What you need before you start
To create a Snapchat account, you need an email address or a phone number, your real name or a username you choose, and your birthdate. Snapchat requires you to be at least 13 years old. You'll also need either a smartphone with iOS (Apple) or Android (Google) installed, or you can use a web browser on a computer, though the app gives you access to more features.
Have your email address or phone number ready before you open the app or website. If you're under 18, a parent or guardian should know you're creating this account — Snapchat's privacy settings work differently for younger users, and some features are restricted by age.
Key Takeaways
- You can sign up using either an email address or a phone number, and you must provide your real birthdate for age verification.
- Download the Snapchat app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, or visit snapchat.com in a web browser.
- After creating your account, you'll set up a username (your Snapchat handle) and a display name, which can be different from each other.
- Your account is private by default, but you can change who can contact you and see your location in the settings menu after you sign up.
Download the app or open the website
On a smartphone, open the Apple App Store (if you have an iPhone) or Google Play Store (if you have an Android phone). Search for "Snapchat" and tap the official app — it has a yellow ghost icon. Tap "Get" or "Install" and wait for the download to finish. On an Android phone, you may need to tap "Install" again after the download completes.
If you're using a computer, open a web browser and go to snapchat.com. Click "Sign Up" at the bottom of the page. Either method will take you to the same account creation process.
Enter your email or phone number and birthdate
On the first screen, you'll see a field asking for your email address or phone number. Type whichever one you want to use. Snapchat will send a verification code to that email or number, so make sure it's one you can access right now.
Below that, enter your birthdate. Snapchat uses this to verify you're old enough to use the app and to set age-appropriate privacy defaults. If you enter a birthdate that makes you under 13, Snapchat will not let you continue. Tap "Next" or "Continue" after you've filled in both fields.
Verify your email or phone number
Snapchat will send a six-digit code to the email address or phone number you entered. Check your email inbox (or text messages if you used a phone number) and find the code. It usually arrives within a few seconds, but can take up to a minute.
Type the six-digit code into the field Snapchat shows you. If you don't see the code after a minute, tap "Resend Code" and check again. Once you enter the correct code, tap "Continue."
Create your username and display name
Snapchat will ask you to create a username — this is your Snapchat handle, the name other people use to find and add you. Usernames must be between 2 and 15 characters, can include letters, numbers, periods, and underscores, and cannot have spaces. Once you create a username, you cannot change it, so choose carefully. Tap the username field and type what you want.
Next, you'll enter your display name — the name that shows up when you message people or post stories. Unlike your username, you can change your display name anytime. This can be your real name, a nickname, or anything else. After you fill in both fields, tap "Continue."
Set up your profile photo and adjust privacy settings
Snapchat will ask if you want to add a profile photo. You can take a photo with your phone's camera, choose one from your phone's photo library, or skip this step and add one later. If you choose to upload a photo, select it and tap "Done."
After that, Snapchat will show you privacy and contact settings. By default, only people you've added can message you and see your location. You can change these settings now or later by opening Snapchat, tapping your profile icon in the top left, tapping the gear icon for settings, and then tapping "Who Can..." to adjust who can contact you, see your location, or view your stories. Tap "Continue" to finish account creation.
Confirm your account is active
Once you tap "Continue" on the final screen, your Snapchat account is created and you're logged in. You'll see the camera screen — this is where you take photos and videos to send to friends or post to your story. Your account is now ready to use.
If you created your account on a computer, you can log in on your phone by opening the Snapchat app, tapping "Log In," and entering the email or phone number and password you created. Your account will sync across devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my username after I create it?
No, Snapchat does not allow you to change your username once it's created. You can change your display name anytime, but the username is permanent. If you make a mistake, you would need to create a new account with a different username.
What if I forget my password?
On the Snapchat login screen, tap "Forgot your password?" and enter your email address or phone number. Snapchat will send you a link to reset your password. Click the link in the email or text message and create a new password.
Can I use Snapchat without giving my real name?
You must provide your real birthdate for age verification, but your display name can be anything you choose. Your username is what people use to find you, and that also doesn't have to be your real name. Only Snapchat sees your actual birthdate — other users see only your display name and username.
Is my account private by default?
Yes. When you create your account, only people you add can message you or see your location. Your stories are visible only to people you've added as friends. You can adjust these settings anytime in the privacy menu, but the default setup is restrictive.
Can I create a Snapchat account without a phone number or email?
No, Snapchat requires either an email address or a phone number to create an account and verify your identity. This is how Snapchat confirms you're a real person and sends you security codes if you need to reset your password.