Snapchat is one of the most popular social media platforms, with over 250 million daily active users. However, many users encounter issues logging into their Snapchat account from time to time. There are several potential reasons why you may be unable to log into Snapchat.
You Have an Incorrect Username or Password
The most common reason for being unable to log into Snapchat is that you have an incorrect username or password. Here are some things to check if you think this might be the issue:
- Make sure you are entering your username correctly – it is case sensitive.
- Verify that your caps lock is not on accidentally.
- Consider if you changed your password recently and are entering your old password out of habit.
- If you have multiple Snapchat accounts, ensure you are using the login credentials for the right account.
- Try resetting your password if you cannot remember it correctly.
Double check that you are typing in the right username and password combination before assuming there is a larger issue. This simple mistake trips up many users attempting to log in to Snapchat.
Your Account is Temporarily Locked
Snapchat will temporarily lock accounts if there are too many failed login attempts. This is done as a security measure to prevent unauthorized access. Here is some additional information on this issue:
- If you enter an incorrect password 5 times in a row, Snapchat will lock your account for 5 minutes.
- If you continue to enter the wrong password after that, the account will lock for progressively longer periods of time.
- The maximum account lockout time is 12 hours.
- You will see a message informing you that your account is temporarily locked when trying to log in.
- The best way to resolve this is waiting the duration of the lockout period and trying again later.
Be patient and take a break if your Snapchat account is temporarily locked. The waiting period gives you a chance to remember your proper login credentials as well.
You Have Been Banned From Snapchat
In some cases, Snapchat bans users from the platform altogether. Here are some common reasons Snapchat bans accounts:
- Abusing Snapchat’s terms of service
- Spamming or harassing other users
- Impersonating other accounts
- Sharing inappropriate, dangerous or illegal content
- Committing fraud or spreading misinformation
If your account has been outright banned by Snapchat, you will see a message stating “Your account has been permanently banned” when trying to log in. There is an appeals process you can try:
- Fill out the Snapchat ban appeal form explaining why you should be unbanned.
- Wait up to 24 hours for a response on whether your appeal is approved.
- If approved, you will be able to access your Snapchat account again.
- If denied, the ban will remain permanent.
A Snapchat ban is serious and reserved only for violations of their policies. You have the right to appeal it, but may need to accept starting a new account if unsuccessful.
You Have An Outdated Version of the Snapchat App
Sometimes logging issues arise if you have not updated the Snapchat app to the latest version. Here are some key points on ensuring your app is up-to-date:
- Go to your device’s app store to check if any Snapchat updates are available.
- Install the latest update if there is one.
- Restart the Snapchat app on your device after updating.
- Check that you can now log in successfully.
- Enable auto-update if you want future updates to install automatically.
Snapchat releases new versions of its app regularly to fix bugs, add features, and enhance security. Running the latest release is always recommended.
Your Device’s Time Settings Are Incorrect
Snapchat relies on your device having the correct date and time set in order to function properly. If your device’s time settings are off, it can sometimes lead to problems logging in. Here are some steps to check your time settings:
- Go to your device’s settings menu and locate the date and time settings.
- Ensure that “Set Automatically” is enabled so the correct time gets updated over the internet.
- If not enabled, manually adjust the time to be accurate to the current date and time.
- Also check that the correct time zone is set for your geographic location.
Having incorrect time settings confuses social media platforms like Snapchat and can prevent proper loading of data. Simply setting the right date and time often resolves login issues.
There Are Issues With Your Internet Connection
You need a stable internet connection to successfully log into Snapchat. Connection problems during the login process can cause issues like:
- Very slow load times
- Failed password attempts
- Error messages about server communication
- Getting stuck trying to load your profile and contacts
Some ways to troubleshoot your internet connection as it relates to logging into Snapchat include:
- Checking if other sites and apps are having trouble loading – if so, there may be a wider internet issue.
- Connecting to a different WiFi network or using mobile data instead.
- Restarting your modem or router if connectivity is very inconsistent.
- Trying again when internet connectivity improves.
Loading all of Snapchat’s content requires a decent internet speed and reliability. Switch networks or wait until your connection improves before trying to log in again.
