Does downloading Snapchat data show deleted messages?

Snapchat is a popular social media app that allows users to send photos, videos, and messages called “snaps” that disappear after being viewed. One of Snapchat’s key features is that by default, snaps, chats, and stories are automatically deleted after 24 hours. However, many Snapchat users wonder if there is still a way to access or download deleted Snapchat data.

Can you download deleted Snapchat messages?

The short answer is no, downloading Snapchat data does not retrieve deleted messages. Here’s a more detailed explanation:

When you send a snap, the image/video is uploaded to Snapchat’s servers. Once the recipient views it, the snap is automatically deleted from their phone and Snapchat’s servers.

For text chats, messages are stored temporarily on Snapchat’s servers until all recipients have viewed them. They too are deleted automatically shortly after.
Snapchat states that any snaps or chats that have been opened and deleted cannot be retrieved, even if you request data from Snapchat.
Snapchat does store some data for up to 30 days in its regular backups, but explicitly states these backups are not used to restore accounts or recover deleted content.

So in summary, once a Snapchat is viewed and deleted, there is no way to retrieve it. Downloading your Snapchat data only gives you access to unopened snaps and available chat logs – not anything that’s been deleted.

What data can you download from Snapchat?

While you can’t download deleted messages, Snapchat does allow you to download certain account data:

Your Snap history – You can download a list of snaps you’ve sent and received, including the date, time, and Winston if it contained media.

Chat history – You can download your available chat logs, including text chats and group chats you’ve participated in.
Memories – You can download the photos and videos you’ve saved to your memories.
Your Story – You can download your posted stories.

Your account info – Your download includes basic account info like your username, phone number, and email.

But again, any deleted snaps, chats, or stories will not be accessible in your downloaded data.

How to download your Snapchat data

Downloading your Snapchat data is easy – just follow these steps:

Open the Snapchat app and go to your profile page.
Tap the gear icon to access your Settings.
Scroll down and select “My Data.”

Tap “Submit Request.” Snapchat will start preparing your data.
Once ready, return to the My Data page and tap “Download My Data.”
The downloaded zip file will contain CSV files with your Snap history, an HTML file with your chat logs, and folders with your memories and stories.

Note that it can take up to 30 days for Snapchat to compile your data. The amount of data depends on your usage, but is typically 50MB to 1GB. The download only works for your own account – you can’t download data from someone else’s Snapchat account.

Is Snapchat data truly deleted?

While downloaded data doesn’t contain deletions, some sources claim there are still ways recover deleted Snapchat messages:

On Android phones, some apps claim to be able to restore Snapchats, but many don’t work as advertised.

On jailbroken iOS devices, there is malware that can intercept Snapchat data before it’s deleted.
Some forensics tools exist that can recover deleted Snapchat files if you have physical access to the device.
A few shady online services claim they can hack Snapchat’s servers to retrieve deletions, but this is likely a scam.

Overall, these methods are unreliable or unethical. The consensus from security experts is that Snapchat’s deletion system is secure, and retrieving deleted messages would require significant hacking skills and effort.

Does deleting chats on Snapchat delete them for everyone?

No, when you delete a chat it only deletes the messages from your end. For group chats, the messages remain visible for the other participants. Here’s a breakdown:

If you delete a one-on-one chat, the messages disappear from your chat screen but remain visible for the other person.

In group chats, deleting messages only removes them from your view of the chat.
The chat is only deleted for everyone if the other participant(s) also delete the messages on their end.
The chat history will remain on Snapchat’s servers until all participants have deleted their local copies of the messages.

So unless every single person in a chat deletes it, the messages could still be retrieved by someone. This highlights the risk of relying on Snapchat chats for truly private conversations.

Pros and cons of Snapchat’s deletion system

Snapchat’s ephemeral messaging has pros and cons:

Pros

Messages deletion promotes spontaneity and casual sharing.

Disappearing messages lower risks of content being taken out of context.
Deletion adds a sense of privacy and security for users.

Cons

Important conversations can’t be saved or referenced later.

Screenshots and third-party apps undermine deletion.
Potential for abuse and harassment with disappearing messages.
Doesn’t prevent unwanted sharing of snaps through other means.

Overall, many appreciate Snapchat’s approach for fun interactions. But for important conversations, its deletion system has clear limitations compared to platforms like Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, or Signal that offer message backup.

Can police recover deleted Snapchats?

Generally, no. Law enforcement faces the same challenges as any other Snapchat user trying to retrieve deleted messages. However, in some cases, police do have options:

They can view snaps or chats on a suspect’s device if they seize it before deletion.

Snapchat complies with search warrants and may provide available data from their servers.
Special forensic tools exist that law enforcement have access to.
Hacking methods are used by authorities in extreme criminal cases.

That said, these options are still limited. Snapchat cooperation doesn’t include deleted content. And advanced forensic recovery has major technical hurdles. Overall, while possible in some situations, police recovering deleted Snapchats remains very difficult.

Conclusion

In summary, it’s impossible to download or retrieve deleted Snapchat messages through Snapchat’s official data download feature. While there are a few dubious third-party methods claiming to restore deletions, Snapchat’s system appears robust against most attempts to recover erased snaps or chats. While the police have slightly more capability in this regard, retrieving deleted messages likely remains out of reach for the majority of Snapchat users without significant hacking skills.

This confirms that Snapchat’s main draw of ephemeral messaging holds up – for better or worse. The privacy it provides comes at the cost of permanence. So it’s important to keep Snapchat’s deletion system and limitations in mind when deciding how to use the platform.

Pros of Snapchat’s Deletion System	Cons of Snapchat’s Deletion System
Promotes casual, spontaneous sharing Lowers risks of content being taken out of context Adds privacy and security for users	Can’t save or reference important conversations Screenshots undermine deletion Potential for harassment with disappearing messages Doesn’t prevent unwanted sharing through other means

Key Takeaways

Downloading Snapchat data does not retrieve deleted snaps or chats.
Once opened, snaps and messages are automatically deleted from Snapchat’s servers.
Police can sometimes recover limited Snapchat data with a warrant, but not deletions.

Snapchat’s system makes permanent deletion highly likely for the average user.