Having a strong and unique password for your Snapchat account is important to keep your account secure. However, sometimes you may want to change your Snapchat password but don’t have access to your old password or the phone number linked to your account. While changing your Snapchat password without the old password or phone number is tricky, there are a few methods you can try.
Understanding Snapchat’s Password Security
First, it’s important to understand how Snapchat handles passwords. When you create your Snapchat account, you set a password that is encrypted and stored on Snapchat’s servers. Your phone number is also linked to your account as a way to reset your password if you forget it.
Snapchat does not have an option to simply reset your password without providing your old password or phone number verification. This is an intentional security measure to prevent unauthorized access to accounts. So changing your Snapchat password without your old password or linked phone number requires utilizing alternative methods.
Trying to Log In and Use “Forgot Password”
The most straightforward option is attempting to log in to Snapchat with your current username and password. If you don’t remember your password, click the “Forgot Password” option on the login screen.
You will be prompted to enter your phone number or email linked to your Snapchat account. If you no longer have access to the linked phone number, try using the email if you have it connected.
This will trigger a password reset link or code to be sent to your linked email or phone number. Follow the instructions to create and confirm a new password for your Snapchat account.
However, without access to your linked phone number or email, the “Forgot Password” option will not work. In this case, you will need to use other methods to attempt to reset your password.
Contacting Snapchat Support
The next option is to directly contact Snapchat’s customer support team for help recovering or resetting your password. Here are some tips for contacting support:
- In the Snapchat app, go to Settings > Support > Contact Us and complete the form
- On Snapchat’s website, click Support > My Account and Billing > Contact Us to reach the customer support contact form
- Describe your situation in detail – that you can’t reset your password without your phone number
- Provide as much identifying information as you can – username, email, date account was created, etc
- Be prepared to verify your identity to regain access to your account
Snapchat support has the ability to send a password reset link or temporarily disable two-factor authentication, which requires your phone number code. However, keep in mind the support team will need to verify you actually own the account before making any changes.
Using Account Recovery Email Address
If you added an account recovery email address separate from your primary Snapchat email, try using it to reset your password:
- On the login screen, click “Forgot Password?”
- Enter your Snapchat username and complete the captcha
- Click the link to reset password using your recovery email address
- Access the recovery email account and follow instructions to reset password
The recovery email allows you to reset your Snapchat password without access to your main email or phone number linked to the account. Make sure the recovery email is up-to-date.
Trying Alternative Emails or Phone Numbers
If you have any other email addresses or phone numbers that may be associated with your Snapchat account, attempt to use them to reset your password:
- See if an old phone number receives a password reset code
- Check emails associated with Apple ID, Google accounts, etc
- Use an email that you may have originally signed up with
Snapchat may send password reset communications to other contact points associated with your account. It’s worth trying any other emails or phone numbers you have access to.
Using Snapchat Data Download
Snapchat allows you to download your account data, which contains limited information that may help you regain access:
- Go to Snapchat.com and click My Data
- Enter your username and complete the captcha
- If prompted, enter any info you know linked to the account
- Request the data download to be emailed to an accessible email
- Review personal info in download for password reset clues
While the Snapchat data download does not contain your actual password, it may jog your memory or provide key details needed to verify your identity with customer support.
Using Snapchat from Linked Device
If you previously logged into Snapchat on a mobile device or computer and stayed logged in, you may be able to reset your password using that device:
- On the logged-in device, go to your Snapchat profile
- Tap the gear icon to access Settings
- Select Password and follow prompts to change password
Having an already logged-in device eliminates the need to enter your old password. However, you must have physical access to the device and still logged into the Snapchat app.
Enabling Two-Factor Authentication
If you successfully reset your password, immediately enable two-factor authentication as an extra security layer:
- In Snapchat, go to Settings > Login Verification
- Select Enable Two-Factor Authentication
- Enter a valid phone number to receive verification codes
With 2FA enabled, signing into your Snapchat account will require access to both your password and a time-based code sent to your phone. This provides enhanced protection against unauthorized logins.
Creating a New Snapchat Account
If none of the password reset methods are successful, the last resort may be to simply create a brand new Snapchat account using a different username and password. Here are some tips for starting fresh:
- Use a completely new, unique username
- Make sure your email is not associated with your old account
- Use a different phone number for verification
- Do not sign in on any devices linked to your old account
While inconvenient, creating an entirely new account ensures a clean slate with password access. Just be sure to disassociate any previous emails, phone numbers or devices related to your old Snapchat account.
Conclusion
In summary, here are some options to try changing your Snapchat password without your previous password or linked phone number:
- Attempt password reset with “Forgot Password”
- Contact Snapchat customer support
- Use Snapchat account recovery email
- Try resetting with other emails or phone numbers
- Review personal info in Snapchat data download
- Reset password from already logged-in device
- Create an entirely new Snapchat account
While difficult, it is possible to change your Snapchat password without the old password or phone number in some circumstances. Using alternative verification methods or starting fresh with a new account may be necessary if you cannot recover your old password.
Proper account security begins with creating a strong, unique password that only you know and enabling two-factor authentication. But should you ever need to reset your Snapchat password without your previous credentials, this guide summarizes the potential options to regain access to your account.
Method | How It Works | Things to Know |
---|---|---|
Forgot Password | Reset password by verifying phone number or email on file | Need access to linked phone or email to use this method |
Contact Support | Snapchat can send password reset or temporarily disable 2FA | Must verify identity and account ownership |
Recovery Email | Dedicated email for resetting password if primary email unavailable | Need access to recovery email account |
Other Emails/Numbers | Try resetting with any other associated emails or phone numbers | Account may have other contact points on file |
Data Download | Review personal info for clues to verify identity and ownership | Limited info available, no actual password |
Logged-in Device | Reset password through already logged-in app or site | Need access to previously logged-in device |
New Account | Create entirely new Snapchat account with new credentials | Fresh start but lose access to old account |