Logging into Snapchat with a verification code is a common process for users who have enabled two-factor authentication or need to access their account from a new device. While it adds an extra step, requiring a verification code helps keep your Snapchat account secure against unauthorized logins. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to log into your Snapchat account using a verification code.
What is Two-Factor Authentication?
Two-factor authentication (also known as 2FA) is an extra layer of security for your online accounts. It requires two forms of identification to log in – your password as the first factor, and a randomly generated code as the second factor. This makes it much harder for hackers to access your accounts, even if they manage to steal your password.
When you enable 2FA on Snapchat, it will ask you to enter a 6-digit verification code sent to your phone via SMS anytime you log in from a new device. This adds an extra step, but ensures that only you can access your account even if someone else has your password.
When Will Snapchat Ask for a Verification Code?
There are a few common situations when Snapchat will ask you to enter a verification code to log in:
- When you log into your Snapchat account from a new device for the first time
- When you log in from a browser (instead of the mobile app)
- If you have enabled two-factor authentication on your account
- When you change your Snapchat password and try logging in for the first time with the new password
- If Snapchat detects suspicious activity on your account, like logins from unknown locations
Essentially, Snapchat wants to verify it’s really you trying to log in, and not someone else attempting to access your account. Entering the correct verification code proves you have access to your linked phone number.
How to Log into Snapchat with a Verification Code
Here are the step-by-step instructions for logging into Snapchat using a verification code:
- Open the Snapchat app on your phone or visit snapchat.com on a web browser.
- Enter your Snapchat username and password on the login screen.
- Tap Log In. Snapchat will detect you’re logging in from a new device and ask for a verification code.
- Open the SMS text message Snapchat sent you containing the 6-digit verification code.
- Enter this code on the Snapchat verification screen and tap Continue.
- Snapchat will log you into your account. You may be asked some security questions to confirm it’s you.
The verification code is only valid for 5 minutes. If it expires before you can enter it, you’ll have to request a new code from Snapchat and repeat the process.
What If I Don’t Get the Verification Code?
If you don’t receive the verification code SMS from Snapchat, here are some steps to try:
- Make sure your phone has cellular service or can connect to WiFi to receive texts.
- Verify your phone number listed on your Snapchat account is correct.
- Check your phone’s message filtering settings to ensure the code SMS wasn’t blocked.
- Open your SMS app and tap the “Resend code” link on the Snapchat verification message.
- Force quit and relaunch the Snapchat app, then try logging in again.
- As a last resort, you can reset your password via email on Snapchat’s website to get a new verification code.
If none of those steps work, you’ll need to contact Snapchat support for additional help accessing your locked account.
How to Enable Two-Factor Authentication
If you don’t already have 2FA enabled on Snapchat, it’s highly recommended as an extra security measure. Here are the steps to turn it on:
- Open Snapchat and tap your profile icon.
- Go to Settings > Login Verification.
- Tap Continue and enter your Snapchat password.
- Tap Enable Login Verification.
- Check your phone’s SMS messages for the verification code from Snapchat and enter it.
Once enabled, Snapchat will require both your password and a verification code to login going forward. You can also skip verification on your personal devices for 30 days at a time if you don’t want to be prompted for a code on your own phone.
Using Backup Codes
Snapchat also provides 10 single-use backup codes you can save and use instead of the SMS verification code if you lose phone service. Here’s how to use them:
- In Snapchat, go to Settings > Login Verification.
- Tap Backup Codes > Get Codes.
- Save the list of 10 codes somewhere secure like a password manager.
- When logging into Snapchat, enter a backup code instead of the SMS code.
- Each code expires after one use.
It’s smart to have backup codes ready in case you can’t receive the texted verification code for any reason. Just be sure to store them somewhere private and secure.
Disabling Two-Factor Authentication
If you decide you no longer want to use 2FA on Snapchat, you can disable it:
- Go to Settings > Login Verification.
- Tap Disable Login Verification.
- Enter your Snapchat Password.
- Confirm you want to disable the extra verification.
With 2FA disabled, you’ll be able to log into Snapchat normally with just your username and password moving forward.
Troubleshooting Tips
Here are some troubleshooting tips for common issues when logging into Snapchat with a verification code:
- If your code doesn’t work, tap Resend Code and try the new one.
- Make sure your phone has a cellular or WiFi signal to receive the SMS message.
- Double check that you entered the code correctly without any typos.
- Force close and restart the Snapchat app if it freezes or glitches during login.
- If you requested multiple codes, only the newest one will work.
- If your phone number changed, update it on your Snapchat profile first.
- As a last resort, reset your password to get a new verification code.
If nothing seems to work, reach out to Snapchat’s customer support online for assistance regaining entry to your account.
Conclusion
Logging into Snapchat using SMS verification codes provides an important extra layer of security for your account. While it adds one more step to the login process, it ensures that only you can access your Snapchat – even if someone learns your password. To make the verification code process smooth, be sure to keep your mobile number up to date in your Snapchat profile settings and save backup codes in case you can’t receive texts. With an understanding of when and how Snapchat uses verification codes, you can keep your account locked down without any login hassle.