Snapchat - Managing Your Account - Account Security & Privacy Controls

Aug 24, 2026

Guide for managing a Snapchat mobile account, covering setup steps and daily security practices. Instructions explain how to access account settings, choose a secure password, enable two-factor authentication using a second method, and disconnect connected apps. Privacy controls detail options such as clearing data, managing location sharing on Snap Map, controlling story visibility, selecting who can contact you, disabling quick add visibility and activity indicators, and using Family Center. Includes key reminders about group chats, friend-only access, and how story changes affect previously posted snaps, plus useful safety links.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages3

Reading Time8 min

AccessFree to download

Managing Your Account

Two-Factor Authentication

Privacy Controls

Things to Remember

Useful Links

Snapchat mobile MANAGING YOUR ACCOUNT 1 Snapchat is a messaging app used daily by over 300 million active users worldwide. It is used to send pictures and videos and is very popular among teens. It is rated as appropriate for most teens age 16 and up. 2 1. Start by touching your avatar in the upper left. 2. Access your settings by touching the gear icon in the upper right. 3. Choose a secure password or passphrase. 4. Enable two-factor authentication (see below). 5. Disconnect Apps from Snap that maybe connected. TWO-FACTOR AUTHENTICATION Under my account on the settings screen choose two factor authentication and follow the steps to add a second authentication method. This helps to prevent others from accessing your account without your permission. Use an authentication app for better security. EFFECTIVE: JUNE 2023 Snapchat mobile PRIVACY CONTROLS KEY OPTIONS INCLUDE (found by scrolling down on the Settings screen) Clear Data: Clear things like conversations, contact data, search history, scan history, shopping history, top locations and more. See My Location: Choose who can view your location on the snap map. Your location won’tbe shared on the map until you open it for the first time. If Ghost Mode is enabled your friends won’t be able to see your location (this is recommended-see screen to right). There is an additional option to allow friends to request your location. View My Story: Choose who can view your story. My Friends is the recommended setting. Tap‘Custom’ if you’d like to block specific friends from seeing your story. Contact Me: Choose "Friends" so that only your friends can contact you directly with snaps, chats, calls, etc. See Me in Quick Add: Toggle OFF option under See Me in Quick Add. If ON, you may show up for those who you have mutual friends or other connections. Activity Indicator: Toggle OFF so others can't see if you have recently been active. Family Center: For parents to gain insight into who their teens are communicating with on Snapchat. (see screen to right) EFFECTIVE: JUNE 2023 Snapchat mobile THINGS TO REMEMBER Even if you choose ‘My Friends’, anyone you are in a group with will be able to communicate with you in group chat. To see who’s in a group before you jump in, just press and hold on the name of the group in the chat screen. Only join groups with people you know. If you choose ‘My Friends’, you won’t see snaps sent to you by non-friends—you’ll just get a notification that they added you as a friend. If you add them back, you’ll be able to see the snap they sent you! Do not choose ‘Everyone’ for ‘Who Can Contact Me’, when selected, even Snapchatters you haven’t added will be able to send you snaps and chats. If you post a snap to your story, and then change your settings so only friends can see your story, others may still be able to see the snaps you posted before the change. USEFUL LINKS Safe Search Kids [https://www.safesearchkids.com/](https://www.safesearchkids.com/) Common Sense Media [https://www.commonsensemedia.org/articles/parents-ultimate-guide-to-snapchat](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/articles/parents-ultimate-guide-to-snapchat) [Microsoft Safety & Security](Microsoft Safety & Security) [https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4091455/windows-protect-privacy-internet](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4091455/windows-protect-privacy-internet) OnGuard Online [https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/features/feature-0038-onguardonline](https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/features/feature-0038-onguardonline) Snapchat Support [https://support.snapchat.com/en-US/i-need-help](https://support.snapchat.com/en-US/i-need-help) [https://consumer.sd.gov/ 1-800-300-1986](https://consumer.sd.gov/ 1-800-300-1986)

FAQs

How do I start managing my Snapchat account settings?

Touch your avatar in the upper left to begin, then open settings using the gear icon in the upper right.

How does two-factor authentication improve Snapchat security?

Enabling two-factor authentication adds a second authentication method to help prevent unauthorized access without permission.

What privacy controls matter most for story, contact, and location?

Use settings for who can view your story, who can contact you, and location sharing on the Snap Map (including Ghost Mode and request options).

What should I remember when I choose 'My Friends' for privacy?

Group members can message you in group chat, and you won’t see snaps from non-friends—only notifications they added you as a friend. Also, changing story visibility may not hide snaps posted before the change.

Aug 24, 2026

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