Getting locked out of Snapchat can be annoying. But there are simple ways to get back in. We will cover every reason that results in a lockout from forgetting your password to a temporary block after suspicious activity.
This guide will show you how to unlock your account in any situation and will also offer tips to help you prevent it from happening again. Just follow our steps to unlock your account safely.
How to Log In After Forgetting Your Password
If you have forgotten your password then the quickest way to unlock Snapchat is to reset it using the official app or website tools.
And here’s how to reset your password
- On a Website: Go to accounts.snapchat.com and click Forgot Password. Type the phone number or email connected to your account. It will then send a temporary code to that contact which you will use to set a new password.
- In the App: On the login screen tap “Forgot your password?” You can choose to reset it by Email via a link or by SMS via a code. Use this code you received to create your new password.
Tip: Your new password must be a minimum of eight characters long with letters and symbols. If you don’t get the reset message then you can check your spam and confirm your contact info is right. Then log in right away afterwards.
Suspicious Logins or Too Many Attempts
Snapchat can also lock your account if it sees strange activities like wrong password attempts or a login from a strange place.
What to Do?
- Give the system a minimum of two days to reset the lock. You can then try logging in again.
- You can also verify your username and password while waiting to ensure it’s correct.
- You can also reset your password with the official tools for extra security. It provides you with a new and stronger password.
If you suspect a hack then you should change your password and contact Snapchat support. They will ask you to verify your identity for recovery.
Locked Out Due to Unauthorized Apps
Snapchat strictly bans any unofficial plugins or mods like “Wicked”. If you used one then Snapchat will temporarily lock your account and tell you why.
What to Do?
- Check your lock time first. It includes a message that clearly tells you how long the lock will last.
- Uninstall all unofficial Snapchat apps or plugins from your device and only use the official app.
- Make sure your Snapchat app is up to date.
- Wait patiently until the lock period is over.
Tip: You must remove the banned apps first. You can log back in once your time’s up. Stick only to the official Snapchat app to prevent future locks.
Locked for Violating Community Guidelines (Permanent Ban)
If your account is locked because you broke Snapchat’s rules then this lock is generally permanent. It’s because Snapchat says these accounts cannot be recovered.
What to Do?
If you think Snapchat made an error then you can try to appeal its decision:
- Look for the “Appeal Decision” button after seeing the lock message. This button will only appear if your case is eligible for review.
- Tap this button and explain why you think it was a mistake. Snapchat can take about thirty days to reply to your message.
- Your account will remain closed if you cannot appeal or the appeal is denied.
Tip: The in-app appeal process is the only official way to challenge a ban. Ignore any third party claiming they can unlock a permanently closed account as it’s a scam.
What is the difference between Temporary vs. Permanent Ban?
A temporary ban is usually a simple issue that is caused by minor login problems. That often fixes itself within 48 hours. Whereas a permanent ban is a serious ban given for major rule breaking like using outside apps. Knowing your ban type is key to recovery.
Temporary Ban
It happens due to security reasons like trying to log in too many times or using third-party applications. This is fixed through the Unlock button within Snapchat’s account portal. You must wait for the lock to pass automatically if no button is available.
Permanent Ban
This happens for serious or repeated rule-breaking. You cannot unlock a permanently banned account yourself. Your only option is the in-app appeal process. Be aware that Snapchat may block your entire device for severe violations. It means that while a temporary lock is fixable, a permanent ban is generally final.
Tips to Prevent Future Locks
The best way to avoid being locked out is to follow Snapchat’s basic rules and security advice:
- To prevent the issue of being locked out, the simple guidelines and security tips that one should adhere to in Snapchat are as follows:
- Connect your email address and phone number to your account so you can easily change your password and verify your identity.
- The password should be powerful and very unique containing 8 or more characters and should not be reused.
- Enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) is an additional security measure against hackers where possible.
- Use the official app only via the App or Google Play Store and immediately remove any unofficial apps or extensions.
- Follow Community Guidelines and don’t spam or post inappropriate content. Violating such rules is a significant cause of account lockouts.
- It is also essential to update to the latest version of Snapchat and your phone’s software to aid in resolving security issues.
Stay smart about security on SnapChat. Respect the rules and stick to the official app to keep your Snapchat active.
Where to Find Official Support?
Certified channels are your best resource for solving lockouts and other issues. Always rely on official sources for reliable guidance.
- SnapChat Help Center: Visit the Snapchat Help Center at help.snapchat.com. Here you will get simple guides and official answers to common problems.
- Account Portal: Use accounts.snapchat.com for tools like the “Unlock” feature for temporary locks and password resets.
- Through the App: If your account is permanently banned then the only official way to challenge this decision is by using the “Appeal” option that appears when you try to log in.
- Contact Support: If you suspect your account has been hacked or have a serious issue then you must submit a help ticket through the support website.
Tip: Beware of scams! Only the official links and in-app appeal are trusted ways to recover your account. Do not trust third-party services as they are scams and can steal your data.
Conclusion
Getting locked out of Snapchat isn’t a dead end. Use official guides to fix common issues like login errors.
A simple password reset or using the Accounts Portal usually works for temporary bans. But submitting an honest appeal is your sole chance if you are facing a permanent ban.
Always use strong security and avoid external apps to avoid getting banned. Doing this will minimize the risks. You can safely unlock your Snapchat and keep it active with these steps and official support.
FAQs
Q1. Why is my Snapchat account locked?
Your account can get locked for a few reasons:
- Too many login attempts or suspicious activity.
- Using unauthorized apps or plugins that Snapchat doesn’t allow.
- Breaking Snapchat’s community guidelines.
Q2. How can I quickly unlock my Snapchat account?
Click the Unlock button after logging in to Snapchat accounts portal. When it does not occur within the first few days at least wait at least one or two days before resuming. Do not forget to remove third-party apps.
Q3. What should I do if I forgot my Snapchat password?
Click on Forget Password on the login screen. Restart it via email or by a text code. You are able to make a new and powerful password, which contains symbols and letters.
Q4. Can I recover a permanently locked Snapchat account?
Your account cannot be restored if it’s locked for breaking rules. But you can use the “Appeal Decision” option in the app if you assume there’s been a mistake.
Q5. How long does a Snapchat temporary lock last?
Temporary locks expire after one to two days. You will have to uninstall any external apps and ensure that your Snapchat app is up to date. Then wait a while before logging in again.
Q6. How can I prevent my Snapchat account from being locked again?
Use only the official Snapchat app and do not spam other users. Set a strong password and follow the app’s community guidelines.
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