How to delete Snapchat (2024)

How to delete Snapchat (1)

If it's time to delete or deactivate Snapchat, we can help.Credit: bob al-greene / mashable

The social media world changes fast and can be fickle and faddy. While last month you might have been happily sending Snaps, posting Stories, and keeping Snapstreaks going, this month, the multimedia messaging service might seem a little passe.

Simply deleting the Snapchat app from your smartphone will not close your account. If you're looking to disable, delete, or deactivate your Snapchat, we're here to tell you how.

SEE ALSO:

Snapchat will now watermark users' AI-generated images

(Editor's note: If you want to delete your Snapchat because you're being cyberbullied, you can find out where to get advice and support online via The Cybersmile Foundation.)

The trick to deactivating Snapchat

Unlike other social media platforms, Snapchat does not allow you to temporarily disable your account. The only way you can deactivate your Snapchat account is to go through the deletion process, which gives you 30 days to reactivate your Snapchat account.

If this is a route you want to go down to see if you can live without the social media service, then follow our how-to-delete-Snapchat advice below. You could then set a reminder a few days before the 30-day deadline in order to make your final decision as to whether you want to de- or reactivate your account.

Before you decide to delete Snapchat…

Before you delete your Snapchat account, you may wish to download your Snapchat data. This is perfectly within your rights and relatively simple to do. In fact, you can choose to do this anytime, not just because you're on course to delete your account.

Please be aware that, for security reasons, you'll need a verified email address to download your data.

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How do download your Snapchat data

Total Time

  • 1min

What You Need

  • iPhone
  • Snapchat
  • verified email address

Step 1:Log in to Snapchat on the website accounts.snapchat.com

You can't download your Snapchat data via app. If you don't log in on the website often, you may get a "Suspicious Login" page appear.

How to delete Snapchat (2)

Credit: snapchat

Step 2:Enter the code the site will send you via text message or your registered email address.

Step 3:Click "My Data" on the account homepage.

How to delete Snapchat (3)

Credit: snapchat

Step 4:Scroll to the bottom of the page and select "Submit Request."

The screen explains what kind of data Snapchat has on file for you. You should receive a copy of your Snapchat data as a ZIP file to your verified email address, usually within 24 hours. Do note you need to wait to receive this before you delete your account, otherwise, the ZIP file will not be sent through.

How to delete Snapchat (4)

Credit: snapchat

Permanently deactivating and deleting your Snapchat account

As we've already explained, the Snapchat deletion process gives you a 30-day cooling-off period which means you can change your mind within that timeframe.

How do delete your Snapchat

What You Need

  • iPhone
  • Snapchat
  • verified email address

Step 1:Log into Snapchat on the website accounts.snapchat.com.

Step 2:Go to the Snapchat account management screen.

Step 3:Look down the page and select "Delete My Account."

How to delete Snapchat (5)

Credit: Snapchat

Step 4:Enter your username and password. Select "Continue."

The "Delete Account" page gives you an insight into the process.

How to delete Snapchat (6)

Credit: snapchat

And that's it! Your Snapchat account no longer exists to the wider world. Your Snapchat account has now been officially deactivated, which means friends won't be able to contact you on Snapchat. After 30 days, your account will be permanently deleted.

If you have verified your email address with Snapchat, you will get a confirmation email when that finally happens.

How to delete Snapchat (7)

You'll see this when you've successfully deactivated your account. Credit: Snapchat

Exercising the right to change your mind and reactivate your Snapchat account

If you do change your mind within the 30-day deactivation period, you can reactivate your Snapchat account. To do this, simply log in to Snapchat using your username (not email) and password.

It can sometimes take 24 hours before a deactivated account can be reactivated. If you attempt this within the 24-hour period, you may see a "Cannot find the user" error message. Wait, then try again.

Can I reactivate my Snapchat account after 30 days?

