Snapchat account locked: how to unlock it

Which lock do you have?

• Temporarily locked for using third-party apps or plugins: the error message, or an email to the address on the account, tells you when the lock ends.
• Temporarily locked for another reason: Snapchat says to wait 48 hours, then try logging in again.
• Locked because the account looks compromised: Snapchat locked it to protect you. See the steps further down.
• Permanently locked for breaking the Community Guidelines or Terms of Service: you can't unlock it yourself. If the app offers Appeal Decision, you can appeal.

Unlock a temporary lock

1. 1Uninstall every unauthorized third-party app, plugin or tweak you used with Snapchat, and update the app to the latest version.
2. 2Wait until the lock period is over. For locks not caused by third-party apps, Snapchat says to wait 48 hours.
3. 3Log in to the Snapchat Accounts Portal at accounts.snapchat.com and select Unlock, then log in to the app again.

Appeal a lock in the app

Open the Snapchat app, try to log in and tap Appeal Decision on the pop-up. If there is no such option, Snapchat says the lock isn't eligible for an appeal. You can appeal within six months of being told about the decision, and the lock generally stays in place while the appeal is reviewed.

Snap says it aims to tell you the outcome within two weeks, as a rough estimate, and its locked-account page says the review may take up to 30 days. The decision arrives by email or in the app, so make sure you can open the email address on the account. In the EU, if an appeal fails, you can also turn to a certified out-of-court dispute settlement body under the Digital Services Act.

Device bans: SS06, SS07 and SS18

An SS18 or SS06 error means Snapchat has banned the device you're using because of abuse or repeated violations. SS07 means the device was banned because too many accounts were used on it. You can't create new accounts on a banned device, and Snapchat says the in-app appeal is the only legitimate way to challenge a lock, including a device ban.

If your account was compromised

Warning signs include a login alert from a place or device you don't recognize, a changed phone number or email address, a new display name, two-factor authentication you didn't turn on, and Snaps or Story posts you didn't send.

1. 1Change your password at accounts.snapchat.com. You can request a reset link by SMS or email.
2. 2In Snapchat Settings, check that the email address and mobile number on the account are yours.
3. 3Open Session Management in Settings and end any session or device you don't recognize.
4. 4If you still can't get in, use the Snapchat Support Bot on Snapchat's help site.

What doesn't help

• Opening support tickets outside the in-app appeal: Snapchat says this doesn't speed up an appeal or change the lock
• Paying someone who claims to unlock accounts: Snapchat says only you, or its own appeal process, can
• Sharing your password or My Eyes Only passcode: Snapchat says its staff will never ask for either

Frequently asked questions

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