Skip to Content

Does deleting Snapchat chat delete for both?

Does deleting Snapchat chat delete for both?

When using Snapchat, one of the key features is that messages, called snaps, disappear after they are viewed. This creates an ephemeral messaging experience. However, users often wonder whether deleting a message eliminates it for both the sender and recipient, or if the message stays in the chat history for one party.

Quick Answer

Deleting a Snapchat message deletes it for both the sender and the recipient. Once a snap is deleted, it is removed from the chat history and media storage for both parties. The message cannot be retrieved unless one person took a screenshot before it was deleted.

More Detailed Answer

Here is a more detailed overview of how deleting snaps works on Snapchat:

  • When a user sends a snap, it stays visible for the recipient to view for up to 10 seconds. The sender can specify the viewing time, from 1 to 10 seconds.
  • After the recipient views the snap, it disappears from the chat. However, the recipient can take a screenshot to save the message.
  • If the recipient does not view the snap within 24 hours, the message expires and is deleted.
  • The sender can also delete a snap at any time after sending it but before the recipient views it. This permanently deletes the message.
  • If either the sender or recipient deletes a viewed message from the chat history, it is removed for both parties. The message cannot be retrieved.
  • Deleted snaps are permanently deleted from Snapchat’s servers and no longer count against storage quotas.

In summary, any snap deleted by either user disappears from the chat and Snapchat’s system. The only way to retrieve a deleted snap is if someone screenshotted it before it was deleted. Otherwise, the message is gone for good.

Does Deleting Chats Delete Messages?

In addition to deleting individual messages, Snapchat allows users to delete entire conversations. This also deletes the chat history and messages for both parties.

Here is what happens when deleting chats:

  • Deleting a chat clears the entire Snapchat conversation history for both the sender and recipient.
  • All snaps, messages, images, videos, and memories contained in the chat are permanently deleted.
  • Neither party can retrieve the deleted chat history or media unless they had taken screenshots.
  • Deleting chats frees up storage space since all associated media is cleared from Snapchat’s servers.
  • Users can only delete the entire conversation – they cannot selectively delete parts of a chat.

Therefore, deleting a Snapchat chat removes the entire chat record for both parties. Individual snaps and chat data cannot be recovered after a chat is erased.

Does Unsending a Chat Delete for Both?

Snapchat also allows users to “unsend” messages. Much like deleting, unsending eliminates the message for both recipients.

Here is how unsending works:

  • Users can unsend a snap for up to 10 seconds after sending it, as long as the recipient has not viewed it.
  • This retracts the snap before it is opened, deleting it from the recipient’s chat screen.
  • Once opened, a snap cannot be unsent. Users would need to delete the message from the chat screen instead.
  • Unsending within 10 seconds permanently deletes the message for both parties.
  • Unsent snaps do not count against storage limits since they are deleted before being opened.

In summary, unsending a snapchat functions the same as deleting it. The message is removed entirely for both the sender and recipient as long as it is retracted before being viewed.

Can Snapchat Messages Be Recovered?

Since deleting Snapchat messages removes them from the servers, it is very difficult to recover snaps after they have been erased. However, there are a few scenarios where deleted snaps may be retrievable:

  • If either user took a screenshot of the message before it was deleted, they still have a copy saved in their phone’s storage.
  • On Android devices, Snapchat photos may sometimes be auto-saved to the phone’s local storage before deletion.
  • iPhone users can recover deleted Snapchat photos if they have iCloud backups enabled, but text messages cannot be retrieved.
  • Snapchat itself cannot recover deleted messages – they advise users to screenshot important chats.
  • Third-party apps claim to be able to recover deleted Snapchat messages, but many fail to deliver on this promise.

Overall, it is very unlikely that a deleted Snapchat message can be recovered unless a screenshot was taken. The app is designed for ephemeral messaging, so regular backups are not enabled.

Does Deleting Snapchat Delete Account?

No, deleting messages and chats does not delete or deactivate your Snapchat account. The only way to delete a Snapchat account completely is to specifically request account deletion in the settings.

Here is the effect of deleting a Snapchat account:

  • All messages, snaps, stories, photos, contacts, and other data associated with the account are permanently deleted.
  • The account is deactivated and the username is removed from Snapchat’s systems.
  • Other users cannot search for or contact the deleted account anymore.
  • If the user changes their mind, they must create a brand new account – deleted accounts cannot be reactivated.
  • Snapchat states deleted accounts may take up to 30 days to be fully wiped from their servers.

Therefore, deleting chats and messages will not delete your account. Account deletion is a separate process that permanently erases all account data.

Best Practices

Here are some best practices for managing your Snapchat messages:

  • Screenshot important messages you want to save before deleting conversations.
  • Delete chats frequently to clear storage space and keep your account tidy.
  • Unsend embarrassing or unintended messages quickly before recipients view them.
  • Enable app passwords or two-factor authentication for account security.
  • Avoid sending bullying, abusive, or inappropriate snaps that may get you reported.
  • Only delete your entire account if you want to permanently erase all Snapchat data.

Conclusion

In summary, deleting Snapchat messages eliminates them for both the sender and recipient. Unsending and erasing chats functions similarly, removing the content from Snapchat’s servers so it cannot be recovered. The only way to save deleted snaps is by screenshotting them before they are erased. Overall, Snapchat’s delete features provide a way to take back messages you have sent and uphold the app’s ephemeral messaging premise.