Which authenticator app works with Snapchat?

Snapchat names Google Authenticator, Duo, Microsoft Authenticator, Authy, 1Password and LastPass, and any app that produces standard six-digit codes works — including the Authenticator extension in Chrome. It can read the QR code from your phone with the computer’s camera, or take the key Snapchat shows.

Can I set up Snapchat two-factor authentication on my computer?

Snapchat’s help describes the setup only in its mobile app, so you start it there. The codes do not have to stay on the phone, though: once the account is in the extension, it gives you the code in Chrome whenever Snapchat asks for one — on Snapchat for the web or in the app.

What if I lose access to my authenticator?

Log in with your username and password and enter your Recovery Code when asked — that turns two-factor authentication off, so set it up again right away. The code has to have been created in advance, and Snapchat does not help with lost ones. Keeping the extension’s automatic backups on means a reinstall or a factory reset of the phone does not cost you the account.

Does Snapchat ask for the code when I reset my password?

Yes. With two-factor authentication on, Snapchat asks for it at login even after you reset a forgotten password — that is what keeps someone with access to your email or phone number out. Keep your mobile number and email up to date on the account as well.

Snapchat Authenticator App — Turn On Two-Factor Authentication

A Snapchat account holds your friends, chats, Memories and streaks, and a hijacked one is used to send scam links to everyone you talk to. With two-factor authentication on, Snapchat asks for a code when you log in on the app or the web — even when you reset a forgotten password — so a stolen password or a compromised email alone is not enough.

Turn on two-factor authentication in Snapchat

Snapchat’s help describes this setting only in the Snapchat mobile app, so the QR code or key appears on your phone, not on the computer — the steps further down show how to get it into the extension. Snapchat also requires both a mobile number and an email address on the account before you turn it on.

Open Snapchat on your phone, tap your Profile icon, then the gear icon ⚙️ to open “Settings”.
Under “Shortcuts”, tap “My Account”.
Under “Manage My Account”, tap “Two-Factor Authentication”, then “Continue”.
Select “Authentication App” as your verification method.
If Snapchat offers to set it up automatically with an app on the same phone, choose to set it up manually instead — that is the way to get a QR code or key you can add on the computer.
When Snapchat shows the QR code or key, keep that screen open and add it to the extension as described below — then enter the code from the extension in the Snapchat app.

Snapchat’s own instructions

Add Snapchat to Authenticator

Install 2FA Authenticator from the Chrome Web Store on your computer and pin it to the toolbar.
Keep the QR code open in the Snapchat app on your phone. On the computer, click the Authenticator icon, then “Add Account” → “QR Code” → “Scan QR with camera”, and allow the camera when Chrome asks.
Hold the phone’s screen up to the computer’s camera until the QR code is read. The account appears in the list with a six-digit code that changes every 30 seconds.
Type the current code from the extension into the Snapchat app on your phone. If it is about to expire, wait for the next one.
Snapchat confirms that two-factor authentication is on. From now on, when it asks for a code — in the app or on the web — click the extension icon and read it off.

Snapchat shows a key instead of a QR code, or no camera on the computer? Copy the key on Snapchat’s setup screen, send it to yourself, and add it in the extension with “Add Account” → “Manual” → “Secret Key” — then delete the message, since the key is as good as the codes themselves.

Get 2FA Authenticator for Chrome — free

Create your Snapchat Recovery Code

Snapchat does not make a Recovery Code for you — create one in advance: Settings → My Account → Two-Factor Authentication → “Recovery Code” → “Generate Code”, and enter your password. Print it or keep it in a password manager, not in your email. Snapchat offers no support for lost Recovery Codes, and without one you cannot log in if you lose the authenticator. Logging in with it turns two-factor authentication off, so turn it on again afterwards.

The code is not accepted?

Most often the QR code changed: the website makes a new one each time its setup page is reloaded or opened again, so the account you added first no longer matches. Start the setup again, add the QR code that is on the screen now and type its code in straight away. Two entries for the same website? Use the newest. Other reasons: why codes are refused.

Typed the key in by hand? Paste it into the TOTP code generator and compare the code with the one in the extension. If they differ, the key was copied wrong — add the account again.

Questions

Which authenticator app works with Snapchat?: Snapchat names Google Authenticator, Duo, Microsoft Authenticator, Authy, 1Password and LastPass, and any app that produces standard six-digit codes works — including the Authenticator extension in Chrome. It can read the QR code from your phone with the computer’s camera, or take the key Snapchat shows.
Can I set up Snapchat two-factor authentication on my computer?: Snapchat’s help describes the setup only in its mobile app, so you start it there. The codes do not have to stay on the phone, though: once the account is in the extension, it gives you the code in Chrome whenever Snapchat asks for one — on Snapchat for the web or in the app.
What if I lose access to my authenticator?: Log in with your username and password and enter your Recovery Code when asked — that turns two-factor authentication off, so set it up again right away. The code has to have been created in advance, and Snapchat does not help with lost ones. Keeping the extension’s automatic backups on means a reinstall or a factory reset of the phone does not cost you the account.
Does Snapchat ask for the code when I reset my password?: Yes. With two-factor authentication on, Snapchat asks for it at login even after you reset a forgotten password — that is what keeps someone with access to your email or phone number out. Keep your mobile number and email up to date on the account as well.

Your codes, one click from the login page

Authenticator keeps your 2FA codes in the browser, on your device only — free to use, open source, no account and no phone needed. Local backups and optional password protection come built in.