Change your Snapchat password in three steps from any device

You can change your Snapchat password on your phone, tablet, or computer. The process takes about two minutes and works the same way whether you use iPhone, Android, or a web browser. You will need to know your current password to make the change.

Open Snapchat and tap your profile icon in the top left corner. Go to Settings (the gear icon), then scroll down and tap "Username and password". Tap "Change password", enter your current password, type your new password twice to confirm it, and tap "Save". On a computer, visit accounts.snapchat.com, sign in, click "Username and password" under Account, and follow the same steps.

Key Takeaways

  • You need your current password to change it, so if you have forgotten it, use the "Forgot password?" link on the login screen instead.
  • Your new password should be at least 8 characters long and different from passwords you use on other accounts.
  • After you change your password, you will be signed out of Snapchat on all devices and will need to sign back in.
  • If you do not recognize a recent sign-in or think your account was compromised, change your password when ready and check your recovery email address in Settings.

Why changing your password matters for account security

Your Snapchat password is the main lock on your account. If someone else knows it, they can read your messages, see your location history, access your saved photos, and send messages as you. Changing your password regularly — especially after using the same one for a long time — reduces the chance that an old breach or a guessed password will let someone in.

You should change your password right away if you have shared it with someone, used it on another website that was hacked, or noticed activity you do not recognize. Snapchat will not ask you to change your password by email or in-app notification; if you see that message, it is a scam.

Create a password that is hard to guess

A strong Snapchat password is at least 12 characters long and mixes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Examples: "BlueMoon#2024!" or "Snapshot@Rain7". Avoid passwords based on your name, birthday, username, or words from the dictionary — these are the first things someone will try.

Do not reuse a password from another account, even if you change one letter. If that other site is hacked, someone can try your Snapchat password with a list of common variations. A password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or KeePass stores strong passwords for you so you only have to remember one master password.

What happens after you change your password

Snapchat will sign you out of the app on every device you own — your phone, tablet, and any computers where you were logged in. You will see a login screen the next time you open Snapchat. Sign back in with your username (or email address) and your new password.

This sign-out is intentional and protects you: if someone else had your old password and was using your account, they will be locked out now. If you see yourself signed in on a device you do not own, change your password again and check your recovery email in Settings to make sure it is still yours.

If you have forgotten your current password

You cannot change a password you do not remember — you have to reset it instead. On the Snapchat login screen, tap "Forgot password?" and enter your username or email address. Snapchat will send a reset link to the email address on your account. Click the link, create a new password, and sign back in.

If you do not have access to that email address anymore, you will need to recover your account. Tap "Can't log in?" on the login screen and follow the steps to verify your identity using your phone number or recovery codes (if you saved them). This process can take a few days.

Protect your recovery email and phone number

Your recovery email and phone number are the backup keys to your account. If someone changes them, you will not be able to reset your password or recover your account. Check these details regularly in Settings to make sure they are still yours.

Use a recovery email address that only you can access — not a shared family email or a work email you might lose. If you have a recovery code (a long string of numbers Snapchat gave you when you set up two-factor authentication), save it somewhere safe like a password manager or a locked drawer. That code lets you get back into your account even if someone changes your email and phone number.

Two-factor authentication adds a second lock

Two-factor authentication (often called 2FA) requires a second step after you enter your password — usually a code from your phone. Even if someone knows your password, they cannot sign in without that code. Snapchat offers two-factor authentication through an authenticator app like Google Authenticator or Authy, or through SMS text messages to your phone.

To turn it on, go to Settings, tap "Two-factor authentication", and choose your method. If you use an authenticator app, save your recovery codes in a safe place — you will need them if you lose your phone. Two-factor authentication is not required, but it is the single most effective way to keep your account safe if your password is ever compromised.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my Snapchat password without knowing the old one?

No. If you have forgotten your password, use the "Forgot password?" link on the login screen to reset it instead. Snapchat will send a reset link to your recovery email address.

Will changing my password delete my snaps or memories?

No. Changing your password does not affect your snaps, memories, friends list, or any other content. It only signs you out and requires you to sign back in with the new password.

What should I do if I think someone else is using my account?

Change your password when ready, then check your recovery email and phone number in Settings to make sure they are still yours. If you see sign-ins from places you do not recognize, go to Settings, tap "Login history", and sign out any sessions you do not recognize.

How often should I change my Snapchat password?

Change it if you think it has been compromised, if you used it on another site that was hacked, or if you have not changed it in over a year. You do not need to change it every month unless your account has been breached.

Can I use the same password on Snapchat and other apps?

No. If one website is hacked and your password is stolen, someone can use that same password to get into all your other accounts. Use a different strong password for each service, or use a password manager to keep track of them.