Snapchat is a popular social media app that allows users to send photo and video messages that disappear after being viewed. One of Snapchat’s key features is that by default, snaps, stories, and chats are deleted after being viewed or after 24 hours. This gives an ephemeral, temporary feeling to Snapchat content.
However, there are a few ways Snapchatters can save or access old snaps and chats if they want to. Here’s what you need to know about accessing Snapchat history.
Saving Snapchat content
While Snapchat’s content is designed to be temporary, there are ways users can save snaps, chats, and stories if they want to access them later. Here are some of the main ways to save Snapchat content:
- Using the Replay feature – Recipients can replay a snap once per day unless the sender has turned off the option. This allows users to view a snap again for up to 24 hours.
- Using Snapchat Memories – Users can save snaps they want to keep to their private Snapchat Memories. These can be viewed indefinitely.
- Using the Chat Export feature – Snapchatters can request to download their chat history, which includes text chats and snaps sent within chats.
- Taking screenshots – Users can take screenshots of snaps and stories to save images and chats locally on their device.
- Using third party apps – There are some third party apps that can help save Snapchat content, however they violate Snapchat’s terms of service.
By using the above methods, Snapchat users are able to preserve snaps, stories, and chats indefinitely if they want to access old Snapchat content.
Accessing chat history
The main official way to access previous Snapchat chats and media is by using the Chat Export feature. Here’s how it works:
- Go to your Profile page and tap the gear icon to access Settings.
- Scroll down and tap “My Data” then “Submit Request.”
- Select either “All Snaps” or “Chat History.” “All Snaps” will include chat messages plus media. “Chat History” is just text chats.
- Select a timeframe to export data from the last 30 days to the past 30 calendar days.
- Enter your password and submit the request.
- Snapchat will compile and send you a download link via email. This may take 1-7 days.
- Download the .zip file and extract to view your chat history files.
This will allow you to access and view a complete saved history of your text chats on Snapchat, as well as any snaps and media sent within chats, for the timeframe selected.
What does Chat Export include?
The Chat Export feature includes:
- Text and messages from your 1-on-1 and group chats
- Snaps and media sent within chats
- Chat metadata like usernames, timestamps, etc.
It does not include:
- Deleted chats
- Expiring snap content
- Stories
- Snapchat Memories
- Audio notes
When can I request Chat Export?
You can request a Chat Export:
- Once per calendar day
- For 30 day periods in the last 30 calendar days
So for example, you could request a Chat Export for Sep 10-Oct 10 today, and request Oct 11-Nov 10 tomorrow.
Does the other person know I exported chats?
No, the chat export is private and only available to you. Snapchat says the other parties in your chats will not be notified.
Accessing Snapchat Memories
In addition to Chat Export, users can also save specific snaps they want to keep indefinitely to Snapchat Memories. Here’s how Memories work:
- To save a snap to Memories, tap the downward arrow while viewing it. This saves it to your private Memories.
- Go to the Memories tab in Snapchat to view your saved snaps, stories, and imported photos. There is no time limit on viewing them.
- Memories are organized by type and time. You can search Memories using text search or Snapchat’s image recognition.
- You can also create new Stories in Memories from your saved snaps.
Snapchat Memories provide a way to indefinitely save specific photo and video snaps that you want ongoing access to.
Using third party apps
While it violates Snapchat’s terms of use, some third party apps claim to allow saving Snapchat messages, photos, videos and other media.
Some examples include:
- SnapCrack
- Snapbox
- Snapsave
- SnapX (iOS only)
These work by intercepting Snapchat data on a user’s device and storing it locally or in the app’s cloud storage. However, be aware that using these third party apps can result in a ban from Snapchat if detected.
The risks of third party apps
Using unauthorized third party apps to keep Snapchat content poses some risks, including:
- A ban or locked account if Snapchat detects you violating their terms by using these tools.
- Potentially capturing and storing content without your knowledge or consent.
- Security vulnerabilities since these tools aren’t developed or vetted by Snapchat.
In many cases, these third party tools capture all Snapchat activity, not just specific media you want to save, which raises privacy concerns.
Recovering deleted Snapchat account data
If your Snapchat account itself is deleted, either by you or through being banned by Snapchat, is there any way to recover or access the deleted account data?
Unfortunately, if your Snapchat account is deleted, your snaps, chats, memories, and other data is permanently deleted by Snapchat and cannot be recovered.
Some of the only ways you may be able to access deleted Snapchat data include:
- If you had previously used Chat Export to download your chat history, you’d have those files.
- If you had taken screenshots of specific snaps or chats, you’d still have those screenshots saved locally on your device or backed up to a cloud service.
- On iOS devices, you may be able to recover some Snapchat files using data recovery software that scans the phone’s storage and memory.
But there is no official method to recover or access data from a deleted Snapchat account.
Conclusion
While Snapchat’s content is designed to be ephemeral, users do have some options to save snaps, chats, stories and memories if they want to access old Snapchat data. This includes using Chat Export, Memories, taking screenshots, and unsupported third party apps. However deleted Snapchat account data is generally inaccessible from Snapchat itself. Understanding Snapchat’s privacy and data policies can help you decide what to share – and what to save – on the platform.