Snapchat is a popular messaging app that markets itself on the premise of disappearing messages. When a user sends a Snap, the receiver can view it for up to 10 seconds before it disappears from the chat screen. This gives a sense of privacy and impermanence to conversations on Snapchat.
However, the question arises – can Snapchat messages be permanently deleted? Is it possible to recover or access Snapchat messages after they have disappeared? Or do they vanish into the digital ether forever?
In this article, we will examine theSnapchat messages deletion process, and discuss the various factors that determine whether a Snapchat message can be permanently deleted.
How Does Snapchat Delete Messages?
When a user sends a Snapchat message (called a Snap), the Snap travels to Snapchat’s servers first before being transmitted to the recipient. This gives Snapchat an opportunity to delete the Snap from their servers after it has been viewed.
Here is a brief overview of how Snapchat handles message deletion:
- User sends Snap, which goes to Snapchat server first.
- Snapchat identifies the sender and recipient.
- Snap is transmitted to the recipient’s device and opens in the Snapchat app.
- Recipient views Snap for 1-10 seconds.
- Snapchat by default deletes Snap from their servers as soon as it’s viewed.
- Snap disappears from recipient’s app after viewing duration.
This process gives the impression that Snaps are deleted forever once viewed. But is that truly the case?
Can Snapchat Messages Be Recovered?
Despite Snapchat’s deletion process, there are ways Snaps can be recovered, either purposefully or accidentally. This means they are not truly permanently deleted. Here are some scenarios where Snapchat messages can resurface after disappearing:
Screenshots
The recipient can take screenshots of Snaps while viewing them. The Snapchat app notifies the sender if a screenshot is taken. However, there are ways to take stealth screenshots that do not trigger notifications. Snapchat has no control over screenshots taken in this manner.
Android App Caching
On Android devices, the Snapchat app temporarily caches Snaps and chat data in the phone’s storage. Users can access cached Snap files using third-party apps. Snapchat cannot delete files saved this way.
IOS App Caching
Similarly, the Snapchat app on iOS devices maintains a cache of data that allows photos, videos and chats to be recovered using data recovery software. Snapchat cannot permanently erase cached iOS data.
Unopened Snaps
If a Snap goes unopened, Snapchat holds it for 30 days on their servers before deleting it. Users can recover unopened Snaps via data restore if they reinstall the app within 30 days.
Chat Logs
Snapchat retains chat logs between users on their servers. While the Snaps themselves disappear, records of conversations remain intact and can be subpoenaed if required.
Operating System Deleted Data Folders
Both Android and iOS devices store deleted Snapchat data in hidden folders that can be accessed if the phone is rooted/jailbroken. So Snaps can reappear if someone digs through the OS’ deleted data cache.
Third-party Apps
There are third-party apps like Snapchat Save Pics that allow users to intercept Snaps and covertly save them. These apps subvert Snapchat’s deletion system completely.
Does Snapchat Have Any Data Protection?
Snapchat does incorporate some data protection measures to ensure responsible deletion:
Encryption
Snaps are now encrypted between device and server. This protects leaked Snaps from being viewed if intercepted by third parties.
Screenshot Detection
As mentioned earlier, Snapchat can detect if a screenshot was taken and notify the sender. This discourages recipients from saving Snaps overtly.
Cache Deletion
Snapchat attempts to delete cached Snap data once Snaps are closed. However, this relies on cooperation from device operating systems.
Live Photos
Recipients can replay Snaps once before they disappear. However, replay only works if the user keeps the Snap open. If closed prematurely, replay is not possible.
Deletion from Servers
Snapchat immediately deletes Snaps from their servers after they are viewed and removes unopened Snaps after 30 days. This minimizes Snapchat’s own data retention.
However, these measures are not hackproof. As we’ve discussed, Snaps can still be recovered despite Snapchat’s in-app deletions.
Can Law Enforcement Recover Deleted Snaps?
If required by law, Snapchat may be compelled to provide user data to legal authorities. Here are some scenarios where law enforcement can recover deleted Snaps:
With a Search Warrant
Police can obtain a search warrant granting access to Snapchat’s servers and user data. They can then retrieve cached or backed-up copies of Snaps and chat logs.
With User Consent
Law enforcement officials may ask users to voluntarily grant access to their Snapchat account and data for investigative purposes. This would allow recovery of deleted Snaps.
Via the App
In exigent circumstances like kidnappings, law enforcement can submit emergency data requests through the Snapchat law enforcement portal. This may allow access to specified account data.
From Recipient Devices
If recipients cooperatively provide their devices, law enforcement can extract forensic copies of cached Snapchat data using digital forensics tools.
However, legal procedures must be followed. Snapchat cannot share user data without proper documentation and authorization.
Can Regular Snapchat Users Recover Deleted Snaps?
For regular Snapchat users, the options to recover deleted Snaps on their own are limited:
Unopened Snaps
As mentioned earlier, Snapchat retains unopened Snaps for 30 days. These can be recovered if users reinstall Snapchat within 30 days and restore from a backup.
Chat Logs
While the Snaps disappear, records of chat conversations remain in the app. Users can scroll back through chat logs to read previously deleted conversations.
Saved Chat PDF
Snapchat allows exporting a chat conversation as a PDF file. The PDF chat log contains text records of conversations, but not the actual Snaps sent back and forth.
Recipient Cooperation
Users can request recipients to voluntarily provide saved copies of Snaps they had sent them earlier. But recipients are under no obligation to cooperate.
Beyond these options, regular users have no way to forensically restore deleted Snapchat data on their own.
Conclusion
While Snapchat markets itself on impermanent messaging, the reality is that Snaps can frequently be recovered, either deliberately or accidentally. Snapchat’s in-app deletions do not guarantee permanent deletion.
However, recovering deleted Snaps requires either willful action by the recipient, use of third-party apps, or forensic data recovery techniques. Under normal circumstances, Snapchat’s deletion mechanisms make Snaps reasonably transient.
Legally, Snapchat is obliged to share user data with law enforcement if proper procedures are followed. But the company cannot voluntarily share user Snaps without permission or legal directives.
For regular users, options to recover deleted Snaps are limited. But users should be aware Snapchat’s deletion process is not infallible, and Snaps can reappear under certain conditions.
Permanent deletion of anything on digital channels is quite difficult to achieve. However, Snapchat’s core deletion design still fulfills its purpose of providing a sense of impermanence, even if true permanently deletion is difficult to guarantee in the digital age.