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Can you get rid of your Snapchat data?

Can you get rid of your Snapchat data?

Snapchat has become one of the most popular social media platforms, especially among younger users. The app’s ephemeral messaging feature, which causes messages to disappear after being viewed, is part of what makes it so appealing. However, as Snapchat use has increased, so have concerns around privacy and data retention.

Many Snapchat users wonder if they can delete or erase their Snapchat data. The short answer is yes, it is possible to delete your Snapchat account and associated data. However, the process is not as straightforward as it may seem.

What types of data does Snapchat store?

When considering whether and how to delete Snapchat data, it helps to understand what types of data the platform collects and stores in the first place. Some of the main types of data stored by Snapchat include:

  • Profile information – This includes your name, username, phone number, email address, date of birth, and other details you provide when creating your account.
  • Friends/contacts – Your friends list and any contacts you have added on Snapchat.
  • Chat messages – The ephemeral chats you exchange with friends within the app are stored, at least temporarily.
  • Photos/videos – Snapchat stores the photos and videos you send via snaps, stories, and chat.
  • Location data – The app accesses your location when you use geofilters or location-based features.
  • Usage data – This includes information on how frequently you use Snapchat, your activities within the app, etc.
  • Cookies/device data – Snapchat uses cookies and collects device-specific information such as IP address, operating system, and mobile carrier.

It’s important to understand that even if you delete a snap or story from your device and your friends’ devices, Snapchat may still have backup copies on its servers. The company stores data for as long as it considers necessary to operate the service.

How can you delete your Snapchat account?

If you want to fully remove your personal data from Snapchat, deleting your account is the main option. Here are the steps to delete your Snapchat account:

  1. Open the Snapchat app and go to your profile page.
  2. Go to the Settings menu and select ‘Support.’
  3. Tap on ‘My Account,’ then ‘Delete Account.’
  4. Enter your username and password when prompted.
  5. Select the option for ‘Delete My Account.’
  6. Confirm again that you want to delete your account.

Once you delete your account, Snapchat says the account will be disabled immediately and then deleted from its servers within 30 days. You can reactivate your account within that 30 day window if you change your mind.

Limitations of account deletion

Deleting your Snapchat account does significantly limit the data the company can collect and associate with you. However, there are some caveats to be aware of:

  • Backups of your data may remain on Snapchat’s servers up to 90 days after account deletion before being erased.
  • Snapchat may retain some data if necessary to comply with legal obligations or resolve disputes.
  • Accounts can only be deactivated and deleted directly through the app, not via email or web requests.
  • Deleted accounts cannot be reactivated after 30 days.

How to request Snapchat delete your data

In some cases, even deleting your account may not remove all traces of your personal data from Snapchat’s systems. If you want to be sure your data is eliminated, you can make a personal data erasure request under the EU’s GDPR rules or the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA).

Here is how to request Snapchat delete your data:

  1. Go to Snapchat’s personal data request form at https://accounts.snapchat.com/accounts/delete_account.
  2. Log in to verify your identity.
  3. Select the ‘Request data deletion’ option.
  4. Check the box to confirm you want your data deleted.
  5. Enter ‘Permanently delete my Snapchat account and data’ in the provided box.
  6. Select a reason for wanting your data deleted (optional).
  7. Click ‘Submit Request.’

Snapchat says it will review all requests within 30 days. If approved, your data will be deleted from Snapchat’s systems, though some residual data may remain in backups briefly.

Snapchat data deletion request limitations

While requesting Snapchat delete your information allows more control, there are also limitations to note:

  • Must verify identity to submit request.
  • Only available to users covered by GDPR, CCPA or similar data privacy laws.
  • You will lose access to your Snapchat account.
  • Data may persist in some backups temporarily after approval.
  • Snapchat can retain data needed to comply with legal obligations.

How to delete specific Snapchat data

If you don’t want to close your entire Snapchat account but do want to remove certain data, there are options to delete portions of your Snapchat information.

