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Can you save snaps on Snapchat?

Can you save snaps on Snapchat?

Snapchat is a popular social media app that allows users to send disappearing photos and videos called “snaps.” When you send a snap, it is typically viewable by the recipient for up to 10 seconds before it disappears from the app. This ephemeral nature is a core part of Snapchat and what makes it different from other social platforms.

The Basics of Saving Snaps

Given that snaps disappear after being viewed, many Snapchat users wonder – can you save snaps on Snapchat before they vanish? The short answer is yes, there are a few different ways to save snaps either before or after opening them. However, saving snaps does go against the intended ephemeral experience of Snapchat.

There are a few main methods that people use to save snaps:

  • Using another device – You can use another phone or tablet to take a screenshot of the snap before opening it.
  • Third-party apps – There are various third-party apps that will let you save snaps.
  • Airplane mode – You can put your device in airplane mode to temporarily pause the countdown timer and take a screenshot.
  • Rooted or jailbroken devices – Devices with modified software can directly access and save snaps.

While these methods make it possible to save snaps, it does violate the principles of Snapchat. Also, trying to save snaps without the sender’s knowledge may be unethical and could damage relationships.

Why Snapchat Photos Disappear

Before looking further at how to save snaps, it helps to understand why they disappear in the first place. Snapchat was designed as an alternative way to share photos and videos that avoided the permanency associated with other platforms like Facebook and Instagram. Some key reasons why snaps disappear include:

  • Privacy – The ephemeral aspect gives users more privacy and control. Once viewed, snaps are deleted and don’t linger online.
  • Authenticity – Since snaps disappear quickly, users feel like they can share more natural, authentic moments without worrying about them being permanently public.
  • Fun and playfulness – The temporary nature of snaps creates a more lighthearted, fun vibe compared to permanent social media posts.

Ultimately, the disappearing aspect encourages users to share mundane, everyday moments that they otherwise may not post. It distinguishes Snapchat from other platforms.

Saving Snaps Using Another Device

One of the easiest ways to save a snap before it disappears is to simply use a second device to take a screenshot. Here are the basic steps:

  1. When you receive a new snap on your phone, do not open it.
  2. Use another phone, tablet or even computer with a camera to take a picture of your phone’s screen displaying the unopened snap.
  3. Now you can open the snap on your original phone and view it normally while having the screenshot saved on your other device.

This method works for saving both picture and video snaps. However, it does require you to have access to another device to take the screenshot. Also, the quality may not be as high as directly screenshotting on the original phone.

Pros

  • Lets you save snaps without the sender knowing.
  • Doesn’t require any specialized apps or software.
  • Works for both photo and video snaps.

Cons

  • Need access to a second device.
  • Screenshot quality may not be great.
  • Only saves the initial snap, not any added captions/drawings.

Using Third-Party Apps to Save Snaps

Another popular method for saving Snapchat photos and videos is to use third-party apps. There are various apps available that can automatically save your snaps before they disappear. Some examples include:

App Name Platform Notes
SnapSave iOS, Android Saves snaps discretely in background
SaveMySnaps Android Records snaps directly from Snapchat
Snapbox iOS Saves snaps and stories secretly

The main steps to save snaps with a third-party app are:

  1. Download the app on your device.
  2. Allow the app necessary permissions to access Snapchat data.
  3. Open a snap as normal in the Snapchat app.
  4. The third-party app will automatically save the snap in the background.
  5. View the saved snaps within the third-party app gallery.

Using a dedicated snap-saving app simplifies the process. But they do have some drawbacks to consider.

Pros

  • Very easy and automatic saving process.
  • Works discreetly in the background.
  • Saves video and pictures.

Cons

  • Need to install yet another app.
  • Permissions may raise privacy concerns.
  • Snapchat may attempt to block some third-party apps.

