Snapchat is a popular messaging and photo sharing app that allows users to send disappearing photos and videos. One of Snapchat’s security features is SMS verification, which requires users to verify their phone number in order to access their account. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to turn on SMS verification for your Snapchat account.
What is SMS Verification on Snapchat?
SMS verification is a security feature offered by Snapchat that requires users to verify their phone number in order to access their Snapchat account. When SMS verification is turned on, Snapchat will send a one-time 6-digit verification code to your phone number whenever you log into your account from a new device. Entering this code proves you have access to your phone number and adds an extra layer of security to your account.
Here are some key things to know about Snapchat’s SMS verification feature:
- Requires user to enter 6-digit code sent to their phone when logging in from new device
- Helps prevent unauthorized access by making user prove phone number access
- Can be turned on or off in Snapchat security settings
- Recommended for preventing hacked or stolen account access
- Codes expire shortly after being sent for extra security
Overall, SMS verification helps ensure only you can access your Snapchat account, even if someone else knows or guesses your password. It’s an optional security step but highly recommended for keeping your account secure.
Why Should I Use SMS Verification on Snapchat?
Here are some of the key reasons you may want to turn on SMS verification for your Snapchat account:
- Prevent unauthorized account access: SMS verification adds extra protection in case someone guesses, steals, or hacks your Snapchat password. They won’t be able to log in without access to your phone.
- Protect personal information: Your Snapchat account probably contains personal photos, videos, conversations, your phone number, and more. SMS verification helps keep all this private.
- Safeguard your contacts: Your Snapchat friends list contains contacts who trust you. SMS verification helps ensure strangers can’t access your account to spam or hack your friends.
- Recover account if password is lost: If you forget your Snapchat password, SMS verification provides a way for Snapchat to confirm your identity and help you reset your password and recover access.
Overall, SMS verification is an important security tool that minimizes the risk of your account being compromised and your private data being accessed or misused by someone else without your knowledge.
How to Turn on SMS Verification on Snapchat
Turning on SMS verification for your Snapchat account is simple and only takes a few steps. Here is a step-by-step guide:
- Open the Snapchat app and log into your account
- Tap your profile icon in the top left corner
- Go to Settings > Mobile Number > Verify
- Enter your phone number and tap Continue
- Snapchat will send a 6-digit verification code via text message
- Enter the code you received and tap Verify
That’s it! Snapchat will confirm verification and SMS verification will now be enabled for your account. Going forward, you’ll need to enter the 6-digit code texted to your phone each time you log into Snapchat from a new device.
What Happens When I Turn On SMS Verification?
Here is what will happen when you turn on SMS verification for your Snapchat account:
- You’ll be prompted to enter your phone number the first time you enable the feature
- Snapchat will send a 6-digit verification code to your phone via text message
- You must enter this code correctly to verify your phone number
- Your phone number will then be associated with your Snapchat account
- Going forward, you’ll be texted a new verification code to enter each time you:
- Log into your Snapchat account from a new device
- Log in after logging out of your account
- Make certain changes to your account settings
- Codes expire shortly after being sent, adding extra security
- If you get locked out, you can request a new SMS code from Snapchat to regain account access
Overall, the main changes will be verifying your phone number initially and then entering texted codes upon login or when making account changes. This provides an extra layer of security while using minimal inconvenience.
Troubleshooting SMS Verification
SMS verification is usually quick and easy to set up. However, here are some troubleshooting tips if you run into any issues:
What if I’m not receiving the SMS code?
- Double check you entered the correct phone number associated with your device
- Open the text message app on your phone and make sure the code hasn’t come through
- Snapchat sometimes experiences delays sending texts – wait a few minutes and try again
- Make sure your phone has cellular signal or WiFi connection
- Request Snapchat to resend the SMS code if you still haven’t received it
What if my SMS code already expired?
- Snapchat’s verification codes expire after a short period of time
- If your code expired, request Snapchat to send you a new SMS code
- Enter the new code immediately once received to verify your account
What if my phone number changed?
- If you no longer have access to the phone number associated with your Snapchat account, you’ll need to change your number on your account
- Go to Settings > Mobile Number and enter your new number
- Snapchat will send a verification code to your new number to confirm the change
What if I’m locked out of my account?
- If you entered the code incorrectly too many times, Snapchat may temporarily lock your account
- You can request a new SMS code from the unlock screen which will be sent to your phone
- Enter this new code correctly to unlock your account access
Disabling SMS Verification
If you want to turn off SMS verification on your Snapchat account, follow these steps:
- Open Snapchat and go to your profile
- Tap Settings > Mobile Number > Verify
- Tap ‘Remove Mobile Number’
- Confirm you want to remove your number
Your phone number will then be dissociated from your account and you will no longer need to enter SMS codes when logging in or changing account settings.
Conclusion
SMS verification provides an important extra layer of security for your Snapchat account. It prevents unauthorized access by requiring a code sent to your personal phone each time you log in or change settings. While the feature is optional, it is highly recommended to help safeguard your privacy and account security.
Turning on SMS verification only takes a few minutes. Just enter your phone number in Snapchat’s settings and enter the 6-digit code texted to you. Going forward, be prepared to enter new codes sent to your phone when logging in or changing account details. With SMS verification enabled, you can feel reassured that only you can access your Snapchat account – even if your password is compromised.