Deleting old snaps

By default, Snapchat automatically deletes each snap from its servers once all recipients have viewed it. However, you can manually delete old snaps stored locally on your device’s memory:

  1. In Snapchat, tap your profile icon in the top left corner.
  2. Tap the gear icon to access Settings.
  3. Go to Memories –> Snaps.
  4. Tap and hold any snap you want to delete.
  5. Tap ‘Delete’ to confirm removal of that snap.

You can also tap ‘Select’ in the top right to delete multiple snaps at once. However, this will only affect snaps stored on your device, not Snapchat’s servers.

Turning off Snapchat location services

To prevent Snapchat accessing and storing your location data in the future:

  1. Go to Settings –> Location Services.
  2. Tap the option for ‘Ghost Mode.’

This will stop Snapchat collecting any new location data, though previously stored data may remain accessible. Ghost Mode can easily be turned off again at any time.

Clearing app cache/data

You can also clear out the app’s locally stored cache and data:

  1. Go to your device Settings.
  2. Select Apps –> Snapchat.
  3. Tap Storage, then Clear Cache and/or Clear Data.

This deletes temporary files, cookies, and other app data/settings but doesn’t affect your actual Snapchat account.

Conclusion

While Snapchat’s ephemeral messaging feature implies that data disappears forever, the reality is more complex. Snapchat stores a range of personal data for active and deleted accounts.

To fully purge Snapchat data, the only guaranteed option is to delete your account and then submit a deletion request. This will remove most data from Snapchat’s systems, though some residual data may persist temporarily in backups. Alternately, you can selectively delete portions of local Snapchat data, disable location services, or clear the app cache, but this does not ensure full data removal.

Overall, if personal data privacy is a major concern for you, regularly deleting your Snapchat account and requesting permanent data deletion are the surest options. This data can help you better understand and control what personal information Snapchat retains.

Tables Comparing Snapchat Data Deletion Options

Account Deletion vs. Data Deletion Request

Option Account Deletion Data Deletion Request
Speed Account disabled immediately, deleted within 30 days Request processed within 30 days
Data Removal Most data deleted from servers in 30 days Deletes data from servers
Backups Some data may persist up to 90 days Some data may persist temporarily
Legal Obligations Snapchat may retain necessary data Snapchat may retain necessary data
Identity Needed Must log into account to delete Must verify identity to submit request
Account Access Lose access after 30 days Lose access after approval

Selective Snapchat Data Deletion

Option Snaps Location Data App Cache/Data
What it Deletes Individual snaps stored on device Prevents new location data Temp files, cookies, settings
Server Data Doesn’t affect snaps on servers Doesn’t delete past locations Doesn’t affect server data
Account Access Retain account access Retain account access Retain account access
Ease of Reversal Snaps can be recovered and resaved Can re-enable location access App data rebuilt over time

Frequently Asked Questions

Does deleting your Snapchat account delete your data?

Deleting your Snapchat account starts the process of removing your personal data, but full deletion may take up to 90 days. Some data may also persist if needed to meet legal requirements.

Can you permanently delete a Snapchat account?

Yes, you can permanently delete a Snapchat account by first deactivating it and then submitting a data deletion request. This will remove most of your personal data from Snapchat’s servers within 30 days.

Does Snapchat delete old accounts?

Snapchat reserves the right to delete very old accounts that have been inactive for years. However, it does not routinely delete old accounts on its own.

Is it hard to get your Snapchat account back after deleting?

You have a 30-day window after deletion to reactivate your account before it is permanently disabled. After 30 days it is very difficult, though not impossible, to regain access to a deleted account.

Can you delete Snapchat messages sent to friends?

There is no way to delete Snapchat messages after they have been sent and opened by recipients. You can only delete unopened snaps and chats from your own device’s storage.

Key Takeaways

  • Snapchat stores a wide range of personal data, from your profile info and contacts to chat messages, photos/videos, location history and more.
  • You can request Snapchat delete all your personal data, but this also deletes your account.
  • Selectively deleting data like snaps and location access leaves your account intact but does not ensure full data removal.
  • While data deletion options exist, Snapchat may retain some data to meet legal requirements.
  • Regularly deleting your Snapchat account and then requesting permanent data deletion offers the most comprehensive option if privacy is a major concern.