Snapchat is a popular social media app that allows users to send photo and video messages that disappear after being viewed. However, many Snapchat users have experienced issues with suddenly being logged out of their accounts and not being able to log back in. There are several potential reasons why Snapchat may not be letting you log back into your account.
You may have been hacked or your account was compromised
One of the most common reasons Snapchat may have logged you out of your account is if your account was hacked or compromised in some way. If a hacker was able to get access to your account, they may have changed your password, logged you out, or taken other actions to lock you out of your account. Some signs your Snapchat was hacked include:
- You suddenly cannot log into your account
- Your password no longer works
- Your account email or phone number was changed without you doing it
- Suspicious posts or chats have appeared that you did not send
- Your friends tell you they received strange messages from your account
If you suspect foul play, it’s important to contact Snapchat support right away to report the hacking and try to regain access to your account. Make sure to also change your password for any other accounts that may have used the same password as your Snapchat account.
You violated Snapchat’s Terms of Service
Another possibility is that your account was locked or banned because Snapchat found you violated their Terms of Service in some way. Some examples of violations that could get you banned include:
- Sending spam or sexually explicit messages
- Harassing other users
- Impersonating other accounts
- Underage use of Snapchat if you are younger than 13
- Using third-party apps that violate Snapchat’s API terms
- Distributing hacked Snapchat photos or videos
If Snapchat disabled your account due to a terms of service violation, you may see a message when trying to log in that says your account has been locked or terminated. You can appeal the ban through Snapchat support, but keep in mind violations could result in a permanent ban.
You may have been automatically logged out
Snapchat sometimes logs users out of their accounts automatically as a security measure. This often happens if Snapchat detects suspicious activity on your account or if it has been inactive for an extended time. Automatic logout is meant to protect your account in case someone else was trying to access it without your knowledge.
In most cases, you should be able to log back into your Snapchat account with your username and password unless other security issues are at play. Make sure your app is also up-to-date as older app versions can sometimes cause login issues.
Device or login issues
Less commonly, technical issues with your device, the Snapchat app, or your login details could be preventing you from accessing your account. Some potential causes include:
- Outdated app needing to be updated
- Glitchy or corrupt app installation
- Phone software needing to be updated
- Incorrect password being entered
- Username typed in wrong
- Changes to your device hardware or operating system
- Poor internet connection
If other device or app issues have been ruled out, you may need to reset your password or go through account recovery with Snapchat to regain access. Make sure to double check your username and password are correct whenever you try logging in.
Your account is temporarily locked
Snapchat may temporarily lock your account if you enter an incorrect password too many times or if suspicious login attempts are detected. This is a security measure to prevent password guessing by hackers or bots. A temporary lockout usually lasts 30 minutes to several hours to discourage brute force login attempts.
Patience is key here – you just need to wait out the temporary ban period before you can log back in normally. Avoid trying your password constantly as this can sometimes reset the lockout timer. Entering an incorrect password 5-10 times in a row is usually enough to trigger a temporary lock.
You have login verification turned on
If you enabled login verification for your Snapchat account, you will need to enter a special verification code after your password whenever you log in. This extra security step ensures that only you can access your account, even if someone knows your password.
The verification code can be sent via text message or email. Make sure you still have access to whichever method you set up to receive the codes. If not, you may need to go through Snapchat’s account recovery process to regain access and turn login verification off.
Snapchat is down or having server issues
Major app outages can also prevent Snapchat logins. Server issues, downtime for maintenance, or widespread glitches can all cause the app to be inaccessible for periods of time. Your account itself is likely fine, but Snapchat’s tech difficulties are keeping all users from logging in.
Check Snapchat’s status page or Twitter account to see if known technical issues are occurring. If so, there’s not much you can do besides wait it out until Snapchat engineers resolve the problem on their end.
Your account was deactivated
Snapchat may deactivate accounts that have been completely inactive for years. This frees up usernames to be recycled for new users. If you didn’t use your Snapchat account for a few years, its inactive status may have eventually resulted in deactivation.
You can contact Snapchat support to see if your account can be reactivated, but you may just need to create a brand new account if you want to start using Snapchat again.
You’re entering your login details incorrectly
Something as simple as mistyping your username or password could be preventing you from logging back into your Snapchat account. Snapchat login details are case sensitive. Double and triple check that you’re entering the proper username (usually your phone number or email) and password exactly as they should be.
If you really cannot remember your password, use Snapchat’s password reset option to set a new one. And be sure you’re not confusing your Snapchat login with another account – many people accidentally try to log into Snapchat using their Instagram or Twitter credentials.
Your login details changed
If your phone number, email, username or password changed since the last time you logged into Snapchat, you will need to update your login details in order to access your account again.
For example, if you reset your phone or got a new phone number, you’ll need to make sure your Snapchat account is linked to your new phone number. Or if you no longer have access to the email your Snapchat is associated with, you may need to go through account recovery to update the account email before logging in.
You have an account ban
Repeated or serious violations of Snapchat’s Community Guidelines could result in your account being permanently banned from the platform. There is not much you can do to overturn a permanent account ban apart from appealing to Snapchat support and hoping they reconsider.
Creating new accounts after being banned can result in those accounts also getting banned. Learn from your mistakes and be careful not to break Snapchat’s rules again if you do manage to regain access after a ban.
