What you need before you start

Creating a Snapchat account takes about five minutes and requires only three things: a working email address or phone number, your real name or a username you choose, and your birthdate. Snapchat requires you to be at least 13 years old. You will also need either a smartphone with iOS (Apple) or Android (Google) installed, or a computer with a web browser.

If you do not have an email address yet, you can create one for free through Gmail, Outlook, or Yahoo before you start. A phone number works just as well — Snapchat will text you a code to confirm it belongs to you. Have whichever one you choose ready before you open the app.

Key Takeaways

  • read the Snapchat app from your phone's app store, or visit snapchat.com on a computer to sign up through the web version.
  • You will need to provide your real name, a birthdate showing you are at least 13 years old, and either an email address or phone number.
  • Snapchat will send you a confirmation code by email or text — enter this code to prove the email or phone number is yours.
  • After confirming your account, you can choose a username, set a profile picture, and adjust your privacy settings before adding friends.
  • Your account is live as soon as you confirm it, but you can change your username, profile picture, and privacy settings at any time.

read the app or use the web version

On a smartphone, open the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play (Android) and search for "Snapchat". Tap the official Snapchat app — it has a white ghost on a yellow background — and tap "Get" or "Install". Wait for the read to finish, then tap "Open".

If you prefer to use a computer, go to snapchat.com in any web browser and click "Sign Up" in the top right corner. The web version lets you message friends and view stories, though some features like camera filters work only on the phone app.

Enter your information and create your account

When you open the app or the sign-up page, you will see fields asking for your first name, last name, email address or phone number, and birthdate. Type your real first and last name — Snapchat uses this to help friends find you, though you can hide it from your profile later. Enter a birthdate that shows you are at least 13 years old; Snapchat checks this and will not let you proceed if you enter a date that makes you younger.

For the email or phone number, use whichever one you have access to right now. If you choose email, type it carefully — Snapchat will send a confirmation link there. If you choose a phone number, make sure it is a number you can receive text messages on, because Snapchat will text you a six-digit code.

Confirm your email or phone number

After you submit your information, Snapchat will send you a confirmation code. If you used email, check your inbox (and your spam folder if you do not see it right away) for an email from Snapchat with a link that says "Verify Email" or a six-digit code. Click the link or type the code into the app.

If you used a phone number, you will receive a text message with a six-digit code within a few seconds. Open the app and type this code into the field that appears. Do not share this code with anyone — it proves the phone number is yours.

Choose your username and set up your profile

Once your email or phone is confirmed, Snapchat will ask you to choose a username. This is the name other people will use to add you as a friend — it does not have to be your real name. Usernames can include letters, numbers, periods, and underscores, and they cannot be changed later, so choose something you are comfortable with long-term. If the username you want is already taken, Snapchat will suggest alternatives.

Next, you can upload a profile picture by taking a photo with your phone camera or choosing one from your phone's photo library. You can also skip this step and add a picture later. After that, Snapchat will ask if you want to let it access your contacts so it can suggest friends — you can say yes or no, and change this later in settings.

Adjust your privacy settings before adding friends

Before you start adding friends, open your settings to control who can contact you and see your location. Tap your profile icon in the top left corner, then tap the gear icon for settings. Look for "Who Can..." options — these let you choose whether strangers can message you, whether friends can see your location, and whether your account shows up in search results.

By default, anyone can message you and see your location if they are your friend. If you want to be more private, you can change "Contact Me" to "Friends Only" so only people you have added can send you messages. You can also turn off location sharing entirely under "See My Location". These settings can be changed anytime.

Add friends and start using Snapchat

Your account is now live. To add friends, tap the add-friends icon (usually a person with a plus sign) and search for people by their username, phone number, or real name. You can also let Snapchat scan your phone contacts to find friends who already have Snapchat. When you find someone, tap "Add" to send them a friend request — they will see it and can accept or decline.

Once someone accepts your friend request, you can send them snaps (photos or videos you take in the app), messages, or voice notes. You can also view their stories — short videos or photos they post that disappear after 24 hours. Everything you send through Snapchat is encrypted, meaning only the person you send it to can see it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username after I create my account?

No, Snapchat usernames cannot be changed once they are set. You can change your display name (the name that shows on your profile) anytime, but your username stays the same. Choose carefully before you confirm it.

What if I forget my password?

Snapchat does not use passwords in the traditional way — you log in with your email or phone number and a code sent to you. If you cannot log in, tap "Trouble Logging In?" on the login screen and follow the steps to reset your account access.

Can I make my account private so only approved friends can add me?

Snapchat does not have a private account mode like some other apps. However, you can change your settings so your account does not appear in search results and only friends can message you. Go to settings, tap "Who Can Contact Me", and choose "Friends Only".

Is Snapchat safe for younger teenagers?

Snapchat has safety features like blocking, reporting, and the ability to limit who can contact you. However, like all social media, it carries risks — talk with a trusted adult about what is appropriate to share, and use the privacy settings to control who can see your location and contact you.

Do I need to use my real name on Snapchat?

Your account requires your real first and last name during sign-up, but you can hide this from your profile and use a different display name instead. Go to your profile, tap your name at the top, and choose what other people see.