Why is my Snapchat saying could not update email?

Snapchat displaying an error saying “could not update email” can be frustrating for users. This issue typically occurs when trying to change your email address associated with your Snapchat account. There are a few potential reasons why Snapchat may give this error message.

Email Already in Use

The most common reason for the “could not update email” error on Snapchat is that the email address you are trying to switch to is already associated with another Snapchat account. Snapchat requires each account to have a unique email address. So if the email you want to change to is tied to a different Snapchat account, it will not allow you to switch to it.

For example, if you have two Snapchat accounts – one tied to email A and one tied to email B. If you try to change the account with email A to also use email B, Snapchat will give the “could not update email” error since email B is already taken.

Solutions

• Double check that the email you are trying to switch to is not already used by one of your other Snapchat accounts. Log into all your accounts and verify the email addresses.
• If the email is tied to another account, you will need to switch that account to a new, unused email before assigning the email to your other account.
• Alternatively, choose a different email that is not already associated with any Snapchat account when trying to update.

Temporary Email Issue

In some cases, the “could not update email” error on Snapchat may be caused by a temporary issue rather than the email already being taken. Possible temporary problems include:

• Connectivity issues preventing confirmation email from being sent or received
• Back-end technical problems with Snapchat servers
• Too many change email attempts in a short time period
• Incorrect current account password entered

With a temporary issue, trying the email change again after some time has passed often resolves the problem. Or the issue may clear up on its own within a few hours once the technical problems are fixed.

Solutions

• Wait an hour or two and try updating your Snapchat email again
• Double check you entered the correct current account password
• Verify you have stable internet connection and can receive emails
• Contact Snapchat support if error persists for more than a day

Banned or Deactivated Account

In rare cases, seeing the “could not update email” error may indicate your Snapchat account is banned or has been deactivated, preventing any account changes. Reasons your account could be banned/deactivated include:

• Violating Snapchat terms of service through actions like spamming, harassment, etc.
• Suspicious activity indicators like logging in from multiple locations
• An accidental mass account deactivation by Snapchat

Unless Snapchat has made a mistake, you will not be able to update your email or access a banned account. You would need to submit an account deletion appeal to Snapchat support for review.

Solutions

• If you believe your account was banned or deactivated by mistake, submit a deletion appeal to Snapchat.
• Provide explanations for any flagged suspicious activity that may have triggered deactivation.
• Wait for Snapchat support to review your appeal and potentially reinstate your account.
• Avoid actions that violate Snapchat terms in the future to prevent permanent account deletion.

Verification Issues

Snapchat requires email verification when you change your account email address. If there are issues with the verification process, it can lead to the “could not update email” message.

Some common verification issues include:

• Not receiving the verification email from Snapchat.
• The verification link expired before you could confirm.
• Entering the wrong verification code.
• Using a spam email address that blocks the verification message.

Without completing email verification properly, Snapchat will not complete the email change request.

Solutions

• Check spam folders for the Snapchat verification email.
• Request Snapchat resend a new verification email if needed.
• Open email and verification link immediately before they expire.
• Double check verification code entered matches the email.
• Use an email address that does not block verification messages.

Two-Factor Authentication On

If you have two-factor authentication enabled on your Snapchat account, this security feature can also interfere with changing your email address in some cases.

With 2FA on, updating your email may require re-entering your 2FA code after changing emails. Failing to do so can lead to the “could not update email” error.

Solutions

• When changing emails, be sure to enter your latest 2FA code when prompted after submitting new email.
• You may need to generate a new 2FA code if earlier ones expire.
• Temporarily disabling 2FA can allow email change, but reduces security.

Incorrect Email Format

Something as simple as an incorrectly formatted email address could also be the culprit behind Snapchat’s error message when trying to update your email.

To complete the change, the new email address must be:

• Fully spelled out with no typos.
• Contain one “@” symbol and valid domain.
• Not miss “.” or other special characters in domain.

If the new email entered does not meet these requirements, Snapchat will fail to update and show the “could not update email” message.

Solutions

• Double check the new email is typed correctly with no errors.
• Verify the email works by sending a test email and confirm receipt.
• Try updating again using a simplified email address without extra periods, characters, etc.

How to Change Snapchat Email Address

If you are not seeing the “could not update email” message and want to successfully change your Snapchat email, follow these steps:

1. Open Snapchat app and go to your profile.
2. Tap the gear icon to access settings.
3. Select the “Email” option.
4. Enter your account password when prompted.
5. Tap “Change Email Address.”
6. Input your new desired email address.
7. Select “Continue” and confirm email change.
8. Check new email inbox for verification message from Snapchat.
9. Open verification email and follow instructions to confirm.

Once these steps are complete, your Snapchat account’s email should be updated to the new address.

Conclusion

The “could not update email” notification when trying to change your Snapchat email address is typically caused by the new email already being associated with another account, a temporary technical issue, account deactivation, verification problems, 2FA interference, or an invalid email format.

Fixes usually involve choosing a unique email, allowing time to resolve temporary problems, appealing account deactivation, troubleshooting verification, entering 2FA codes, or correcting the email entered. With the proper troubleshooting, you should be able to successfully update your Snapchat email address.