Snapchat is a popular social media app that allows users to send photo and video messages that disappear after being viewed. One of the features of Snapchat is the ability to link your phone number to your account. This allows you to find friends who are also using Snapchat and makes it easier to log in to your account.
However, there may be times when you no longer want your phone number linked to your Snapchat account. In this article, we’ll look at whether it’s possible to unlink your phone number from Snapchat and the steps you need to take.
Can You Unlink Your Number from Snapchat?
The short answer is yes, you can unlink your phone number from your Snapchat account if you wish. Snapchat gives users the option to remove a linked phone number through the app’s settings menu.
It’s important to note that your Snapchat account will remain active even after unlinking your number. The only difference is that your account will no longer be connected to that phone number.
Let’s look at the step-by-step process for unlinking your number in more detail.
How to Unlink Your Phone Number from Snapchat
Unlinking your phone number from Snapchat is a simple process that only takes a few taps in the app. Here are the steps:
On Android
1. Open the Snapchat app on your Android device.
2. Tap your profile icon in the top left corner.
3. Tap the gear icon to access your Settings.
4. Tap ‘Mobile Number’ under the ‘Account Actions’ section.
5. Tap ‘Unlink My Number’.
6. Confirm that you want to unlink your number by tapping ‘Unlink’.
On iPhone
1. Open the Snapchat app on your iPhone.
2. Tap your profile icon in the top left corner.
3. Tap the gear icon to access your Settings.
4. Scroll down and tap ‘Mobile Number’.
5. Tap ‘Unlink My Number’.
6. Confirm that you want to unlink by tapping ‘Unlink’.
And that’s it! Those are the steps to unlink your phone number from Snapchat on both Android and iPhone devices. The process is straightforward and only takes a few seconds to complete. Your Snapchat account remains fully active.
Things to Know Before Unlinking Your Number
Here are some key things to keep in mind before unlinking your phone number from Snapchat:
– You’ll need to log in to Snapchat using your username and password instead of your phone number once unlinked. Make sure you remember these login details.
– Any contacts who previously added you via your phone number will no longer be connected to your account. Your profile will also no longer be discoverable by phone number.
– Your Snapchat Memories and Snaps will not be affected when unlinking your number. They will remain saved in your account.
– You can re-link your number again in the future if you change your mind. Simply tap ‘Add Phone Number’ under the ‘Mobile Number’ settings.
– Unlinking your number does not deactivate your account or delete any of your Snapchat data. Everything remains intact except the phone number connection.
Pros of Unlinking Your Number from Snapchat
There are some advantages to consider when unlinking your phone number from Snapchat:
– Enhanced privacy – Without your phone number on your account, you have an extra layer of privacy as you can’t be searched for or contacted directly via your number on Snapchat.
– Avoid spam calls/texts – Unlinking your number prevents spammers or unknown contacts from reaching your number if they find it linked on Snapchat.
– Separate work and personal accounts – If you use Snapchat for both professional and personal reasons, removing your number lets you keep those uses separate.
– Regain control of your number – Unlinking gives you more control over who can see and use your phone number moving forward.
– Avoid SIM swapping – Your number can’t be taken over via SIM swap if it’s not linked to your Snapchat account.
Cons of Unlinking Your Number from Snapchat
There are also some potential drawbacks to consider when unlinking your phone number:
– Lose phone number-based login – You’ll need to remember your username/password to login rather than relying on your number for access.
– Contacts can’t find you – Friends won’t be able to search for and add you directly with your phone number anymore.
– Less account security – Phone numbers provide an extra layer of account security. Unlinking removes that safeguard.
– Lose two-factor authentication – Two-factor verification via text is disabled when your number is no longer linked.
– Less password recovery options – Your number can’t be used to help reset your password if you get locked out of your account.
– Can’t use Snapchat on multiple devices – Logging in on new devices requires having a linked number for security purposes.
Can You Have Multiple Snapchat Accounts?
Snapchat’s Terms of Service officially state that users are not allowed to maintain multiple accounts. Operating duplicate accounts goes against their policies.
However, in practice it is still possible to create and use more than one Snapchat account from the same device. You simply need separate phone numbers or email addresses to sign up for each account.
The risk is that if Snapchat detects you have multiple accounts, they may delete or suspend some or all of those accounts for violating their rules. So while not directly prohibited upfront, using multiple Snapchat accounts is discouraged and against recommended best practices.
Should You Delete Your Snapchat Account?
If your goal is to fully disassociate your phone number from Snapchat, you may be wondering if you should delete your Snapchat account altogether. Here are some things to think about:
**Pros of Deleting Snapchat Account**
– Removes all connection to your number definitively
– Increases privacy by eliminating your profile and Snaps
– Frees you from maintaining an unused account
**Cons of Deleting Snapchat Account**
– Lose access to your Snapchat memories and content
– Need to build up new connections and followers again
– Can’t revert if you want to rejoin Snapchat later
In most cases, simply unlinking your number without fully deleting your account makes more sense. But the option to delete your account is there if you no longer want to use Snapchat at all.
How Do You Delete Your Snapchat Account?
If you do decide to fully delete your Snapchat account, here is how you go about it:
1. Open Snapchat and go to your profile
2. Tap the Settings (gear) icon
3. Scroll down and select ‘Support’
4. Choose ‘I need help with my account’
5. Tap ‘Delete my account’ and select an option for why you are deleting
6. Enter your username and password when prompted
7. Select ‘Delete my account’ to confirm
Once you delete your Snapchat account, it can take up to 30 days for all of your data to be permanently erased from Snapchat’s servers. Reactivating a deleted account is not possible. You would have to create an entirely new account if you wished to use Snapchat again in the future.
Conclusion
Unlink your phone number from Snapchat? The short answer is yes – Snapchat provides an option to easily unlink your phone number from your account while keeping the account active.
Simply navigate to your Snapchat settings, go to the ‘Mobile Number’ section, and tap ‘Unlink My Number’ followed by ‘Unlink’ to confirm. While there are pros and cons, most users find unlinking their number provides greater privacy without losing access to their account.
Keep in mind you can always re-link your number later if needed. Overall, unlinking your phone from Snapchat is a relatively quick and straightforward process for those who want an added level of separation between their account and personal mobile number.