Using Airplane Mode to Save Snaps

This trick involves using your phone’s airplane mode to temporarily pause the timer on snaps and take a screenshot. Follow these steps:

  1. When you receive a snap, turn on Airplane mode on your phone before opening it.
  2. Open the snap – it will load but the timer will be paused.
  3. Take a screenshot of the opened snap on your phone.
  4. Close out of the snap and turn off Airplane mode.

Airplane mode stops network access, meaning the Snapchat servers can’t kill the snap until connectivity resumes. This gives you time to take a screenshot. While simple, there are a few limitations to note:

  • Only saves picture snaps, not videos.
  • The screenshot notification may tip off the sender.
  • Snapchat could potentially detect this method and take countermeasures.

Pros

  • Doesn’t require extra apps or devices.
  • Lets you save snaps after opening them.

Cons

  • Only works for photos.
  • Sender may be notified of screenshot.
  • Snapchat may attempt to block this method.

Saving Snaps on Rooted or Jailbroken Devices

On Android devices that have been rooted, or iPhones that have been jailbroken, there are methods to directly access and save Snapchat data before it is deleted. This advanced technique involves modifying the phone’s operating system to gain more control over apps and data storage.

Specific steps depend on the device and rooting/jailbreaking method. But generally the process involves:

  1. Root or jailbreak the phone.
  2. Install file explorer or file manager app.
  3. Find and access the Snapchat data folder.
  4. Copy and save snap files before they are deleted.

While doable, this method requires advanced technical expertise and carries risks. The benefits and drawbacks include:

Pros

  • Direct access to Snapchat data.
  • Can permanently save nearly all snap content.

Cons

  • Requires rooted or jailbroken phone.
  • Complicated process.
  • Risks device security and stability.

Ethical Considerations of Saving Snaps

While the technical methods make it possible to save snaps, doing so does raise some ethical concerns:

  • User intent – The sender intended the snap to be temporary. Saving it goes against their wishes.
  • Informed consent – Saving snaps without the sender’s knowledge removes their informed consent.
  • Trust – Attempting to save snaps could violate sender’s trust and damage relationships.

There are situations where the sender may grant consent to save a snap. But in general, secretly saving snaps goes against principles of transparency, honesty and respect.

Snapchat’s Stance on Saving Snaps

Given that the ability to save snaps goes against Snapchat’s core ideas, what does Snapchat itself have to say? Snapchat does not support or condone methods to save temporary snaps without consent from the sender. In their law enforcement guide, Snapchat states:

“Snaps, messages, and stories are deleted from our servers after the applicable retention period expires. This means we have no way to facilitate responses to lawful requests for deleted content.”

They also discourage the use of third-party apps that claim the ability to permanently save snaps, stating:

“These apps violate our terms and compromise our users’ security so we actively discourage their use.”

While not outright illegal, saving snaps against the sender’s expectations goes against the spirit and intent of Snapchat as a platform.

Notifying Senders When You Save Their Snaps

If you do want to save a snap for legitimate reasons, the ethical approach is to notify the sender and get their consent first. You can let them know:

  • Why you want to save the snap
  • How you intend to save it
  • That you will delete it after a certain period of time

Ideally, this conversation happens before they send it in the first place. If you already received the snap, ask them afterwards for permission to save it. Transparency is key.

Appropriate Reasons to Save Snaps

While saving snaps generally violates Snapchat’s principles, there are some situations where it may be appropriate if done ethically. Some potential legitimate reasons include:

  • Memories – Saving special snaps, like vacations or big events, to look back on later.
  • Artistic – If the snap has artistic value, the sender may grant permission to save it.
  • Practical use – Like saving instructions or useful information from the snap.

The key is open communication with the sender and respecting their expectations around deletion. It should be the exception, not the rule.

Conclusion

While possible through various technical means, saving snaps against the sender’s wishes violates the core ideas behind Snapchat. The platform was designed for ephemeral sharing, so trying to permanent save that content goes directly against the expectations set by the app. Ultimately, the only appropriate way to save Snapchat photos or videos is to get consent from the sender beforehand.