Snapchat is a popular social media app that lets you share photos, videos, and messages that disappear after being viewed. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to sign up for Snapchat.
Requirements for Signing Up
To create a Snapchat account, you need:
- A mobile device (iPhone or Android)
- A WiFi or mobile data connection
- A phone number or email address
- To be at least 13 years old
Snapchat cannot be accessed or used on a computer. You need to use the mobile app on your smartphone or tablet. The app is free to download from the App Store for iPhones or Google Play Store for Android devices.
Step 1: Download the Snapchat App
On your mobile device, go to the App Store (iPhone/iPad) or Google Play Store (Android). Search for “Snapchat” and tap on the Snapchat app icon. Tap “Get” or “Install” to download the app onto your device. Snapchat is free and should only take a few seconds to install.
Step 2: Open the App and Tap “Sign Up”
Once Snapchat finishes installing, open the app. You’ll see a screen with two options:
- Login
- Sign Up
Tap “Sign Up” to create a new account. This will take you to the registration screen.
Step 3: Enter Your Birthdate
On the next screen, you’ll need to enter your birthdate. This is so Snapchat can verify you are at least 13 years old per its terms of service. Scroll through the date picker and tap your birthdate. Then tap “Continue.”
Step 4: Provide Your Email or Phone Number
Next, Snapchat will ask you to provide either:
- Your email address
- Your phone number
This contact information will be used to send you a one-time verification code for account creation. Enter your email or phone number and tap “Continue.”
Contact Method | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|
Don’t have to share phone number, can use alternate email | Have to access email inbox to retrieve code | |
Phone number | Get code directly via text | Have to provide personal phone number |
Step 5: Verify Your Email or Phone Number
After entering your email or phone number, Snapchat will send a 6-digit verification code to that contact method. Here’s how to complete verification:
- If using email: Open your email inbox and look for an email from Snapchat. Open it and copy the 6-digit code.
- If using phone number: You’ll receive a text message containing the 6-digit code.
Go back to the Snapchat app and paste/enter the code. Tap “Continue” once the code is entered correctly.
Step 6: Create a Username
Snapchat will now ask you to create a unique username. This is what friends will use to find your profile and add you as a friend. Your username should be:
- At least 4 characters
- Only letters, numbers, or underscores
- Unique – No one else can have the same username
Type in your desired username and tap “Continue.” If the username is taken, you’ll have to choose a different one.
Step 7: Create a Password
The second last step is to create a password for your account. Your Snapchat password must:
- Be 8 characters minimum
- Have at least one letter and number
- Have at least one uppercase and lowercase letter
For good security, avoid using personal info or common words as your password. Tap “Continue” once your password meets the requirements.
Step 8: Customize Your Profile
Finally, Snapchat will let you customize your profile by:
- Adding a profile photo
- Adding your name
- Typing a custom tagline
Adding a profile photo is optional. You can tap “Skip for now” and add it later. Your name will help friends identify your account. The tagline is optional short text that displays on your profile.
Once your profile is ready, tap the checkbox to agree to Snapchat’s Terms of Service. Then tap “Continue” to complete signup and start snapping!
Conclusion
Signing up for a Snapchat account is quick and easy to do from your iPhone or Android phone. Just download the app, enter your information, create a username and password, customize your profile, and accept the Terms of Service. Once your account is set up, you can start taking and sharing snaps with friends.
Here are some final tips for using Snapchat:
- Tap the camera icon to take a snap
- Draw or add text to your snaps
- Set a timer of 1-10 seconds for how long your snap will show
- Send a snap to friends or add it to your story
- View your friends’ stories by swiping right from camera screen
- Use chat to have text conversations
- Video call friends using Snapchat
Snapchat is full of fun features to try out once you’ve created an account. Connect with friends old and new by sharing ephemeral photos, videos, and messages that disappear after viewing. Enjoy using Snapchat to capture life’s everyday moments!