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How do I retrieve old snap memories?

How do I retrieve old snap memories?

Snapchat memories allow users to save their snaps, stories, and messages in the app’s memories section. This provides a way to look back on old snaps and memories from the past. However, sometimes users may want to retrieve snap memories that are no longer available in the app. Here are some tips on how to retrieve old snap memories.

Checking Snapchat Memories

The first step is to check if the snaps you want to retrieve are still available in your Snapchat memories. To view memories:

  • Open the Snapchat app
  • Tap on your profile icon in the top left corner
  • Tap on the Memories icon near the top of the screen (it looks like a small photo)

This will bring you to the Memories tab where all your saved snaps, stories, and messages are stored. Browse through your memories by swiping up to view older content. See if the snaps you’re looking for are still retained in your memories.

Using Snapchat Download My Data Tool

If the snaps you want are no longer in your Memories tab, you can use Snapchat’s Download My Data tool to retrieve an archive of your Snapchat data:

  1. Go to accounts.snapchat.com and log into your account
  2. Click on “Download My Data” under the My Account section
  3. A new tab will open. Click on “Submit Request”
  4. Enter your email and click “Submit”
  5. Snapchat will process your request and email you a link to download your data when it’s ready (within 24-48 hours usually)
  6. The zip file will contain your saved Snapchat data, including memories that may no longer be available in the app
  7. Look through the zip file for the old snap memories you’re trying to find

This allows you to access Snapchat data that has been deleted from your memories in the app. The downloaded zip file includes snaps, stories, messages, device data and more. However, the data only includes information still retained on Snapchat’s servers.

Using a Snapchat Viewer App

Third party Snapchat viewer apps provide another way to retrieve old Snapchat memories not available in your account anymore. Viewer apps work by logging into your Snapchat account and downloading your chat history and memories. Some examples include:

  • SnapBack
  • SnapBox
  • SnapSave

To use a Snapchat viewer app:

  1. Download and install the viewer app on your device
  2. Login with your Snapchat account credentials when prompted
  3. Allow the app to access and download your Snapchat data
  4. The app will download and display your chat logs, stories, saved photos, videos, etc.
  5. Browse through and look for the old Snapchat memories you want to retrieve
  6. Save or export the snaps to your camera roll or device storage

Downloaded Snapchat data displayed in viewer apps is usually more extensive than what you can download directly from Snapchat using the Download My Data tool.

Using Snapchat Data Extraction Software

For advanced Snapchat memory retrieval, you can use commercial Snapchat data extraction and recovery software. This specialized software is designed to extract deleted and lost Snapchat data from your account and device storage. Some examples include:

  • FoneLab Snapchat Recovery
  • Dr.Fone – Snapchat Data Recovery
  • iMyFone SnapBack

These software tools typically work by first downloading Snapchat data from your account. Then advanced scanning algorithms dig deeper to find and extract deleted Snapchat data still buried in your device storage or app cache. Finally, the recovered Snapchat memories can be previewed and exported.

Snapchat data recovery software provides the most comprehensive method to retrieve permanently deleted and lost Snapchat memories. However, they are often paid software that cost $30 and up.

Using Local Device Backups

Check any local backups of your device as they may contain Snapchat data that has been deleted from your account. For example:

  • iCloud Backup – Snapchat data can be preserved in iCloud backups if you have iCloud backup enabled on your iPhone.
  • Google Drive – If you have a backup of your Android device uploaded Google Drive, it may have retained deleted Snapchats.
  • iTunes or Finder Backup – Connect your iPhone to your computer and check if iTunes or Finder backups have preserved Snapchat data.
  • App Backups – Some apps like iMazing or iBackup Viewer create a backup of app data which may include lost Snapchats.

If you can find a backup that contains the old Snapchat memories you’re looking for, you can restore that backup or browse the backup files to access the Snapchat data.

Ask Friends If They Still Have the Snaps

As a last resort, ask your Snapchat friends if they happen to still have the old Snapchat memories you are searching for in their accounts:

  • Your friends may still have the old snaps you sent them in their Snapchat Chat History or Memories
  • They may have saved or screenshotted snaps you sent in the past
  • Ask them to check their Chat logs, Memories, camera rolls, and galleries for the old snaps
  • Have them send you or share again any old snaps they still have from you

While you may not be able to retrieve deleted snaps sent to friends, they may have inadvertently retained them in their accounts or device storage all this time.

Avoid Losing Snapchat Memories

To avoid losing old Snapchat memories and not being able to retrieve them, it helps to regularly backup your Snapchat data:

  • Save important snaps to Memories so they are backed up
  • Screenshot or screen record memories you want to keep
  • Use a Snapchat viewer app to download your Chat History and Memories
  • Enable backups of your device storage

With regular backups, you’ll have multiple places where Snapchat data is retained if memories ever disappear from your account in the future.

Conclusion

Retrieving permanently deleted Snapchat memories can be difficult and may not always be possible if the data has been completely erased from Snapchat’s servers. But using the methods above gives you the best chance of rescuing those important Snapchat memories you thought were gone forever. The key is acting fast before the data is potentially overwritten. So if you find some old snaps or stories have disappeared from your account, try the recovery options outlined in this article as soon as possible.