What you need before you start

To create a Snapchat account, you need a phone number or email address, a password you haven't used elsewhere, and either the Snapchat app (on iPhone or Android) or the web version at snapchat.com. You'll also need to be at least 13 years old. Snapchat will ask for your real name, but you can choose any username you want — the username is what other people see and search for, while your real name stays private unless you share it.

Before you begin, decide whether you want to use your phone number or email. Phone numbers are faster to verify, but email is better if you plan to use Snapchat on multiple devices or want to keep your account separate from your phone carrier. Either way, make sure you have access to whichever one you choose — Snapchat will send a verification code you'll need to enter within a few minutes.

Key Takeaways

  • read the Snapchat app or go to snapchat.com, then tap or click "Sign Up" and enter your real name, birthdate, and phone number or email address.
  • Snapchat will send a verification code to your phone or email — enter it within a few minutes or you'll have to start over.
  • Create a username (what others see) that is different from your real name, and choose a strong password you don't use anywhere else.
  • Add a profile photo and review your privacy settings before you add friends, since Snapchat's defaults let anyone message you.

read the app or use the web version

On a phone, open the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play Store (Android), search for "Snapchat," and tap the official app with the yellow ghost icon. On a computer, go directly to snapchat.com in your browser. Both routes take you to the same sign-up screen. The app is faster and has more features, but the web version works if you're on a computer and don't want to install anything.

Once the app opens or the website loads, you'll see a "Sign Up" button. Tap or click it. Do not tap "Log In" — that's for people who already have an account.

Enter your real name and birthdate

Snapchat asks for your real first and last name on the first screen. This is the name that appears in your account settings and in your profile, though other users won't see it unless you tell them. Type your actual name — Snapchat checks this against your phone number or email later, and mismatches can cause verification to fail.

Next, enter your birthdate. Snapchat requires you to be at least 13 years old. If you enter a birthdate that makes you younger than 13, the app will reject it and ask you to try again. This is a legal requirement, not a Snapchat choice.

Verify your phone number or email

On the next screen, choose whether to sign up with a phone number or email address. If you choose phone, enter your full number including the country code (for the United States, that's +1). If you choose email, enter the email address you want to use. Either way, make sure it's one you can access right now — Snapchat will send a code within seconds.

Check your phone for a text message or your email inbox for a message from Snapchat. The code is usually six digits and expires in a few minutes. Enter it into the app or website exactly as it appears. If you don't see the code after a minute, check your spam or junk folder, or ask Snapchat to send it again. If the code expires, you'll have to start the sign-up process over.

Create your username and password

After your phone or email is verified, Snapchat asks you to create a username. This is what other people will see and use to find you — it can be anything, and it doesn't have to match your real name. Usernames can include letters, numbers, periods, and underscores, but no spaces. Snapchat will tell you when ready if the username is already taken. Pick something you're comfortable with, because changing it later costs money or requires you to create a new account.

Next, create a password. Use something you don't use on any other website or app — if someone breaks into one account, you don't want them to break into all of them. A strong password has at least 12 characters and mixes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Write it down somewhere safe, or use a password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password to store it.

Set up your profile before adding friends

Once your account is created, Snapchat asks if you want to add a profile photo. You can skip this, but adding one makes your account look complete and helps friends recognize you. Take a photo with your phone's camera or upload one from your photos. The image should be a clear, front-facing photo of your face.

Before you add any friends, open your privacy settings. Tap your profile icon (usually in the top left or bottom right, depending on your phone), then tap the gear icon for settings. Look for "Who can contact me" or "Who can see my story" — Snapchat's defaults let anyone message you and see your posts, which means strangers can reach out. Change these to "Friends" or "Friends of Friends" depending on how private you want to be. You can always change these settings later.

Add friends and start using Snapchat

To add friends, tap the add-friends icon (usually a person with a plus sign) and search for their username, or let Snapchat scan your phone contacts to find friends who already have accounts. You can also share your username with friends so they can add you. When someone adds you, you'll get a notification — you can accept or decline.

Once you've added friends, you can send them snaps (photos or videos that disappear after they're viewed), chat with them, or post to your story (photos and videos that stay visible for 24 hours). Start with a few close friends to get comfortable with how the app works before you add a larger group.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username after I create it?

Snapchat lets you change your username once for free within the first 30 days. After that, you have to pay a fee or create a new account. Choose carefully the first time, since most people keep the same username long-term.

What if I forget my password?

On the Snapchat login screen, tap "Forgot password?" and enter your phone number or email. Snapchat will send a reset link. Click it and create a new password. Make sure you can access the phone number or email you used to sign up, or you won't be able to reset it.

Do I have to use my real name?

Yes, Snapchat requires your real first and last name during sign-up. However, your username (what friends see) can be anything. Your real name stays in your account settings and is only visible to people you choose to show it to.

Can someone else create an account with my phone number?

No. Once you verify a phone number or email with Snapchat, that number or email is tied to your account. Someone else cannot use it to create a new account unless you delete your account first.

Is Snapchat safe for young teenagers?

Snapchat has safety features like blocking and reporting, but like any social app, it carries risks. Set your privacy settings to "Friends only" before adding anyone, never share your location, and tell a trusted adult if anyone messages you in a way that makes you uncomfortable.