Snap Inc. is an American company that created the popular instant messaging app and service Snapchat. Pictures and messages sent through the multimedia messaging app Snapchat are often only viewable for a limited time before they are deleted.
A ban on your device from Snapchat can be frustrating, so we are glad to give you a few possible ways how to retrieve access to Snapchat.
This comprehensive guide will explain the methods and precautions required to overcome a Snapchat device ban, along with insights into why Snapchat may issue such bans and how to avoid them.
Why Snapchat Has Banned Your Device?
According to most users, the Snapchat device ban lasts around six months. It is caused by violating the terms of service on Snapchat or engaging in activities that are not allowed by the said platform. To know if you are experiencing a Snapchat device ban, look out for these signs:
- Temporary Access: At times, you may manage to log in using a forbidden device and regain temporary access, which takes up from 1-2 minutes before you get logged out.
- Account Lockout: You get locked out of all your Snapchat accounts, and you cannot create another account.
- “Permanently Banned”: In some cases, you may even get that dreaded message saying “Permanently Banned” when trying to unlock your account.
How To Fix the Snapchat Device Ban?
There are various ways you can get back to snapping.
Method 1: Update Date and Time Settings
For Android Users: Uninstall Snapchat, Restart the device, Open the Settings application, Tap on General Management, Select Date & Time, and Advance the date by one month following the date the device was banned. Then, reinstall Snapchat and sign up for an account.
For iPhone Users: Uninstall Snapchat, Restart the device, Open the application Settings, and Tap General, Date & Time, Now, change the date to exactly one month before the device ban, Reinstall the Snapchat app, and Sign up for an account.
Method 2: Buy a New Phone
Another way around Snapchat’s device ban policy is getting a new phone because the service bans devices based on their IMEI number. Be cautious about the following factors,
- You must not use the SIM card from your banned device for this process.
- Don’t log in with your old iCloud account on the new phone; create a new iCloud account instead.
- Don’t connect to your local WiFi routers; stay in the LTE mode.
- Don’t enable VPN on your new gadget so that you will have a stable IP.
- Authenticate your Snapchat account using a fresh Gmail created on the new device.
Method 3: Waiting it Out
If you don’t use Snapchat that often, wait till the ban is lifted, and everything will be fine. You simply should not log in for six months, and your device will unbanned.
Every login resets the six-month timer, so try to stay away from the banned phone with Snapchat for some time.
Method 4: Contact Snapchat
You might attempt to contact Snapchat support to file your complaint. Persistence always pays off when replying to Snapchat. Even if you have been banned from the device, the first means of contacting the Snapchat support team is through online resources, which include the report link and communities on Reddit, Twitter, LinkedIn, and mail.
Here’s exactly how each of the above is done step by step, as published in an article titled “8 Reliable Ways to Contact Snapchat Support.”
Method 5: Change the IMEI Number (Android Users Only)
The most common reason Snapchat bans a phone’s IMEI number is that most people get a new IMEI by buying a new device. However, though this may work for your already banned device, there’s another option. You can download “IMEI Generator Pro” from Google Play, which will give your phone a custom IMEI number.
This method will allow you to reset Snapchat, but remember to follow the Precautions in Method 2.
Creating a New Snapchat Account After Being Banned
But if all of these fail, then you might be forced to close the old account and open a new one. Well, beware-even if you do this, your new account could still get banned because Snapchat might identify it as the same person. How you can avoid this:
- Create a new account using different credentials and avoid attempts at linking contacts.
- Enter an email address when prompted to enter the phone number.
- Use an e-mail address that is not linked to the banned account.
- Send manual messages to your friends to unblock you from using the new account.
Common Misconceptions about Snapchat device bans
There are various myths about Snapchat device bans and what works to remove them. Try to avoid the following myths:
- Reinstalling Snapchat does nothing to stop a device ban.
- Logging out of Snapchat doesn’t have any impact on a device ban.
- Attempting to download anti-device ban applications or software: No application can unban your Snapchat account.
- Contacting a “device ban expert,” which is someone who cannot guarantee that they can lift a device ban.
- Using VPNs or attempting to sideload Snapchat. That could send off more Snapchat bans, as they can detect such actions.
Recovering Your Snapchat Account
If you lose your Snapchat account due to a device ban, it’s very emotional because you lose all your memories. But on the bright side, you can recover your happy moments.
With Snapchat, you can also download your data, even if you are banned or locked from the account. The article below provides a step-by-step guide on downloading your Snapchat data.
Duration of Snapchat Device Bans – For the most part, a Snapchat device ban runs for six months.
Creating a New Snapchat Account After Being Banned – Of course, you can make a new Snapchat account if you are banned. Still, to avoid further bans, you have to follow the safety measures of creating a new account as given in this article.
Preventing Future Snapchat Device Bans – To avoid future bans of devices on Snapchat, consider the following measures of prevention:
- Be well-versed in Snapchat’s Terms of Service and produce content according to its norms.
- Never have more than one account since that is what may bring suspicion and lead to bans.
- Do not log in using a jailbroken iOS device or a rooted Android device.
- Use two-factor authentication (2FA) as an added security measure for your account.
- Never share your login details with anyone else since this may lead to unauthorized activities on your account.
- Do not publish or share obscene images, contain hate speech, or other things that offend in your story.
Also, Read:
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Snapchat Ban Your Phone Number or Phone?
Snapchat never bans a telephone number; it bans a device connected to a Snapchat account and identifies the device with an IMEI number. The bottom line is that it is the device—the phone number usually is not banned.
Is a Snapchat Device Ban Permanent?
Various reports claim that Snapchat device bans are not permanent and last for around six months.
What should I do if Snapchat bans my device?
No additional account creation will be possible on a blacklisted device. The only option to challenge a decision to lock your account, even if your device has been prohibited, is through the Snapchat app’s appeals procedure.
Does Snapchat ban IP addresses?
Snapchat does not prohibit your IP address unless there is evidence that your location would endanger other users.
What’s the duration of a Snapchat device ban?
Snapchat device restrictions are linked to your device’s specific IMEI number. The good news is that after waiting for almost six months, some customers have reportedly been able to use the same gadget once again.
Could your Apple ID be banned from Snapchat?
No, Snapchat will not deactivate your account. Although your Apple ID is associated with many services, the Snapchat app is not one of them.
Conclusion
Overcoming a Snapchat device ban is not as tough as it would seem. With proper action, it is utterly possible.
This guide shows ways to do this, including updating date and time settings, getting a new phone, waiting for it to pass, and reaching out to Snapchat support. Misconceptions or unverified solutions will never work, so you are better off avoiding them.
If all of these don’t work, you can use another option, such as creating a new Snapchat account. However, you need to be cautious so that the same thing isn’t repeated with another ban. Luckily, even though your phone has been banned from Snapchat, your memories are safe.
Remember that a Snapchat device ban typically lasts about six months. And to make sure your Snapchat experience stays safe, just stick to Snapchat’s guidelines, don’t have multiple accounts, and two-factor authentication on your account.
Actually, it is the device that gets banned, not your phone number, in Snapchat action. And with patience and caution, you can ride through the Snapchat device ban for quite a while and have an even safer Snapchat experience ahead.
