Having your Snapchat account deactivated can be frustrating, but don’t worry, there are a few ways to get it back up and running again. In this article, we’ll walk through the main reasons Snapchat deactivates accounts, how to reactivate your account, and tips to avoid getting deactivated again in the future.
Why Was My Snapchat Account Deactivated?
There are a few main reasons Snapchat might deactivate your account:
- You haven’t used Snapchat in a while. If you don’t sign in for a certain period of time (around 6 months), Snapchat may deactivate your account due to inactivity.
- Someone reported your account for inappropriate content or behavior that violates Snapchat’s Community Guidelines. Things like sending sexually explicit images, bullying/harassment, impersonation, or illegal activities can get your account deactivated.
- Your account was compromised. If Snapchat detects suspicious activity that indicates your account was hacked, they may deactivate it to protect your security.
- You have multiple account violations. Getting multiple strikes for things like spam messaging or Terms of Service violations can lead to deactivation.
- You’re under 13. Snapchat requires users to be at least 13 years old, so accounts registered by younger kids will get deactivated.
Figuring out the reason your account was deactivated is an important first step, as the reactivation process may differ depending on the cause. The email Snapchat sent about the deactivation should provide more details.
How Do I Reactivate My Deactivated Snapchat Account?
If your Snapchat account has been deactivated, here are the main ways to get it back:
Method 1: Reactivate Through Settings
If your account was deactivated due to inactivity, the easiest way to reactivate it is directly through the Snapchat app:
- Log into Snapchat using your deactivated username and password.
- Go to your Snapchat settings.
- Scroll down and select the “Account Actions” option.
- Choose “Reactivate My Account.”
- Confirm you want to reactivate the account.
This should immediately reactivate your account so you can start using Snapchat again. Just make sure to use it regularly going forward so it doesn’t get deactivated again for inactivity.
Method 2: Contact Snapchat Support
If reactivating directly doesn’t work, the next step is to contact Snapchat Support through their website or app:
- Go to the Snapchat Support page and select the option for a deactivated account.
- Choose the reason your account was deactivated (inactivity, Terms of Service violation, etc).
- Explain why you need the account reactivated and ask them to review your case.
- Provide any requested information they need for the review.
- Wait for their response. The review process can take 1-5 business days.
If Snapchat finds your account was deactivated incorrectly or decides to give you another chance, they will reactivate your account. However, if the deactivation was for a serious policy violation, they may uphold the deactivation.
Method 3: Create a New Account
If Snapchat Support won’t reactivate your old account, the only option left is to create a brand new Snapchat account with a different username. Here’s how:
- Download and open the Snapchat app on your device.
- Tap “Sign Up” to go through the registration process.
- Enter your desired username, phone number, email, password, etc.
- Choose your privacy settings and accept the Terms of Service.
- Verify your phone number when prompted.
- Start adding friends and building up your new Snapchat account!
The downside is you’ll have to start fresh without your previous Snaps, Memories, friends list, etc. But at least you’ll have access to Snapchat again.
Tips to Avoid Getting Deactivated Again
Once your account is reactivated, be careful to avoid any behaviors that could lead to deactivation in the future:
- Use Snapchat regularly – Log in and post Snaps a few times per week.
- Don’t break Community Guidelines – Avoid nudity, harassment, impersonation, and illegal activity.
- Don’t spam – Only contact friends or send mass Snaps occasionally.
- Secure your account – Use a strong password and be wary of phishing.
- Avoid ToS violations – Don’t use third-party apps or violate other Terms of Service.
- Be respectful – Don’t do anything that will offend and be reported by others.
Following Snapchat’s rules and being a good community member is the best way to ensure your account stays active. And if you ever do get deactivated again, simply use the reactivation methods discussed above to get your account back.
FAQs About Reactivating Snapchat
How long does it take Snapchat Support to reactivate an account?
Snapchat Support usually takes 1-5 business days to complete an account reactivation review. The exact time can vary depending on how busy they are and how complex your case is.
Can you reactivate a permanently deleted Snapchat account?
No, if you permanently deleted your own Snapchat account in the app settings, it cannot be recovered or reactivated. Permanent deletion is irreversible.
Does Snapchat notify your friends when your account is reactivated?
No, Snapchat does not send any alerts to your friends when your deactivated account gets reactivated. You can start contacting them again once your account is restored.
Can someone else get your old Snapchat username after deactivation?
Yes, it is possible for someone else to register your old Snapchat username if they claim it after your account deactivation. This is why reactivating quickly is important.
Does Snapchat delete your Memories when your account is deactivated?
Snapchat holds onto your Memories for 30 days after deactivation. But after 30 days, your Snaps, videos, etc. may be deleted and unrecoverable.
Conclusion
Having your Snapchat deactivated can be frustrating, but in many cases, you can recover your account through reactivation. For deactivations due to inactivity, simply log back in and reactivate in the app settings. If other issues are involved, you may need to contact Snapchat Support and request a review. And if your account can’t be restored, creating a brand new account is the last option. With some effort, you should be able to get access back to Snapchat.