Snapchat is a popular social media app that allows users to send photo and video messages that disappear after being viewed. It has become widely used for sharing moments with friends and family. However, Snapchat also takes security and inappropriate content seriously. If you violate Snapchat’s Community Guidelines too many times, your account or device could get banned from the platform.
What does a device ban on Snapchat mean?
A device ban on Snapchat means that your specific mobile device has been banned from accessing Snapchat. This is different from an account ban, where your Snapchat account itself gets banned but you can still access Snapchat from a different device.
With a device ban, Snapchat has blocked that particular mobile device from being able to use the Snapchat app. So even if you try to create a new Snapchat account on the banned device, you will not be able to access Snapchat services.
How do you get device banned on Snapchat?
There are a few main ways you can get device banned on Snapchat:
- Repeatedly violating Snapchat’s Community Guidelines – Things like sending spam, bullying/harassment, explicit content, etc. can result in a device ban if done excessively.
- Using third-party apps or mods – Trying to manipulate the Snapchat app via unauthorized third-party apps or mods designed to enhance Snapchat can trigger a device ban.
- Abusing Snapchat’s APIs – Attempting to abuse Snapchat’s developer APIs in unauthorized ways may result in your device being banned.
- Spreading viruses/malware – Trying to spread viruses or malware through the Snapchat app will usually lead to a device ban.
Essentially any activity that violates Snapchat’s terms of service in a repeated or serious manner can get your device banned. The ban acts as an enforcement measure to stop disruptive and inappropriate behavior on Snapchat.
How long does a Snapchat device ban last?
The duration of Snapchat device bans can vary depending on the severity and frequency of the violations. Some general ban durations include:
- 24 hours – For very minor first-time violations
- 1 week – For more serious violations or repeat minor offenses
- 1 month – For very serious/repeated violations of Snapchat policies
- Permanent – For the most serious and repetitive violations
In most cases, the first device ban is on the shorter side – around 24 hours to 1 week. But repeat offenses often lead to much longer bans such as 1 month or permanent. Permanent device bans are rare but can happen if you chronically abuse Snapchat repeatedly.
Does wiping your device remove a Snapchat ban?
No, wiping or factory resetting your mobile device does NOT remove a device ban from Snapchat. The ban is linked to your device’s unique identifier and not just the account or Snapchat app installation.
So even if you wipe your device and reinstall Snapchat with a new account, your device will still be banned from accessing Snapchat services. Avoid wasting time trying to wipe your device to get around a Snapchat ban – it will not work.
Does changing devices remove a Snapchat ban?
Yes, changing to a new mobile device will allow you to access Snapchat again after a device ban. As mentioned above, the ban is enforced on the specific mobile device and not your account.
Therefore, installing Snapchat on a brand new mobile phone or tablet will let you use Snapchat again, even with the same account that had a device ban.
The one exception is if your Snapchat account itself was banned for life. In that case, you cannot simply switch devices and continue using Snapchat with that account.
Can you get unbanned from a Snapchat device ban?
There is no official appeals process to get unbanned early from a Snapchat device ban. You typically have to wait out the full duration of the ban, whether it’s 24 hours, 1 week, 1 month, etc.
That said, some users have reported successfully getting unbanned early by contacting Snapchat support and demonstrating that they have learned from their mistakes and will follow all policies moving forward. But there is no guarantee that Snapchat will unban your device early.
Your best bet is to be patient, wait out the ban period, and avoid further violations when using Snapchat again. Repeated bans will only extend your restrictions.
Tips to avoid a Snapchat device ban
Here are some tips to avoid getting banned on Snapchat in the first place:
- Follow all Snapchat Community Guidelines and Terms of Service
- Do not use third party apps or mods to try to enhance Snapchat
- Do not spam, harass, bully, or threaten others
- Do not post explicit, dangerous, or illegal content
- Do not abuse Snapchat’s APIs or try to reverse engineer the app
- Be cautious what you post and share on Snapchat
- If you do get banned, wait patiently and do not violate policies again when unbanned
By being a responsible Snapchat user and not trying to manipulate the app or harass others, you can avoid ever being faced with a device ban.
Conclusion
Snapchat device bans can last anywhere from 24 hours up to a permanent ban, depending on factors like violation severity and history. While you cannot wipe your device to remove a ban, switching to a new device will allow you to access Snapchat again. The best way to avoid a ban is being cautious about Snapchat guidelines and not installing any unauthorized third party apps or mods. With responsible use, you can avoid joining the ranks of users who have asked “how long does Snapchat device ban last?”