Creating a Snapchat account takes about five minutes and requires only your phone number or email address

Snapchat is a messaging app where photos and videos disappear after the person you send them to views them. To start using it, you download the app to your phone, enter your basic information, and verify your identity. The whole process happens on your phone — there is no desktop version for signing up.

You will need either a phone number or an email address, a password you create yourself, and your birthdate. Snapchat requires you to be at least 13 years old. If you have a smartphone (iPhone or Android), you can finish the setup in one sitting.

Key Takeaways

  • Download the Snapchat app from the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play (Android), then tap the button to create a new account instead of logging in.
  • Enter your first and last name, then choose whether to sign up with your phone number or email address — both work equally well.
  • Create a password that is at least eight characters long and includes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, and numbers.
  • Verify your phone number or email by entering the code Snapchat sends you, then add a profile photo if you want other people to recognize you.

Download the app and tap "Sign Up"

Open the App Store on an iPhone or Google Play on an Android phone. Search for "Snapchat" and tap the official app — it has a yellow ghost icon. Tap the download button (it may say "Get" on iPhone or show a cloud icon), then wait for the app to install. This usually takes less than a minute on a normal internet connection.

Once the app is installed, open it. You will see a screen with a login option and a "Sign Up" button. Tap "Sign Up" — do not tap the login option, which is for people who already have an account.

Enter your name and choose a sign-up method

The app will ask for your first name and last name. Type your real name — this is what other people will see on your profile. Snapchat does not require a username at this stage; you will create one later if you want to.

Next, you will choose whether to sign up with your phone number or your email address. Both methods work the same way. If you choose your phone number, enter it in the format Snapchat shows (usually with your country code). If you choose email, enter the email address you use most often. Either one will be how you log in later, so pick whichever you will remember.

Create a strong password

Snapchat requires your password to be at least eight characters long and to include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, and numbers. An example would be "BlueSky2024" or "Sunset99Green". Do not use your birthdate, your name, or a password you use for other accounts.

Write your password down in a safe place, or use a password manager if you have one. If you forget it later, you can reset it using your phone number or email, but it is faster to have it written down.

Enter your birthdate and verify your identity

Snapchat will ask for your birthdate. Enter the month, day, and year you were born. You must be at least 13 years old to use Snapchat. If you enter a birthdate that makes you younger than 13, the app will not let you continue.

After you enter your birthdate, Snapchat will send a verification code to the phone number or email address you chose. Open the text message or email and copy the code — it is usually six digits. Return to the Snapchat app and paste the code into the box that appears. If you do not see the code within a few minutes, tap "Resend Code" and wait again.

Add a profile photo and choose a username

Once your phone number or email is verified, Snapchat will ask if you want to add a profile photo. You can skip this step, but adding a photo makes it easier for people who know you to find your account. Tap the camera icon, take a photo or choose one from your phone's photo library, then tap the checkmark to confirm.

Next, you will create a username. This is the name other people will use to add you as a friend. Usernames cannot have spaces and are permanent — you cannot change them later. Choose something you are comfortable with, because once it is set, you will need to create a new account if you want a different username. Snapchat will tell you if the username is already taken; if it is, try adding numbers or a short word to the end.

Add friends and start using Snapchat

After you create your username, Snapchat will ask if you want to add friends. You can let Snapchat look through your phone's contacts and suggest people you know, or you can skip this and add friends later. If you choose to let Snapchat search your contacts, it will show you a list of people who already have Snapchat accounts.

To add someone as a friend, tap their name and confirm. They will see a notification that you added them, but they do not have to add you back to receive messages from you. Once you have added at least one friend, you can start sending photos, videos, and messages. Your account is now fully set up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I create a Snapchat account without a phone number?

Yes, you can use an email address instead. During sign-up, choose the email option and enter an email address you have access to. Snapchat will send a verification code to that email, and you will enter it to confirm your account.

What happens if I forget my password?

Open the Snapchat app and tap "Forgot password?" on the login screen. Snapchat will send a reset link to your phone number or email address. Tap the link, create a new password, and you can log in again. Make sure you have access to the phone number or email you used to sign up.

Can I change my username after I create it?

No, usernames are permanent and cannot be changed. If you want a different username, you would need to create a new account. Choose carefully before you confirm your username during sign-up.

Do I need to use my real name on Snapchat?

Snapchat requires you to enter a first and last name during sign-up, but you can use any name you want — it does not have to match your ID. However, using your real name makes it easier for people who know you to find your account.

Is Snapchat free to download and use?

Yes, downloading the app and creating an account are completely free. Snapchat makes money from ads and filters you can purchase, but the basic messaging features cost nothing.