Your device is not compatible
Snapchat ends support for older operating systems and device models over time. If you are using a really outdated phone or never updated your device’s software, you may reach a point where the Snapchat app no longer works or lets you log in.
Check to make sure your iOS and Android device are still supported by Snapchat. You may need to update your device’s software or upgrade your phone to a newer model that can run the latest app versions.
You’re entering the wrong username
It’s easy to forget your exact Snapchat username, especially if you registered with an email address or phone number. Trying to log in with your Snapchat display name won’t work.
To check what your actual account username is, go to the Snapchat login screen and tap “Forgot your username?”. Input the email or phone number associated with your account and Snapchat can remind you of your exact username.
Your account was purged for inactivity
After prolonged periods of account inactivity, Snapchat may decide to permanently delete accounts from their system. This usually only happens after years of account inactivity. But once purged, an account and its data cannot be recovered.
If you really want to use Snapchat again after years away, you’ll have to create a brand new account. Enable notifications and log in periodically to keep activity on your new account to prevent it from also being purged down the line.
You’re using third-party apps
Snapchat restricts the use of third-party apps and services that claim to enhance Snapchat, like saving Snaps, automating messaging, etc. If Snapchat detects you are using these unauthorized apps, they may log you out or lock your account.
Uninstall any third-party Snapchat apps and try logging back in. Avoid using such apps in the future to prevent further issues.
You don’t have internet connection
No internet, no Snapchatting. Make sure your phone is connected to mobile data or Wi-Fi in order to access Snapchat. Connect to the internet and then try logging into your account again.
You need to verify your email or phone number
If Snapchat prompts you to verify your email address or phone number upon login, you need to complete this extra verification step before you can access your account. The verification process usually involves following a link emailed to you or entering a code texted to your phone.
Verification ensures Snapchat has your correct contact information on file. Complete the email or phone verification process and you should then be able to log in normally.
You’re blocked by Snapchat
In some rare cases, Snapchat may block certain IP addresses, devices, or geographic regions from accessing the app. Using VPNs or proxies to circumvent these blocks violates Snapchat’s terms and could result in your account being banned.
If you think you may have been IP blocked or geo-blocked in error, you can reach out to Snapchat support. Otherwise, you’ll have to wait for the block to be lifted in order to log back in.
Your parents enabled Parental Controls
Snapchat allows parents to remotely enable Parental Controls on their kids’ accounts. This can include restrictions like disabling chat or limiting account usage to certain times. Extreme Parental Controls settings could block you from logging in at all.
If your parents manage your Snapchat with Parental Controls, you’ll need to have them adjust the settings or turn off controls completely before you can access your account again.
You logged in from a new device
When logging into Snapchat from a brand new device for the first time, you may need to complete an additional verification step for security reasons. This is because Snapchat does not recognize your new device.
Verification options when logging in from a new device include entering a code sent to your phone or email, scanning a QR code, or completing a CAPTCHA. Finish the verification process to prove you are the account owner and log in as normal.
Your account was merged with Facebook
If you connected your Snapchat account to Facebook in the past, your accounts may have become merged. This means you now log into Snapchat using your Facebook login credentials.
Try logging into Snapchat using your Facebook email and password instead of your old Snapchat login info. Alternatively, you can disconnect your Facebook association in Snapchat’s settings to log in independently again.
You’re entering the wrong password
It’s easy to fumble your password when typing on mobile devices, so double check you are entering the correct Snapchat password. Copy and paste your password from a password manager if needed to avoid typos.
If your password isn’t working, use Snapchat’s password reset option and set a new password you can easily remember. And consider enabling two-factor authentication for an extra layer of security on your account going forward.
Conclusion
Snapchat logins failing can be frustrating, but the issue is usually temporary and can be resolved. Update your app, double check your username and password, and check Snapchat’s system status if the app is down. For account lockouts, wait out the duration before trying to log in again. If your account was compromised or banned, contact Snapchat support right away. Enabling two-factor authentication can also help secure your account from hackers going forward.
With over 265 million daily active Snapchatters, login issues are bound to occur now and then. But in most cases, patience and working through possible solutions will have you Snapchatting again in no time.
| Reason | Solution |
|---|---|
| Account hacked | Contact Snapchat support, change password |
| TOS violation | Appeal ban, avoid further violations |
| Automatic logout | Log back in with username and password |
| Device issues | Update app and phone software |
| Temporary lock | Wait out duration before logging in |
| Login verification | Enter verification code |
| Snapchat down | Wait for issues to be resolved |
| Account deactivated | Contact support or create new account |
| Incorrect login details | Double check username and password |
| Changed login details | Update username, password, phone, email |
| Permanent ban | Appeal ban, avoid new violations |
| Incompatible device | Update device OS or get newer phone |
| Wrong username | Use “Forgot username” feature |
| Purged for inactivity | Create a new Snapchat account |
| Third-party apps | Uninstall unauthorized apps |
| No internet | Connect to internet, try again |
| Unverified email/phone | Complete verification process |
| IP or geo-blocking | Use own connection or wait it out |
| Parental controls | Have parents adjust settings |
| New device login | Complete extra verification |
| Merged Facebook | Log in with Facebook |
| Wrong password | Reset password, enable 2FA |