Overcoming Snapchat's "Oops, We Couldn't Match Your Credentials" Issue
Dealing with the dreaded "Oops, We Couldn't Find Matching Credentials" error on Snapchat can leave you feeling puzzled and annoyed. Here's a lowdown on the probable causes and some clever workarounds to get back into your account ASAP.
What's behind the error message?
This error typically pops up when Snapchat can't verify the login details you've entered. Here are a few reasons why you might be facing this conundrum:
1. Account Locked by Snapchat
You may have temporarily triggered a lock on your account due to suspicious activity or rule-breaking. This often happens when people try to access their account from a new location or device.
2. Device Ban
If you've gone against Snapchat's rules multiple times from that device, you might find yourself banned from accessing Snapchat altogether, resulting in the error message.
3. Server Issues
Sometimes, the error could be due to momentary issues with Snapchat's servers. You might see it fixing itself after a while.
4. Incorrect Credentials
Of course, it could also simply mean that you've accidentally misspelled your username or entered the wrong password. In this case, Snapchat won't tell you that the credentials are incorrect; it'll just say it can't find matched credentials.
5. Account Deletion
In rare instances, your account might have been deleted entirely for breaking the rules. Snapchat will not notify you when they do this.
Let's address the issue!
In an attempt to fix this snag, follow these tips:
1. Purge & Reinstall Snapchat
First things first – remove Snapchat from your device, power it off completely, and reinstall the app. This will wipe out any corrupted data that could be causing problems with your credentials.
For Android:
- Head over to the Settings app
- Tap Apps or Application Manager
- Find Snapchat, click it, then tap Uninstall, and confirm
- Restart your phone after a minute, then download Snapchat again from the Play Store
For iPhone:
- Hold down the Snapchat icon until the icons start wiggling
- Tap the X icon on Snapchat to delete it
- Turn off your iPhone, let it rest for a minute, and turn it back on
- Reinstall Snapchat from the App Store
2. Test Account Status via a Friend's Device
To ensure your account still exists, try viewing it from a companion's device:
- Open Snapchat on your friend's phone
- Go to 'Add Friends'
- Type your username into the search bar and check if your account appears in the results
If your account is nowhere in sight, it may have been deleted.
3. Reset your Password
Might be that your password has expired or been changed – simply reset your password to remedy the issue:
- Navigate to the Snapchat password reset page
- Enter your email or phone number, click Submit, and check your email for a reset link
- Click the link and follow the instructions provided to reset your password
- Log in to the mobile app using your new password
4. Log out All Sessions from the Snapchat website
An active session on another device could be keeping you from logging in on your phone. Log out all sessions from the Snapchat website:
- Log in to your account with your username and current password
- Click on your Bitmoji in the top left, followed by 'Settings'
- Select 'Log Out,' then confirm by clicking 'Log Out' again
- Re-enter the app on your phone
This will clear all devices, helping yours connect anew.
5. Shift to a Different Network
Sometimes, network problems could be causing the server issues. Try turning off WiFi and switching to cellular data, or vice versa:
- If you're on WiFi, turn it off and log in using cellular data
- Conversely, if you're on cellular data, connect to WiFi and see if you can log in
This may help you reach Snapchat's login servers via a different route, potentially avoiding network issues.
6. Test Logging In from a Different Device
Access your Snapchat account from a family member or friend's device to determine if your device or account is the culprit:
- Borrow a phone with a different operating system from your usual one
- Install Snapchat and try logging in to see if the error still appears
If logging in with the other device works, reinstall Snapchat and restart your phone to see if the problem resolves.
7. Clear Cache and App Data on Android
Stuck on Android smoothies? Wiping the app data might fix the issue without deleting your account data:
- Open your smartphone's Settings app
- Tap Apps or Application Manager
- Swipe down to Snapchat, tap on it
- Chose "Storage and cache" and proceed to "Clear Cache"
- Open Snapchat and log in again
This refreshes the login process without losing any account data.
8. Touch Base with Snapchat Support
If all else fails, contact Snapchat Support for personalized assistance:
- Tap on your profile picture or Bitmoji icon in the top left corner
- Select the gear icon in the top right corner (Settings)
- Scroll down to 'Support,' tap 'I Need Help'
- Input your issue in the search bar; if you don't find a specific solution, hit 'Contact Us' and choose the appropriate option
- Confirm that you still require help, fill in your information, and attach screenshots if possible
- Send the request and wait for help from Snapchat Support
Keeping the Error at Bay
Once you've regained access to your Snapchat joyride, avoid future lockouts by bankrolling these best practices:
1. Activate Two-Factor Authentication
Adding two-factor authentication requires extra code verification from an authenticator app or SMS text message when logging in on a new device, thwarting unauthorized logins.
Enable it like so:
- Navigate to your Snapchat Settings
- Find Login Verification and choose either 'SMS Text Message' or 'Authentication App'
- Set it up as explained in the prompts
2. Nix 3rd-Party Apps and Mods
Refrain from using third-party apps that violate Snapchat's policies, like location fakers, sticker/filter apps, etc., to prevent abrupt, unwarranted bans.
3. Refresh Passwords Regularly
If your login credentials fall into the hands of cyber villains during a data breach, they could bear out Snapchat accounts. Keep the sandbox safe by mucking out your passwords every few moons.
Wrapping Up
Finding the dreaded "Oops, We Couldn't Find Matching Credentials" message on Snapchat is no walk in the daisies; don't worry, though! Most often, a bit of elbow grease and patience will help you overcome the hitch.
First, try following the detective work steps described above, such as reinstalling the app, resetting your password, juggling networks, or booting off all sessions. Wiping the cache and clearing app data also helps flashstart the login phase.
Should you still be tangled up after running through the detective work tips, touch base with Snapchat Support. Fill them in on the details of the quandary, including any clues they might want, and trust that their skilled investigators can rescue your account.
Don't fall victim to crooked tit-for-tat scams promising to unlock your account against the law. Once you break through the Snapchat wall, consider fortifying your account by setting up two-factor authentication and giving your passwords a face-lift from time to time. Your Snapchat ~~extravaganza~~ sandcastle belongs to you – keep it that way!
- The error message might be because you've entered incorrect credentials, such as misspelling your username or incorrect password, leading Snapchat to report "Oops, We Couldn't Find Matching Credentials."
- While dealing with smartphones and gadgets, if you've been banned from accessing Snapchat on your device, it could also result in the error message, as a consequence of repeated rule violations.
