Are you having challenges logging in to your account? You may have seen a notification on your Snapchat app while logging in which indicates that your account has been permanently locked.
You may be wondering what may have caused that and how to get an issue of that nature resolved.
Snapchat is particularly cautious of user activity and how to ensure a safe and fun environment for every user.
For this reason, they tend to impose strict measures which may include locking of accounts for any suspected foul play.
This article will provide you insight into why Snapchat has permanently locked your account as well as possible methods you can use to recover it.
Why Has My Snapchat Account Been Locked?
Your account may have been permanently locked for seemingly no reason. Well, there are substantial reasons why Snapchat would lock your account permanently.
Most often, Snapchat locks your account when it detects suspicious activity that may breach or violate their community guidelines or their terms and conditions of service. Snapchat prioritizes the safety of every user on their social media platform.
As such, there is a drawn list of acts that Snapchat deems as inappropriate. These include:
- Sending Spam Messages to Other Users on Snapchat Sending Spam is a prohibited act on Snapchat. According to the official Snapchat website, “We prohibit spam and other deceptive practices, including manipulating content for misleading purposes or to imitate Snapchat content formats.”
- Installing and Using Third-Party Apps or Tweaks for Your Snapchat Continual use of third-party applications or tweaks can lead to your account being permanently locked. If you use other third-party apps and other things to enhance the performance of your Snapchat app, your account may be locked as it goes against the Snapchat Terms and Conditions.
- Abusive Behaviours Abuse behaviors such as cyberbullying, hate speech, racial discrimination, etc. are disallowed on Snapchat. If you engage in such practices, your account may be locked for good.
- Your Account May Have Been Compromised If Snapchat suspects that your account may have been compromised, they lock it just to be safe.
Above are some of the activities that may cause Snapchat to lock your account. You may likely have engaged in some of the above-mentioned activities, thereby leading to your account being locked permanently.
If your Snapchat is permanently locked, there are still avenues through which your account can be restored. Below are some fixes for the issue.
How to Restore a Permanently Locked Snapchat Account
There is no clear-cut and definite method through which your permanently locked account can be restored.
Snapchat, however, allows you to plead your case with them if you think your account has been permanently locked without any fault of yours. To do this, follow either of the two methods provided below.
Method 1: Reach Out to Snapchat
Step 1: Open Snapchat Support
Navigate to Snapchat Support with any web browser of your choice. You can try typing “My Snapchat account has been permanently locked” into the search bar or “Snapchat permanently locked.”
This makes it easier to navigate to Snapchat support. The official website for Snapchat is most often the first web link that appears in your search result after typing the above in your search box.
You can also type “Snapchat Support” to directly lead you there.
Step 2: Go To “Contact Us”
On opening the official Snapchat support page, click on “Contact Us”. This leads you to another webpage where you must submit a request. There are several items on a list provided to submit a request on.
Step 3: Choose “I Can’t Access My Account”
In the list provided, select “I can’t access my account”. Another list is generated below. Select “I see an error message when I log in”.
Scroll through the information generated below and select “Yes” on the question “Still need help?” This generates a form that you are supposed to fill out to explain your issue.
Step 4: Fill The Forms
A form is generated below. It includes your Username, Email, mobile number, device, etc. Provide the necessary information for each of the fields required.
In the description box, describe the nature of the issue – how the account got locked without any apparent fault of yours. You can also attach screenshots of the issue if you want to.
Hopefully, Snapchat will address the issue upon receiving your complaint and restore your account for you.
Method 2: Appeal Using the Snapchat App
You can access your permanently locked account using the Snapchat app. This is only possible if your locked account is eligible for appeal. You will know if your account is eligible if you can access the appeal process. To do this:
- Open your Snapchat app and attempt to log in.
- Tap “Appeal Decision” on the pop-up screen.
- Type your appeal and submit
It is not guaranteed that your account will be unlocked once you submit an appeal. If the Snapchat support team finds your appeal compelling enough, they may unlock it for you.
How to Recover a Temporarily Locked Snapchat Account
There are other times when your account may just be temporarily unlocked. It is easier to recover such an account. Normally, a temporarily unlocked account just takes a bit of time to unlock.
Try logging in after some time. If the unlock delays, follow the steps below to unlock your temporarily locked account.
Step 1: Go to Snapchat Support
Navigate to Snapchat Support with any web browser of your choice. Tap on “Contact Us”
Step 2: Submit a Request
Under “Submit a Request,” select “I can’t access my account. Under the list generated beneath, select “My account is locked”.
Step 3: My Account Has Been Temporarily Locked
Snapchat provides you with a link that will help you in unlocking your account. You might, however, want to take note of some of the reasons why your account might have gotten locked in the first place so as not to get it locked again.
Step 4: Log In to Your Snapchat Account and Unlock Your Account
Tap on the “Accounts site” web link. It directs you to a web page where you are to log in to your account. Once you log in, you are presented with a list of options to choose from. Select “Unlock my Account” to have account unlocked.
