There are a few common reasons why Snapchat might be rejecting your phone number when trying to create an account or log in:
You’re using a landline or VOIP number
Snapchat requires users to sign up with a valid mobile phone number. Landline phone numbers and numbers from VOIP services like Google Voice won’t work. This is because Snapchat needs to be able to send SMS messages to your number for verification purposes. So if you’re trying to use a number that isn’t tied to a mobile phone, Snapchat will reject it.
Your number is already associated with an existing account
Snapchat does not allow the same phone number to be used for multiple accounts. If your number is already tied to another Snapchat account, you’ll get an error saying that the number is taken if you try to create a new account with it.
The only way around this is to use a different phone number that hasn’t been registered on Snapchat before. You can also try resetting the password for the account already linked to your number if you can no longer access it.
You’re using a VOIP number
Besides landlines, Snapchat also does not allow VOIP phone numbers that are provided by apps and services. This includes numbers from apps like TextNow, Talkatone, and Hushed.
Snapchat can detect these types of numbers and will reject them during signup. This restriction is in place to cut down on spam and fake accounts. The only solution is to use your actual mobile phone number that is provided by your carrier.
Your number is flagged for spam or suspicious activity
If your phone number has been previously associated with spam accounts or other policy-violating activity on Snapchat, the system may have flagged the number. When this happens, Snapchat will reject your number and not allow an account to be created with it.
The only way around this is to use a different number that hasn’t been flagged. You can try contacting Snapchat support to appeal the block on your number, but there is no guarantee it will be reversed.
You’re trying to create multiple accounts rapidly
To prevent spam and fake accounts, Snapchat has limits on how many accounts can be created from the same device and number in a short period of time. If you try creating multiple accounts back-to-back, Snapchat may assume you are a bot and start rejecting your number.
The best practice is to only create one legitimate account per phone number. Wait several days between creating any additional accounts on the same device or number.
You entered the wrong number by mistake
A simple explanation is that you may have accidentally typed your phone number incorrectly when attempting to sign up. Double check that you entered your number correctly, including the country code if you are outside the US. This common mistake can lead to your number being rejected.
If you’re sure your number is correct, it’s likely one of the other issues listed above that is causing the problem.
Your number is inactive or no longer in service
Snapchat requires you to enter a valid, active mobile number that is currently in service. If your phone number is disconnected, inactive, or no longer linked to your device, Snapchat will detect this and reject the number during sign up.
You’ll need to use another number that is currently active on a smartphone in order to create a Snapchat account.
You’re using an unsupported carrier
While rare, it is possible your mobile carrier is not supported by Snapchat. The app works best with major phone networks, so users with smaller or regional carriers sometimes run into issues.
If your carrier is very obscure, Snapchat may not recognize it and reject your number. The only fix is to try signing up with a number from a major carrier like Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, etc.
Error Messages You May See
When your number is rejected during Snapchat signup, some of the specific error messages you may encounter include:
- “Couldn’t verify phone number. Please make sure you entered your phone number correctly.”
- “This phone number isn’t supported. Please try again with a different phone number.”
- “This phone number isn’t eligible. Please try again with a different phone number.”
- “A user with this phone number already exists.”
- “Your phone number is no longer active. Please enter another number to create an account.”
How to Fix a Banned or Locked Snapchat Account
If your account gets banned or temporarily locked by Snapchat, your phone number will also be blocked from creating new accounts. Here are some tips to fix this:
- Wait the duration of the ban or temporary lock. This may range from hours to months depending on the severity.
- Use a different device and phone number to create a new account.
- Contact Snapchat support and politely explain the situation to appeal your ban.
- Avoid further violations of Snapchat’s rules to prevent future blocks.
Unfortunately, if your account and number are permanently banned, there is usually no way to get it reversed. Snapchat bans are designed to be irreversible in most cases.
Reasons Why Snapchat Might Ban an Account
Here are some of the common policy violations that could get your Snapchat account banned and number blocked:
- Sending spam messages
- Abusing the Snapchat discovery feature
- Impersonation of other accounts
- Using third-party apps or mods
- Selling or buying accounts
- Spreading hate speech, violence, nudity etc.
- Underage sign up without parental consent
Following Snapchat’s community guidelines closely and avoiding these types of activities can help prevent a permaban. Temporary bans are more common for minor first offenses.
Steps to Take if You Lost Access to Your Snapchat Account
If you can no longer access your original Snapchat account tied to your phone number, here are some troubleshooting tips:
- Reset your Snapchat password if you forgot it. Use your username and email.
- Go through Snapchat’s account recovery process to regain access.
- Contact Snapchat support if you can no longer access the email on file.
- Use Snapchat’s “My Data” tool to download your data if you can’t recover the account.
- Create a new Snapchat account with a different phone number as a last resort.
Recovering access to your lost Snapchat account will allow you to unlink your phone number from it, so you can attach the number to a new account if needed.
Is Snapchat Down or Having Server Issues?
Sometimes a Snapchat sign up error occurs because Snapchat’s servers are down or experiencing widespread technical issues. Here are some ways to check and troubleshoot:
- Check Snapchat’s System Status page to see any reported issues.
- Go on Downdetector to check for spike in Snapchat outage reports.
- See if other users are complaining about problems via social media.
- Try using Snapchat on a strong Wifi or cellular data connection.
- Force quit and relaunch the Snapchat app on your device.
If it appears to be a larger technical issue with Snapchat’s network, the only solution is to wait for Snapchat engineers to resolve the problem. Follow Snapchat’s support handle on Twitter for updates.
Contacting Snapchat Support for Account Help
If you are still having trouble creating a Snapchat account with your phone number, here are some ways to contact Snapchat support:
- Use Snapchat’s contact form to describe your problem and submit a request.
- Direct message Snapchat Support on Twitter.
- Start a live chat with Snapchat support if the option is available.
- Call Snapchat’s support line at +1 (888) 976-2748 if you are in the United States.
When reaching out to support, be detailed in describing your issue and what troubleshooting steps you’ve tried already. Provide any error messages you are seeing. Be patient and polite in your interactions.
Conclusion
Snapchat blocking your phone number during signup is frustrating, but the issue can usually be resolved. The most common fixes are using a different phone number, correcting any user errors, waiting out any temporary bans, and contacting Snapchat support if all else fails. With some persistence, you should be able to create a Snapchat account and start snapping.