Snapchat Account Hacked? Here’s What To Do

Have you been the victim of a Snapchat hack? Although frustrating, rest assured you can recover a hacked Snapchat account.

In this article, we’ll show you how to reset your Snapchat password and how to report the hack to support in order to regain access. We’ll also show you some common warning signs that may mean your Snapchat has been hacked. Let’s jump into the details of regaining access to Snapchat and how to prevent a hacking attack in the future with tools like password managers. 

How to recover your hacked Snapchat account

With over 319 million users, Snapchat is one of the most popular social media platforms, which also makes it a target for hackers. Snapchat scams can range from fake celebrity impersonations to bogus surveys and contests, all with the goal of stealing your personal information.

The good news is that it’s possible to recover a hacked Snapchat account if you lost access. We’ll walk you through how to change your password, report the hack to Snapchat support, and how to delete your account.

Change your password

One of the best social media safety tips we can give you is to change your password the moment you think you’ve been hacked. If you even sense that something doesn’t seem right, you should follow these steps to change your Snapchat account password.

From the Snapchat login screen (using email):

1. Click Forgot your password.
2. Select how you want to reset the password (via email).
3. A notification will be sent to the email address linked to your Snapchat account.
4. Tap the link to enter a new password.

From the Snapchat login screen (via text message):

1. Tap Forgot your password.
2. Select how you want to reset your password (via SMS).
3. A recovery code will be sent to the phone number linked to your Snapchat account.
4. Enter the code and select Continue.
5. Enter your new Snapchat account password.

When resetting your password, be sure to use a strong password no one else will guess. Please don’t rely on a short, simple password, because hackers look for easy targets to crack.

Delete your Snapchat account

If your account has gotten hacked, you may decide to delete it. If you take this route, be advised that it doesn’t happen immediately. It can take 30 days for your Snapchat account to be permanently deleted. If you think you may want to use the app again, download your data before deactivating the account.

To delete your Snapchat account:

1. Remove the Snapchat app from your phone.
2. Go to the Snapchat website on your preferred browser and log in.
3. Click your avatar and select Account Settings.
4. Click Delete My Account.
5. Enter your login credentials and click Continue.

To delete from your app:

1. Click your avatar to open your Snapchat profile.
2. Tap the gear icon on the top right.
3. Scroll all the way until you get to the bottom of the screen.
4. Click on Delete Account.
5. Enter your Snapchat credentials and click Continue.

What if hackers changed my email address and phone number?

If you’ve lost access to your Snapchat account, you can contact support. Hackers may reset your password, email address, or phone number so that you lose all access to your account. In those cases, reaching out to support will get the issue resolved. Here’s how to contact Snapchat support:

1. From the Snapchat website, click Support under the Community header.
2. From here, choose My Account is Compromised.
3. Follow the instructions on the screen to submit your request.

Warning signs that your Snapchat account has been hacked

If you’re wondering how to know if your Snapchat account has been hacked, look for some of these common warning signs:

• Spam is sent from your Snapchat account.
• You receive an alert that someone has logged in from a different location or device.
• You need to continuously log in to the app when you open it.
• New contacts are added without your permission.
• The phone number or email address linked to Snapchat has been changed without your knowledge or consent.

How to protect your social media accounts

Protecting your social media accounts doesn’t need to be overwhelming. There are some easy social media tips to keep your Snapchat app and other online accounts secure:

• Use unique passwords that are long and include characters, numbers, and symbols.
• Verify your email address and mobile number associated with your accounts.
• Set up two-factor authentication (2FA) for an extra security layer.
• Forget unrecognized linked devices and require 2FA.
• Use a password manager.
• Watch for unusual activity on your account.
• Routinely check the email address and mobile number linked to your account.
• Don’t log in using someone else’s phone or device since these can store your data.
• Change your password frequently to make it harder to crack.

Best password managers for social media

A password manager can help protect not just your social media credentials but all your online accounts. Using the best password managers will give you the top-notch security you need with the features you want. We’ve rounded up a few of the best products on the market below.

• NordPass: NordPass is a secure password manager that has a user-friendly design with plenty of features.

  Get NordPass | Read Our NordPass Review

• Keeper: Keeper gives users unlimited password storage, secure cloud backups, password sharing, and more. It’s compatible with almost any platform or device.

  Get Keeper | Read Our Keeper Review

• Bitdefender Password Manager: Bitdefender offers local encryption for better security and includes a password quality check feature, to help you use the strongest credential combinations.

  Get Bitdefender Password Manager | Read Our Bitdefender Password Manager Review

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AllAboutCookies writers and editors score products based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

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On NordPass's website

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FAQs

Bottom line

If your Snapchat account has been hacked, it's irritating, to say the least. Fortunately, there are steps for recovering your account, like resetting your password and contacting support.

Since most users access the Snapchat app on smartphones, we recommend using the best antivirus for iPhone and the best antivirus for Android devices. These antivirus programs will not only keep your phone more secure, but they’ll also help protect your social media accounts.

Online Protection With VPN Access and Identity Monitoring

5.0

AllAboutCookies writers and editors score products based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

Editorial Rating

Learn More

On McAfee's website

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• Multiple pop-ups for text notifications can be annoying

Author Details

Patti Croft

About the Author

Patti Croft is a seasoned writer specializing in technology, with three years of experience. With a B.S. in Computer Science and a background as a technical analyst and security specialist, she covers a range of topics like data security and parental control software.