Most Snapchat login problems come down to five things: wrong login details, a temporarily locked account, a support code such as SS06 or C14A, a third-party app or tweak on your phone, or a network or service problem. Read the exact message or code on screen, match it in the table below, and you'll know within a minute whether you can fix it yourself or need to wait.
The one thing that helps more than anything else: don't keep hammering the login button. Snapchat's own help pages say repeated failed attempts can trigger a temporary ban on that device (code SS02), which turns a typo into a waiting game.
Support codes and messages, decoded
Snapchat shows a short code when it blocks a login. Here's what each common one means, based on Snapchat Support's list of login errors, and what you can do about it.
| Code or message | What it means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| C14A, C14B, C13A, C16A | Snapchat can't finish the login right now, often because of a poor connection | Switch from Wi-Fi to mobile data (or the other way round) and try again |
| SS02 | Too many failed login attempts on this device | Stop trying for a while, then log in carefully once |
| SS01, SS03, SS08 | Access temporarily paused after repeated failures, too many sign-ups or suspicious activity | Check your details, wait 48 hours, then try once on a stable connection |
| SS04 or "account locked" | The account itself is locked | Use the Accounts Portal steps below, or wait out the lock |
| SS06, SS18 | This device is banned for abuse or repeated guideline breaks | Support can't reverse a device ban |
| SS07 | This device is banned because too many accounts are linked to it | Support can't reverse it; you can still request a copy of your data |
| SS10 | The device doesn't meet Snapchat's integrity checks | Log in from a different device |
| C02A or an unknown error | Snapchat can't tell what went wrong | Update the app, restart it, check your connection and clear the cache |
If your code is C14A, there's a full walkthrough of support code C14A with every connection fix in order.
The catch people miss: codes SS06, SS07 and SS18 ban the phone, not just the account. Logging in from the same device with a new account won't work, and Snapchat Support says it can't lift these bans for you. Anyone online who claims they can is trying to scam you.
Five causes and their fixes
1. Wrong username, email or password
Check whether you're using your username or the email on the account, and look for autocorrect adding a capital letter or a space. If you're not sure of the password, use Forgot your password on the login screen and reset it by email or SMS rather than guessing.
2. A temporarily locked account
Snapchat locks accounts for suspicious activity, such as lots of friend requests in a short time, for a possible compromise, or for breaking the rules. A temporary lock tells you how long it lasts in the app or by email.
3. A third-party app, tweak or plugin
Modified Snapchat apps, tweaked versions and plugins that add features are one of the reasons Snapchat lists for locking accounts. See the section on third-party apps below.
4. Phone number or verification trouble
If the code never arrives or the app says your number can't be verified, the fix is different from a lock. This guide covers what to do when Snapchat can't verify your phone number.
5. Connection or service problems
A weak Wi-Fi signal, a VPN or a short Snapchat outage can all stop a login going through. Turn off any VPN, switch networks, and check a few minutes later before you change anything else.
How to get back into a temporarily locked account
These steps follow Snapchat Support's guidance for temporary locks. They won't work on a permanent lock or a device ban.
- Read the lock message in the app, or the email Snapchat sent to the address on your account. It should say why the account was locked and when the lock ends.
- On a computer or phone browser, go to Snapchat's Accounts Portal (search for "Snapchat accounts portal" and use the official Snapchat page) and log in.
- Select the button that lifts the lock. If it works, open the app and log in as normal.
- If the lock was caused by a third-party app or plugin, wait until the lock period ends, delete the unofficial app or plugin, update the official Snapchat app, then log in.
- If no reason is given and the portal doesn't help, wait 48 hours before you try again.
- If you think someone else got into your account, reset your password straight away and check the email and phone number saved in your settings.
If an option name looks different when you try this, search the Snapchat Support site for the word "locked" to find the current page.
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For a lock that came with a pop-up saying you broke the Community Guidelines, the only route is an appeal from inside the app: try to log in and tap Appeal Decision on the pop-up. Snapchat says reviews can take up to 30 days and you only get one appeal per lock. If you don't see that button, the lock isn't eligible for appeal.
Never use third-party apps or tweaks
Apps that promise to save snaps secretly, see who viewed your profile, add hidden features or boost your Snap Score aren't made by Snapchat, and using them is one of the listed reasons for a lock. Some ask for your login, which hands your account to a stranger.
- Delete any modified Snapchat version and reinstall the official app from the App Store or Google Play.
- Remove plugins or tweaks that hook into Snapchat on a jailbroken or rooted phone.
- Never type your Snapchat password into another app or website.
- Ignore anyone in DMs or comments who offers to get your account back for you.
When to contact Snapchat Support
Contact Support when your account may have been hacked and the password reset doesn't work, or when you can't log in and none of the codes above match. Use the help options inside the app or the official Snapchat Support site, and give the exact code you saw.
Don't open extra tickets for a lock that's under appeal. Snapchat says they won't speed anything up or change the outcome. For a hacked or lost account, this step-by-step guide to recovering a Snapchat account you can't get into walks through the recovery routes.
My advice
I'd stop, read the code and change one thing at a time: network first, then the app update, then the portal. If it's a device ban, I wouldn't waste days on it, because support can't reverse those. And I'd delete every unofficial Snapchat add-on today, before it causes the next lock.
Frequently asked questions
Why does Snapchat say my account is temporarily locked?
Snapchat locks accounts for suspicious activity, a possible compromise, rule breaks, a banned device or the use of third-party apps and plugins. The lock message or email tells you how long it lasts.
How long does a Snapchat temporary lock last?
It depends on the reason, and the lock message tells you. When no reason is given, Snapchat Support suggests waiting 48 hours before trying to log in again.
What does support code C14A mean on Snapchat?
C14A means Snapchat can't complete your login right now, often because of a poor connection. Switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data, then try again.
Can Snapchat Support remove an SS06 or SS07 ban?
No. These codes mean the device is banned, and Snapchat Support says it can't lift device bans. You can still request a download of your data.