If you want to access your old account again, we're sorry, but it's impossible. According to a Snapchat spokesperson, a permanently deleted account means all of the account settings, friends, Snaps, Chats, Stories, device data, and location data are deleted from the main user database.

If you want to get back on Snapchat in general, you can make an entirely new account – but you won't be able to use your old username, even if it hasn't been snatched up. Any previously owned usernames cannot be claimed by new users, according to Snapchat's spokesperson. And because all that data was deleted, you'd have to manually add back all your friends and remake any content you might have had. So make sure you really want out before you pull the plug!

Related Video: How to permanently delete your social media

This post was originally published in January 2021 and was updated in June 2024.

TopicsSnapchat

How to delete Snapchat (8)

Amy-Mae Turner

Amy-Mae is a freelance writer covering tech at Mashable.

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How to delete Snapchat (2024)

FAQs

Why is Snapchat not letting me delete my account? ›

The Snapchat app for Android doesn't include the option to delete accounts. Log into your account via the website to delete or deactivate your Snapchat account.

Does deleting the Snapchat app delete an account? ›

When you delete the Snapchat app from your device, your account remains dormant. Your friends won't be able to send you Snaps or messages, and your Story will disappear from their feeds. However, your profile and data are still stored on Snapchat's servers.

Can you get a permanently deleted Snapchat account? ›

You have 30 days to reactivate a Snapchat account that has been deactivated before it is scheduled for permanent deletion. ⚠️ Please Note: You cannot change your password or use your email address/phone number to log in to your account while it's deactivated. Permanently deleted accounts cannot be reactivated.

Why does Snapchat not delete? ›

Please Note: If you switch from '24 Hours after Viewing' or 'Never Delete' to 'After Viewing,' then previously viewed Chats will disappear. Your messages won't delete right away if someone saves, replies, or reacts to your message.

How long does it take for Snapchat to fully delete your account? ›

Snapchat will first deactivate your account for 30 days. During this period, if you change your mind, you can reactivate your account by logging in again. After 30 days, the deletion process will start, taking an additional 30 days to complete. Your account will be deleted permanently after 60 days.

Did they delete their Snapchat account? ›

To get started, launch the Snapchat app. Then, type their username into the search bar at the top of the screen. Any similar or matching usernames should pop up in the area below the search bar. If no matching usernames pop up, then the person has probably either deleted their account or blocked you on Snapchat.

Why can't I deactivate my Snapchat account? ›

How to deactivate Snapchat. Snapchat doesn't offer indefinite deactivation. Instead, you have to follow the deletion process, which will deactivate your account for 30 days. But be careful, because your account will be permanently deleted if you don't log back in within 30 days.

Will my friends know if I delete my Snapchat account? ›

If you deactivate your account, your friends will not be able to see your information. No message exists that alerts others to your account deletion or deactivation. Your account just disappears. You will have to let your friends know about deleting your Snapchat account another way.

What are the rules for deleting Snapchat account? ›

Deleting Snapchat is a multi-step process: It involves navigating to account settings, verifying identity, and a 30-day waiting period before permanent deletion. Getting rid of your Snapchat account is one step, but managing privacy across all platforms through tools, settings, and limiting info sharing is essential.

Can a Snapchat account be deleted on its own? ›

Yes, Snapchat may delete inactive accounts. According to Snapchat's official support page, if an account has been inactive for a prolonged period, it may be deactivated or deleted. However, the specific time frame for deactivation or deletion is not specified by Snapchat.

When you delete a Snapchat account is it gone forever? ›

However, it's important to note that when you delete your account, it will initially just be deactivated, and you can log back in within 30 days to reactivate it. If you don't log back into your account after 30 days, your Snapchat account will be gone forever.

How do I delete my child's Snapchat account? ›

If your child is under the age of 13 and has created a Snapchat account, the account must be deleted in accordance with our Terms of Use (www. snapchat.com/terms) by going to www.snapchat.com/a/delete_account and entering the child's username and password.

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