Snapchat is a popular social media app that allows users to send photo and video messages that disappear after being viewed. One of the app’s key features is that it deletes messages automatically after they have been opened by the recipient. However, sometimes users find that their Snapchat account has been temporarily locked or deactivated, and it can take multiple days for Snapchat to reactivate it. There are a few main reasons why reactivating a locked Snapchat account often takes time.
Snapchat’s Review Process
The main reason Snapchat reactivation takes days is because of their account review process. When an account gets locked or deactivated, it does not get automatically reactivated by the system. Instead, Snapchat has a team that reviews accounts before reactivating them. This manual review is to ensure the account that is requesting reactivation does not violate Snapchat’s terms of service or community guidelines.
Some of the reasons an account may get deactivated and require a review are:
- Suspicious activity
- Spamming
- Abusing the platform
- Underage user with fake information
- Impersonation
- Hate speech or bullying
Snapchat states the review process aims to ensure safety and maintain trust in the community. Therefore, the company does not simply reactivate accounts automatically without a review. This manual review process understandably takes some time, which leads to the days-long wait to get a locked account reactivated.
Volume of Requests
In addition to the required review process, the high volume of reactivation requests also slows down the turnaround time. As one of the most popular social apps, Snapchat has millions of users. Even a small percentage appealing deactivated accounts can amount to thousands of requests.
With such a high volume, Snapchat’s account review team can only handle so many cases per day. Even with staff dedicated to reviews, it still takes days to handle all the reactivation requests. Simple volume and limited resources leads to accounts sitting in a queue before they can be reviewed and potentially reactivated.
Gathering Information
To adequately review an account for reactivation, Snapchat needs to gather information about the account and the reason for deactivation. This information gathering also takes some time.
Details Snapchat may look into include:
- User’s information and history
- Content that was flagged
- Context around any violations
- Explanations or appeals from user
Collecting this information from their systems, content databases, and user communications involves workflows that add time to the process. But it is key info Snapchat needs to make an informed decision on whether to reactivate an account.
Prioritizing Cases
With the volume of account reactivation requests, Snapchat also has to prioritize cases based on severity. Requests from users threating legal action or reporting discrimination may be handled faster than general appeals.
Cases involving underage users are also prioritized for safety reasons. Snapchat has to verify identities and ages before considering reactivation in those cases.
Prioritizing certain account reviews means others end up waiting longer in the queue, contributing to the days-long reactivation process.
Developing Alternatives
Snapchat appears to be exploring ways to speed up the reactivation process. One option they are testing is an automated review system for low-risk cases such as temporary deactivated accounts.
Snapchat is also improving its AI and machine learning capabilities to handle more reviews faster. Over time, this could significantly reduce the time needed to reactivate accounts.
However, fully automating the system comes with risks. Bots could end up reactivating accounts that should stay banned. So for now, Snapchat is keeping human reviewers involved to maintain accountability.
Conclusion
In summary, Snapchat’s reactivation process takes days due to:
- Necessary manual reviews
- High volume of requests
- Information gathering
- Prioritizing cases
- Developing alternatives
The company aims to maintain trust and safety across its platform, which requires accountable review before reactivating accounts. While inconvenient for banned users, this careful process prevents abuse. As Snapchat evolves its systems, the reactivation timeframe may shorten. But the platform will likely always require some manual oversight to uphold standards.
For those faced with a deactivated Snapchat account, patience is key. Providing thoughtful explanations to Snapchat can also help speed up an appeal. But ultimately, users must wait through the company’s necessarily deliberate review procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Snapchat account locked?
The main reasons Snapchat locks accounts include suspicious activity, terms of service violations, spam/abuse reports, underage users, impersonation, and illegal or dangerous content. Accounts may be temporarily locked while Snapchat reviews and investigates.
How long does Snapchat take to unlock an account?
It typically takes 2-7 days for Snapchat to finish reviewing a locked account and make a reactivation decision. The process involves manually gathering information and prioritizing cases, which takes time.
What can I do to reactivate my Snapchat faster?
You can expedite the reactivation process by providing explanatory information to Snapchat through their appeal form. Polite, detailed appeals tend to get reviewed faster than simple requests. Legal threats are also prioritized but not recommended.