Your Device Has Outdated Software
Not just the Snapchat app itself, but also your device’s operating system software needs to be up-to-date. Examples of operating system updates that fix Snapchat login bugs include:
| Device Type | Operating System | Sample Login-Related Update |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone | iOS | iOS 14.2 – Fixed issue with third party app logins |
| Android Phone | Android OS | Android 11 – Improved biometric login compatibility |
| Windows PC | Windows 10 | Windows 10 build 1903 – Enhanced login security |
Check that your device’s operating system is also fully updated if you are having problems logging into Snapchat even with the latest app version. Applying operating system updates improves compatibility and security for third party apps.
Your Snapchat Account Was Deactivated
If your Snapchat account is inactive for a long time, Snapchat may deactivate it. Here are some details on deactivated accounts:
- Accounts without logins for over 12 months enter deactivated status.
- You cannot log into a deactivated account anymore.
- Your Snapchat username becomes available to new accounts.
- Someone else may be able to take over your old username.
- All your memories and data remain intact if you reactivate.
To restore access to your deactivated Snapchat account you will need to:
- Open account reactivation request form on Snapchat’s website.
- Enter your username and verify your identity.
- Reactivate the account to use it again.
Don’t let your Snapchat sit idle too long or it can get deactivated. But you can recover the account relatively easily if needed.
You Were Logged Out Due to Inactivity
Similar to full account deactivation, Snapchat also occasionally logs users out of their account due to inactivity, usually after 30 days of no usage. When this happens:
- You need to fully log back in with your username and password.
- None of your friends or memories are lost.
- This is just a security measure to reconfirm your identity.
- Your account is not deactivated and you retain full access.
Getting logged out after a month of inactivity is normal. Simply log back in properly and continue using Snapchat as normal without any loss of data.
An Unexpected Error Occurred
Despite best efforts, technology does sometimes fail. Unexpected glitches can cause problems logging into Snapchat such as:
- Error messages about system failure.
- Login screen freezing and becoming unresponsive.
- Profile failing to load despite successful login.
- Complete crash of the Snapchat app.
Troubleshooting steps for when unusual technical errors strike include:
- Force closing and restarting the Snapchat app.
- Restarting your mobile device or computer.
- Checking Snapchat’s server status page for any known widespread issues.
- Updating app and operating system software again.
- Trying again later to see if the problem persists.
Though irritating, a random glitch here and there is hard to prevent entirely. Rebooting the app or device usually clears up most momentary problems.
You Logged in on a New Device
When you log into Snapchat on a brand new device for the first time, it will require re-entering your credentials, even if you were already logged in on another device. This added step protects your account when logging in from new locations. Here are some tips for smooth first logins on new devices:
- Make sure to have your username and password handy when logging in for the first time on the new device.
- Complete any email or SMS verification steps if your account has that enabled as a security feature.
- Refresh your memory on whether you have two-factor authentication enabled which will require a code.
- Double check that the app works as expected once you get logged in.
The extra login steps on new devices are quick and help boost account security. Take a moment to get properly logged in and you will have access again in no time.
Your Account Was Hacked
In the worst case scenario, you may be locked out of Snapchat because someone else was able to gain access to your account. Account hacking is unfortunately a risk with any service. Here are signs your Snapchat may have been compromised:
- Unable to log in even with proper credentials.
- Password was changed without your knowledge.
- Profile information changed without your permission.
- Friends reporting unusual messages from your account.
If your account appears hacked, act quickly to lock them out and regain control:
- Use Snapchat’s account recovery process to reset your password.
- Change password to something completely new that only you know.
- Run antivirus software to check for keyloggers or malware on your devices.
- Notify your friends your account was compromised.
- Monitor account activity closely for suspicious logins going forward.
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure – always use strong unique passwords and antivirus protection. But even still, sometimes hackers slip through. Regain control as fast as possible if your account is compromised.
Conclusion
Trouble logging into Snapchat happens periodically to most users. In many cases, the issues are temporary and easily resolved. Take the time to methodically diagnose where in the login process the failure occurs. Check for solutions like updating software, resetting passwords, reactivating accounts, changing networks, or reviewing security settings based on the specifics of the problem. Patience and persistence will typically get you back accessing Snapchat once again.
Still unable to login even after trying all troubleshooting steps? As a last resort you can reach out to Snapchat customer support. They can look into your account’s status more deeply and propose solutions. Otherwise, creating a new Snapchat account is an option if your original one remains inaccessible for unknown reasons.