and MacOS. You can download these apps from:

The desktop apps provide features like:

  • View stories and discover content
  • Chat with friends
  • Video and audio calling

But you still can’t create Snaps from the desktop app. Overall, the desktop and browser experiences are limited compared to mobile.

Conclusion

Snapchat requires a phone number verification when signing up for a new account. So there is no direct way to create a Snapchat on computer without a phone number.

Workarounds like using an Android emulator or VoIP number may work to signup. But these approaches violate Snapchat’s terms and could result in account deletion.

Once you have an account, you can access Snapchat via web browser or desktop apps. But the functionality is limited compared to mobile. The Snapchat experience is really designed for mobile devices.

For kids without their own phones, a parent could create a Snapchat account on their device using their phone number. The kid could then log into that account on a computer to use Snapchat with parental supervision.

Overall there are hurdles to using Snapchat without a phone number. Snapchat focuses on mobile and makes it difficult to use the platform without a phone linked to your account.