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If you use Snapchat, you may want to know how to verify Snapchat without your phone number.
That’s because Snapchat is popular with loads of young people … and many more deceptive marketers, privacy hackers and data thieves.
Before the Snapchat login verification code feature was in place, Snapchat suffered a security breach that affected more than 4.5 million users worldwide. Even after the app introduced verification codes, the privacy breaches kept coming.
And it’s not just people attacking Snapchat’s users and getting away with it. Part of it was an inside job too.
You need to protect your privacy on Snapchat. And you can start by knowing how to verify Snapchat without your phone number.
This guide will walk you through the whys of Snapchat’s login process, and how to verify your Snapchat without sharing your phone number at all.
What is Snapchat’s Login Verification feature?
Since 2015, Snapchat included a login verification feature to offer better privacy protection for all users. The Snapchat Verification Code acts as a form of two-factor authentication (2FA), and you’ll need both a verification code and phone number to log into Snapchat in future.
To turn on Snapchat login verification:
- Tap on your profile icon on the top left of your screen
- You should then see a red gear icon on the top right of your screen. Tap on it.
- Select “Two-Factor Authentication”
- Tap “Continue”
- Receive your Snapchat verification code via text or an authentication app. Choose text for faster setup.
- Provide your phone number and tap “Verify”.
Why does Snapchat ask for my phone number?
When you first sign up for a Snapchat account, you’ll be asked for your name and birthday. After the app generates a username for you, you’ll then be asked to provide your phone number.
The screen only tells you that this is so that you’ll be sent a Snapchat verification code text. If you don’t provide a number, you can’t proceed.
This isn’t anything out of the ordinary. Most apps you use today are likely to ask you for the same details. But have you stopped to wonder if there’s more to it than just getting verification code texts?
One reason is to simply verify your identity and validate you as an actual user. All apps have an interest in making sure that real people are using them. Fake followers on Instagram threaten influencers with real success. Fake accounts on Facebook spread misinformation and polarize political discussions. The list goes on.
The other reason is less assuring. By collecting personal data from a vast database of users, these apps can make money by selling data to companies. A New York Times report in 2018 showed that 20 widely used apps in the US had provided shockingly revealing user data to almost 75 companies. All of these apps had provided privacy disclaimers.
Why are verification codes important?
The other thing we take for granted with apps like Snapchat is the need for verification codes. Why is login verification on Snapchat important, or even needed in the first place?
Imagine this. You were about your daily routine when you receive a text message with a verification code. The message tells you that you had signed up for an app, but you don’t recall even looking it up on the app store at all.
That’s because someone else tried to use the app using your personal details. He or she tried to use your phone number and email to sign up. Fortunately for you, they failed because they couldn’t receive the verification code.
Just like why Snapchat asks for your phone number, Snapchat verification codes provide another measure of user validation. Having verification codes helps deter fake accounts from being created, and also protects existing users from fraud.
It may be difficult, however, to receive your Snapchat verification code if you have lost your phone number, or switched to a different one. If you can’t receive your Snapchat verification code, you may have to try logging in with your Snapchat recovery code instead.
How to verify Snapchat without my phone number?
Having a verification code to watch your back on Snapchat is great, but so is protecting your privacy from data breaches. To verify Snapchat without your phone number, you simply need to provide a number that:
- Isn’t yours
- But still allows you to receive the Snapchat verification code.
Can I use a Snapchat verification code generator?
Many Snapchat users have talked about or tried searching for a Snapchat verification code generator. These code generators do not exist, and you should be cautious with anyone who tells you otherwise.
Before jumping into how to verify Snapchat without your phone number, let's take a look at a common question you might have.
Can’t I just tap “skip” when Snapchat asks for my phone number?
You should have noticed that Snapchat gives you the option to skip some steps when you first sign up. When asked for your phone number, you can choose to skip that step.
You certainly can tap “skip” when Snapchat asks for your phone number, but that’s going to be an issue if you’re logging in from a different device in future.
How to verify Snapchat without your phone number: use a second phone number
One solution for how to verify Snapchat without your phone number is to use a second phone number.
To get a second phone number, you’ll need to get yourself a second phone number or fake phone number that lets you receive Snapchat’s verification code.
You should also be able to use that number permanently, since that’s the number that Snapchat will send the verification code to in future.
If you live in Canada or the USA, TextPlus offers an easy solution. The app allows you to send and receive unlimited SMSes and MMSes, and also receive inbound calls for free.
Simply choose a number you like, customize it for area code, and you’re all set.
TextPlus does come with some drawbacks. Calling rates are note the cheapest, free unlimited texts are limited to only Canada and the USA, and you can't make calls if you travel outside Canada or the USA.
Verify Snapchat with a second phone number from Phoner
If you live in Canada or the USA, want cheaper calling rates and want to be able to still make calls and texts with your second phone number when overseas, our second phone number app Phoner is a better solution for you.
With Phoner, you'll still be able to receive your Snapchat verification code via text message wherever you are.
Just like TextPlus, you don't need to get an additional SIM card. But even better than TextPlus, Phoner lets you use as many numbers as you like.
If you're worried someone has gotten your number off Snapchat, simply use one of Phoner's many second phone numbers. Together with Phoner, use Snapchat anywhere you go and keep your personal details safe while you're sending and receiving snaps.
I already have an account. Can I log in without a Snapchat verification code?
If you’re already using Snapchat, you may be wondering how to get into Snapchat without a verification code.
If you don’t have the Snapchat verification code enabled, this doesn’t concern you. If you enabled two-factor authorisation with Snapchat login verification code, you won’t be able to log in without your Snapchat verification code.
If you find yourself locked out because you can’t receive a verification code from Snapchat, you may have to try your Snapchat recovery code instead.
Keep your phone number private on Snapchat
You don’t want to miss out on all the fun your friends are having on Snapchat, but you should also be careful to protect your phone number privacy.
Snapchat says you’re in good hands. But remember, the only person that actually takes care of your personal data is yourself. A second phone number can keep your phone number privacy safe on Snapchat while you’re having fun.
So that’s how to verify Snapchat without your phone number. If you’re curious to find out more on how your personal data is handle, be sure to check out Snapchat’s privacy policy, Send Snaps the safe way today!
