You can change your age in Snapchat settings, but only within limits set by the app

Snapchat lets you update your birthdate in your account settings, but the app restricts how often you can make changes and won't let you lower your age below what you originally entered. If you entered your birthdate incorrectly when you created your account, you have a window to fix it — but if you've already changed it once, you'll need to wait or contact Snapchat support for a second change.

The process takes about two minutes and happens entirely within the app. You don't need to delete your account or start over, and your Snapchat username and friends list stay the same.

Key Takeaways

  • Open Snapchat, tap your profile icon, then select Settings to find your birthdate in the Personal Information section.
  • You can change your age upward freely, but Snapchat will not let you lower your age below what you originally entered.
  • If you've already changed your birthdate once, Snapchat may require you to wait a set period before allowing another change.
  • Contacting Snapchat support through the app is the only way to request a second age change if the app blocks you.

Step-by-step: changing your birthdate in Snapchat

Start by opening Snapchat and tapping your profile icon in the top-left corner of the screen. This takes you to your profile page. Look for the gear icon labeled "Settings" and tap it.

Once you're in Settings, scroll down until you see "Personal Information" or "Account Information" (the exact label varies by device and app version). Tap that section. You'll see your current birthdate listed. Tap on the birthdate field to edit it.

Enter your correct birthdate using the date picker or keyboard that appears. Snapchat will ask you to confirm the change. Tap the confirmation button, and your new age will be saved when ready. Your profile will now reflect the updated birthdate.

Why Snapchat limits age changes

Snapchat restricts age changes because the app uses your birthdate to enforce age-based features and content filters. Users under 13 cannot create accounts at all. Users between 13 and 18 have restricted access to certain features, like Stories visibility and contact options, that are available to adults. Changing your age repeatedly could let someone bypass these protections.

The restriction also helps Snapchat comply with laws like COPPA (the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act), which requires platforms to verify the age of younger users and limit how their data is used. By locking age changes after the first one, Snapchat reduces the risk that someone could misrepresent their age to access adult features or hide their real age from the platform.

What to do if you can't change your age a second time

If Snapchat blocks your attempt to change your age again, the app is enforcing its one-change-per-account policy. You'll see a message saying you cannot make another change at this time. Some accounts may be able to change their age again after waiting 30 to 90 days, though Snapchat does not publish exact timelines.

If you need to change your age when ready and the app won't let you, contact Snapchat support directly through the app. Open Settings, scroll to the bottom, and tap "Contact Us" or "Help." Describe your situation — for example, that you entered your birthdate incorrectly when you created your account. Snapchat support can sometimes override the restriction, though response times vary and they may ask you to verify your identity.

Important: you cannot lower your age below your original entry

Snapchat's system will not let you change your birthdate to make yourself younger than the age you originally entered. If you created your account and said you were born in 2010, you cannot later change it to 2012. You can only move the date forward in time — making yourself older on paper.

This is a permanent restriction tied to your account. If you entered a significantly wrong birthdate and need to lower your age, your only option is to contact Snapchat support and explain the error. They may ask for proof of your real age or other verification before making the change.

How age affects your Snapchat experience

Your age determines which features you can access and how your account appears to other users. Users under 18 have limited visibility on the Discover page and cannot use certain monetization features. Their Stories are set to "Friends Only" by default rather than public. Snapchat also restricts who can contact them through the app.

Once you turn 18 (or update your age to 18 or older), these restrictions lift. You gain access to the full Discover feed, can change your Story visibility settings, and have more control over who can message you. Changing your age in the app updates these permissions automatically — you don't need to log out or restart Snapchat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my age on Snapchat more than once?

You can change your age once freely. A second change may be blocked, and you may need to wait 30 to 90 days before trying again. If you need to change it sooner, contact Snapchat support through the app's Help section and explain why the first entry was wrong.

What happens to my account if I change my age?

Your username, friends list, and saved messages stay the same. Only your age-based permissions change. If you lower your age below 18, some features like monetization will become unavailable. If you raise your age to 18 or older, restricted features unlock.

Can I change my age if I'm under 13?

Snapchat does not allow accounts for users under 13, so if your account exists, you must have entered an age of 13 or older when you created it. You cannot change your age to under 13 — Snapchat's system will reject it.

How long does it take for an age change to take effect?

Age changes take effect when ready. Your profile updates right away, and any feature restrictions or unlocks happen as soon as you confirm the change. You don't need to restart the app.

What if Snapchat support doesn't respond to my request?

Snapchat support response times vary, sometimes taking several days to a week. If you don't hear back, try submitting another request through the Help section. Make sure you're clear about why you need the change — accidental entry errors are more likely to be approved than requests to change age for other reasons.