Snapchat is a popular social media app that allows users to send disappearing photos, videos, and messages called snaps. One concerning issue that some Snapchat users encounter is seeing signs that their account has potentially been compromised by a hacker or scammer. There are a few key indicators that your Snapchat may have been accessed without your permission. Being aware of these signs can help you take action to secure your account.
Unexpected Logouts
One of the most common signals that something is wrong with your Snapchat account is being unexpectedly logged out. If you are suddenly logged out of Snapchat when you weren’t actively trying to log out, that suggests someone else logged into your account and forced you to be logged out. This is because Snapchat only allows one device to be logged into an account at a time. So if a hacker logged into your account from another device, it will boot you out of your session.
Unexpected logouts happen more frequently if you stay permanently logged into Snapchat on your mobile device. A hacker with access to your phone could easily open the app and force log you out. But even if you regularly log out, sudden unplanned logouts point to your account being improperly accessed.
Spam or Unfamiliar Snaps
Another warning sign is noticing snaps in your sent history that you did not actually send. For example, you might see spam snaps sent to many friends promoting suspicious links or products. Or you might see private snaps sent to random users you don’t know. These were likely sent by an intruder who gained entry to your account.
Even if the snaps look harmless, like chatting with your friends, they could be sent by an imposter. Log into your account and thoroughly review your sent history. If there are any snaps you have absolutely no memory of sending, that is a red flag of account compromise.
Unfamiliar Login Locations
Snapchat allows you to view the recent login locations of your account under settings. Check to see if there have been any logins from unfamiliar devices or geographic regions. For example, if you only access Snapchat from your personal iPhone, but see logins from Android devices in another state, that is suspicious. Legitimate logins should come from your recognized devices and general area.
Change Password and Enable Two-Factor Authentication
If you notice any of the above signs your Snapchat was likely hacked, take action right away. Start by changing your Snapchat password to lock the intruder out of your account. Do not use a password that you have ever used before or use on other sites. Make it long, complex, and impossible for others to guess.
You should also enable two-factor authentication on your account. This adds an extra step to logging in, requiring both your password and a temporary code generated from another device. Activating two-factor authentication secures your account even if your password is compromised.
Review Privacy Settings
Check your Snapchat privacy settings and make sure they are set up the way you want. A hacker may have changed them to be more public in order to post spam snaps. Double check who can contact you, view your story, see your location, and any other settings related to account privacy.
Change Snapchat Username
If your username was compromised by an intruder, you may want to change it. This will disassociate your account from any spam or improper snaps sent by the hacker using your old username. Just go to your profile settings to enter a new preferred username.
Disconnect Linked Accounts
Check to see if there are any unfamiliar social media accounts linked to your Snapchat that the hacker may have added. Disconnect any linked accounts that you did not authorize. This prevents the hacker from accessing your Snapchat via compromised accounts on other platforms.
Review Memories and My Eyes Only
Scour your Snapchat Memories to make sure there are no unfamiliar, embarrassing, or inappropriate snaps saved there by the hacker. Also check your My Eyes Only private section. Remove anything you do not recognize or did not intentionally save.
Watch Out For Phishing
Beware of phishing emails, texts, calls, or snaps that appear to come from Snapchat. Hackers often pretend to be from Snapchat tech support and request your login details to “secure your account.” Real Snapchat employees will never ask for your password or special login codes.
Scan Devices For Malware
If you suspect your phone or computer has been infected with malware, that may be how hackers accessed your Snapchat. Run thorough antivirus scans on all your devices and remove anything suspicious the scans detect. Keep your devices updated and avoid clicking questionable links.
Revoke Logins in Settings
In Snapchat settings, you can see all active sessions and logouts on your account. From here, revoke access to any current logins that look suspicious or unauthorized. This kicks those sessions out instantly.
Contact Snapchat Support
If you continue seeing signs of Snapchat account compromise even after taking the above actions, reach out to Snapchat support. Report the account infiltration. They may be able to offer additional help securing your account.
Enable Ghost Mode
Ghost Mode in Snapchat settings makes your location invisible to everyone else on the app. This prevents hackers from tracking your location if they have access to your account. It also adds protection in case your account is compromised again in the future.
Avoid Saving Login Info in Browsers
Do not save your Snapchat username and password in browsers. This provides an avenue for hackers to log into your account if they gain access to the browser. Always enter your credentials manually when logging into Snapchat.
Conclusion
Snapchat account security is vital to avoid intrusion of your private snaps and conversations. If your account seems to have been accessed without authorization, take swift action to lock out the perpetrator and prevent additional compromise. Enable login protections, scan devices, and monitor account activity to keep your Snapchat account hack-free.
| Signs of Snapchat Account Hacking | Solutions |
|---|---|
| Unexpected logouts | Change password, enable two-factor authentication |
| Unfamiliar sent snaps | Review sent history, change username |
| Strange login locations | Check login locations in settings |
| Phishing emails/messages | Ignore phishing attempts |
| Compromised linked accounts | Disconnect linked accounts |
| Unfamiliar Memories/snaps | Remove unfamiliar snaps |
| Malware infection | Scan devices, update software |