No, you do not need a phone number for Snapchat. Snapchat asks for at least one verified way to reach you, and a verified email address counts. A phone number becomes useful later: for SMS two-factor login, for recovery, and if you want friends to find you by number.
What Snapchat asks for at sign-up
- Age
- Snapchat is for people aged 13 and over.
- Contact
- At least one verified contact method: an email address or a mobile number.
- Limit
- One verified email and one verified number per account.
- Code by phone
- Six digits by SMS or call; Snap also sends one-time codes through WhatsApp.
Signing up with email instead
| Phone number | ||
|---|---|---|
| Counts as your verified contact | Yes | Yes |
| Where you verify it | In the app only | In the app, by SMS or call |
| Lets friends find you by number | No | Yes, unless you switch it off |
| Needed for SMS two-factor login | Yes, both are required | Yes, both are required |
- Use an address only you can open The email is how you reset a forgotten password, so a shared or throwaway inbox is a risk.
- Verify it in the app Snapchat sends a verification email. The check works in the app only, not in a web browser.
- Wait a few minutes if nothing comes Then look in spam or junk before you ask for another email.
- Watch the settings gear Until the email is verified, Snapchat marks the gear icon in red.
When Snapchat wants a number later
| Needs a phone? | Without a phone | |
|---|---|---|
| Two-factor login by SMS | Yes, plus an email on file | Use an authenticator app or a passkey, which Snap recommends anyway |
| Password reset | No | Works through your verified email |
| Being found by number | Yes | Friends add you by username instead |
| Account alerts by text | Yes | No texts; nothing else changes |
When you do add a number, Snapchat lets you choose between a code by SMS and a phone call. On some Android phones a Google prompt confirms the number with your carrier and no code is sent.
Keeping your number from friends-finding
Snap uses a verified number to suggest you to people who have it saved. If you prefer not to be found that way, switch it off without removing the number.
Being found is not the only use. Snap's help also lists texts about account alerts and pending friend requests, and using the number to personalise the ads you see.
- Tap the gear icon on My Account to open Settings.
- Open Mobile Number.
- Turn off the option that lets others find you by your number.
Common questions
Can you make a Snapchat account without a phone number?
Yes. One verified contact is required, and a verified email address fulfils it.
Can I verify my Snapchat email on a computer?
No. Snapchat supports email verification in the app only.
Can one phone number be on two Snapchat accounts?
Only one account can have it verified. Verifying it on a newer account removes it from the older one.
Why does Snapchat say too many requests?
You asked for too many SMS codes in a short time. Snapchat's help says to wait 24 hours before trying again.
Can Snapchat send my code through WhatsApp?
Yes. Snap says it sends one-time verification codes by SMS or WhatsApp.
How do I log into Snapchat without a verification code?
Log in with your password. If two-factor login is on, use your authenticator app or a recovery code you saved instead of a text.