Are you considering saying goodbye to Snapchat? Whether you’re concerned about privacy, need a digital detox, or simply no longer use the app, deleting your Snapchat account is a straightforward process. This guide will walk you through exactly How To Delete Snapchat permanently, covering all the necessary steps whether you’re on a web browser, Android, or iOS device. We’ll also explain what happens when you delete your account, how to deactivate it temporarily, and how to download your Snapchat data before you go.
Before we dive into the deletion process, it’s crucial to understand that Snapchat doesn’t immediately delete your account. Instead, it enters a 30-day deactivation period. During this time, your account is hidden, and if you change your mind, you can easily reactivate it. However, if you don’t log in within those 30 days, your Snapchat account will be permanently deleted, along with all your data if you haven’t downloaded it.
Let’s get started on how to delete your Snapchat account.
Deleting Snapchat via Web Browser: For Android and Computer Users
If you are an Android user or prefer using your computer, deleting your Snapchat account through a web browser is the only way to initiate the process. Here’s how:
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Navigate to Snapchat Accounts Portal: Open your web browser and go to accounts.snapchat.com.
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Log in to Your Snapchat Account: Enter your Snapchat username (or email or phone number) and password to log in.
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Initiate Account Deletion: Once logged in, select Delete My Account from the options provided.
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Verify Your Decision: You’ll be redirected to a page to confirm your decision. Re-enter your username and password when prompted, and then click Continue.
After completing these steps, your Snapchat account is now deactivated and will be scheduled for permanent deletion in 30 days.
Deleting Snapchat on iOS App: For iPhone Users
iPhone users have the convenience of deleting their Snapchat account directly from the mobile app. Here’s how to do it:
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Open the Snapchat App: Launch the Snapchat application on your iPhone.
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Access Your Profile: Tap on your profile icon located in the top-left corner of the screen.
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Go to Settings: Tap the Settings cog icon in the top-right corner to access your Snapchat settings.
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Find Delete Account Option: Scroll down to the Account Actions section and tap on Delete Account.
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Confirm Account Deletion: You will be prompted to enter your username and password again. After entering your credentials, tap Continue to confirm your decision to delete your account.
Just like with the web browser method, your Snapchat account will now enter a 30-day deactivation period before permanent deletion.
Understanding Snapchat Deactivation and Reactivation
Snapchat’s deactivation period is a safety net, allowing you to restore your account if you change your mind. During these 30 days, your friends won’t be able to contact you on Snapchat, and your profile will not be visible. It’s essentially a temporary suspension before permanent removal.
How to Reactivate Snapchat Account:
If you decide to return to Snapchat within the 30-day deactivation window, reactivation is simple:
- Log In: Just open the Snapchat app or go to the Snapchat website and log in using your usual username and password.
- Confirm Reactivation: Snapchat will prompt you to confirm that you want to reactivate your account. Follow the on-screen instructions.
It might take up to 24 hours for your account to be fully restored. Once reactivated, your account will be as it was before you initiated deletion, with all your friends, memories, and data intact.
Downloading Your Snapchat Data Before Deletion
Before you permanently delete Snapchat, it’s a good idea to download your data. This includes your Memories, profile information, Snap history, chat history, and other account details. Snapchat allows you to request and download this data directly. Here’s how to do it on both web browser and iOS app:
Downloading Snapchat Data via Web Browser
This method works for both Android and computer users:
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Go to Snapchat Accounts Website: Open your browser and go to accounts.snapchat.com and log in.
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Navigate to My Data: Once logged in, click on My Data in the menu.
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Choose Data and Format: Select the file format for your download (JSON or HTML) and choose the data categories you wish to include. Click Next.
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Specify Date Range (Optional) and Submit Request: You can optionally specify a date range for the data. Confirm your email address and click Submit.
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Wait for Snapchat to Process: Snapchat will process your request and send a download link to your verified email address. This link will lead you to a .zip file containing your Snapchat data.
Downloading Snapchat Data on iOS App
iPhone users can also download their data directly from the app:
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Open Snapchat Profile: Tap your profile icon in the top-left corner of the app.
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Access Settings: Tap the Settings cog.
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Go to My Data: Scroll down to Privacy Controls section and select My Data.
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Select Data Options and Format: Choose your desired file format and the types of data you want to download, then tap Next.
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Optional Date Range and Submit: You can set a date range if needed. Confirm your email and tap Submit.
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Download Link via Email: Snapchat will send a confirmation message and then email you a download link to a .zip file with your data.
FAQs About Deleting Snapchat
Should I delete Snapchat?
Whether you should delete Snapchat depends on your personal reasons. If you find yourself not using the app anymore, or if privacy concerns or issues like cyberbullying are a worry, deleting your account is a valid option. Alternatively, if you’re concerned about privacy but still want to use Snapchat, consider adjusting your privacy settings to make your account private or enabling Ghost Mode to hide your location on the Snap Map.
How do I reactivate Snapchat if I forget my password?
If you’ve forgotten your password and need to reactivate your account, you’ll first need to reset your password. On the login screen, tap Forgot your password? and choose to reset it via Email or SMS. Follow the instructions to set a new password, and then you can log in to reactivate.
Can I deactivate Snapchat without logging in?
No, you must be able to log into your Snapchat account to initiate the deletion or deactivation process. This is a security measure to ensure only the account owner can make these changes.
Will deactivating Snapchat delete my saved messages?
No, deactivating your Snapchat account does not immediately delete your saved messages or other data. It simply makes your account inaccessible and invisible to others for 30 days. Your saved data remains until the account is permanently deleted after the deactivation period, unless you reactivate it.
Why can’t I immediately delete my Snapchat account?
Snapchat’s 30-day deactivation period is designed as a buffer. It’s not possible to immediately and permanently delete your account to prevent accidental deletions and give you time to reconsider.
How long can you temporarily disable your Snapchat?
You can temporarily disable your Snapchat account for 30 days. If you log in within this period, your account is reactivated. If you do not log in, it will be permanently deleted.
If I delete my Snapchat account, what happens to my friends list and snaps?
Once your Snapchat account is permanently deleted, your profile will be removed from Snapchat, and you will lose access to your account, friends list, snaps, chats, and all other data associated with the account (unless you downloaded it beforehand). Your username will also become available for others to use in the future.
Conclusion: Making an Informed Decision About Deleting Snapchat
Deleting your Snapchat account is a decision that should be made with consideration. This guide provides you with all the necessary steps on how to delete Snapchat effectively, whether through a web browser or the iOS app. Remember to download your data if you wish to keep it, and understand the 30-day deactivation period before your account is permanently gone. If you’re simply looking for a break, remember you can always reactivate within 30 days. Make the choice that best suits your needs and enjoy your digital wellbeing.
