To create a Snapchat account, install Snapchat, tap Sign Up, enter your name and birthday, choose a username and password, then complete signup with your phone number or email. You can also use Apple on iOS or Google on Android and Snapchat for Web. Sign in only through Snapchat’s own app or website, and never share a code, password, or remote access with someone who contacts you.
The short version
- Start in the app: Install Snapchat for iOS or Android and tap Sign Up.
- Choose your details: Enter your name and birthday, then choose a username and create a password.
- Pick phone or email: Complete phone verification or tap sign up with email instead.
- Use Apple or Google: These options create an account when their email does not match a verified email on an existing Snapchat account.
| Option | Where to use it | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Phone signup | iOS and Android apps | Creates an account with phone verification |
| Email signup | iOS and Android apps | Uses email instead of a phone number |
| Apple authentication | iOS app | Creates an account or opens an account with a matching verified email |
| Google authentication in the app | Android app | Creates an account or opens an account with a matching verified email |
| Google authentication in a browser | Snapchat for Web | Creates an account or opens an account with a matching verified email |
| Advertiser onboarding | Ads Manager in supported countries | Creates a Snapchat account for advertiser setup |
| Snapchat+ onboarding | Snapchat+ website | Offers signup when you intend to subscribe |
| Official download page | iOS and Android download options | Gets the app before signup |
| Mobile number verification | Settings in the mobile app | Verifies your number within your account |
Install Snapchat on your phone
Visit the official Snapchat download page to get the app. Under More download options, select Download beneath iOS or Android to open the official store listing. Install Snapchat, then open it to begin.
Sign up with your phone number
In the iOS or Android app, tap Sign Up, enter your name, then tap Sign Up & Accept. Enter your birthday, choose a username, and create a password. Enter your phone number and complete verification to finish setting up your account.
Use email instead of a phone number
For email signup on iOS or Android, start with the same steps: tap Sign Up, enter your name, then tap Sign Up & Accept. Enter your birthday, choose a username, and create a password. At the phone-number step, tap sign up with email instead, supply your email address, and follow the remaining prompts in Snapchat.
Create an account with Apple on iPhone
On Snapchat’s sign-in screen in the iOS app, tap Continue with Apple. Complete Apple authentication to continue. Snapchat creates a new account when your Apple account’s email does not match a verified email on an existing Snapchat account.
If that email matches a verified email already attached to Snapchat, you sign into the existing account instead. To use the app’s phone or email signup process, start with Sign Up and enter your account details.
Create an account with Google on Android
On Snapchat’s sign-in screen in the Android app, tap Continue with Google. Select your Google account and complete authentication. If its email does not match a verified email on an existing Snapchat account, Snapchat creates a new account.
If the email matches a verified Snapchat email, you sign into that existing account. You can also start with Sign Up to follow the app’s phone or email signup process.
Sign up with Google in a browser
Open Snapchat for Web and select Sign in with Google at the login prompt. Choose your Google account and complete authentication. An email that does not match a verified Snapchat email creates a new account, while a matching verified email opens the existing account.
If you want to enter an email address directly or sign up with your phone number, use the mobile app. Tap Sign Up and follow the phone or email steps above.
Create an account for advertiser setup
If you are setting up as an advertiser in a supported country, open Snapchat’s Ads Manager in your browser. Beside New to Snapchat?, click Sign Up. Provide your business name, email, password, and birthday, then click Next.
Choose a username and enter your website to create the Snapchat account. This route is part of advertiser onboarding; for personal signup, use the app or Google authentication on Snapchat for Web.
Sign up while subscribing to Snapchat+
If you already intend to subscribe, open Snapchat’s Snapchat+ website and choose to subscribe on the web. Choose a subscription and click Continue. At the authentication stage, use the new-user signup option and follow the displayed prompts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have to give Snapchat access to your contacts?
No, contact access for finding friends is optional during account setup. You can create your account without granting that access.
How do you verify your mobile number after creating an account?
Open My Account, tap the gear icon, select Shortcuts, open My Account, choose Change My Info, then select Mobile Number. Enter your number, tap Verify, then tap Send via SMS or tap Call me instead. Enter the received code and tap Continue. On some Android devices, a Google carrier-verification prompt replaces SMS or a call; follow the displayed instructions.
What comes after creating a Snapchat account through advertiser onboarding?
The subsequent onboarding steps establish a Public Profile and a business account. Creating your Snapchat account is one part of that broader advertiser setup.
Does Snapchat’s download page include a desktop option?
Yes, the download page also presents a Desktop section. You can find it alongside the mobile download options.