Will Snapchat tell me why my account was locked?
Snapchat should send you an email notification explaining the reason for locking your account. Common reasons include suspicious activity, terms violations, illegal content, and underage usage. Check your email for details on the cause.
Can I create a new Snapchat if my account is locked?
No, creating a new Snapchat account to avoid a ban will likely result in that account also getting banned. You must go through the reactivation appeal process for your original locked account.
Does Snapchat permanently ban accounts?
Yes, Snapchat will permanently ban accounts in cases of severe or repeated violations. However, most first-time bans are temporary. Still, perm bans are possible depending on the offense.
Can I sue Snapchat to get my account back?
You can sue Snapchat over an account ban, but lawsuits are complex and rarely successful. Snapchat retains the right to terminate accounts at their discretion per the user agreement. Your best path is politely appealing through Snapchat’s official process.
How do I contact Snapchat to appeal my locked account?
You can appeal a locked Snapchat account through the in-app account portal or by submitting a ban appeal form online. Provide your username and a detailed explanation requesting reactivation of your account.
What if I’m locked out and can’t access my Snapchat account?
If you can’t log in, submit an account access help request form online. Snapchat should email you a link to regain temporary access so you can appeal the ban through your account.
Does deleting and reinstalling Snapchat help get my account back?
No, deleting and re-downloading the Snapchat app does not override an account lock. Your account itself is banned, not just the app. You need to go through the formal appeal process for reactivation.
Can a Snapchat ban be removed from my device?
No, the ban is connected to your Snapchat account, not a specific device. Getting a new phone will not lift your account ban. You need to appeal the ban on your account first before using Snapchat on any device.
Common Scenarios
Banned for no reason
Snapchat rarely bans users for no reason at all. There is likely some activity that triggered your ban, even if accidental. Thoroughly appeal the ban and politely ask Snapchat to recheck the details on your account. Provide any helpful context you can about your normal account use.
Banned for old pics
If banned for old photos uploaded long ago, emphasize to Snapchat in your appeal that it was old content you forgot about. Express regret and assure them you will be more responsible about managing your media going forward if reactivated.
Banned by mistake
If you believe Snapchat banned you entirely by mistake, focus your appeal on asking them to double check it was the right account. Be polite and explain why you think it was an error. Provide any specifics that can help Snapchat confirm it was a wrongful ban.
Hacked account banned
Make your appeal explain that your account was hacked and banned without your knowledge. Change your password immediately if you regain access. Ask Snapchat to restore your account and monitor it for any signs of hacking.
Banned for offensive name
If your Snapchat username itself was offensive and got you banned, apologize in your appeal and offer to change your username to something appropriate. Say you did not realize it was offensive at the time when you created it.
Underage ban appeal
If banned for being under 13, explain in your appeal that you are now old enough and want to use Snapchat properly within their rules. Provide your real date of birth. But an adult account may still be required until you are 13.
Celebrity impersonation ban
Apologize for impersonating a celebrity and reassure Snapchat you will no longer pretend to be someone else. Say you now understand impersonation is wrong and against their rules. Simply asking to have your account back likely won’t work.
Banned after account theft
Detail in your appeal that your account was stolen and banned by the thief. Provide evidence like emails showing unauthorized logins. Explain you have now secured your account and will monitor it closely going forward.
Avoiding Bans
Here are some tips to avoid getting banned on Snapchat in the first place:
- Don’t buy, sell or trade accounts – Create your own account
- Use an appropriate username – Nothing offensive
- Don’t spam or spread viruses
- Avoid nudity, gore, hate speech, and dangerous content
- Don’t impersonate others
- Be 13+ and use your real info
- Follow community guidelines and terms of service
Staying within Snapchat’s rules and posting responsibly will minimize your risk of being banned. But if you do get locked out, be patient and politely appeal.
Conclusion
Getting your Snapchat account reactivated after a ban can be a frustrating and lengthy process. The main reasons it takes days are Snapchat’s needed review procedures, high request volumes, information gathering, case prioritization, and improving alternatives. While annoying, Snapchat’s careful approach helps maintain community standards and prevent abuse. The best way to get back onto Snapchat quickly is being polite and explanatory in your ban appeal. With some patience and the right approach, you stand the best chance of shortening your reactivation timeframe.