Snapchat is a popular social media platform that allows users to send photos, videos, and messages that disappear after being viewed. One of Snapchat’s key features is that messages are not saved by default after they are viewed. However, there are a few methods you can use to try to recover Snapchat messages after they have been opened.
Saving Snapchat Messages Before They Disappear
The easiest way to recover Snapchat messages is to save them before they disappear. Here are a few methods to save Snapchats:
- Screenshot the Snap – Open the Snapchat message and take a screenshot. This will save the image to your camera roll.
- Use a Third Party App – There are apps like SnapSave and SaveMySnaps that will let you save Snapchat messages discreetly.
- Save the Message – You can press and hold on a Snapchat message to save it. The sender will still be notified, however.
- Replay a Snap – You can replay one Snap per day if you tap on it quickly after opening it. It will let you view it one additional time.
- Save Your Chat – In your settings, you can enable Saving Chats which will let you save your full conversation before the messages disappear.
Saving Snapchat messages before they disappear is the easiest way to recover them later. Just be aware the sender will be notified if you use certain save methods.
Recovering Deleted Snapchat Messages
If you did not save a Snapchat message in time before it disappeared, there still may be ways to try recovering deleted Snapchats:
- Snapchat Memories – Snapchat stores your snaps in Memories. You may be able to recover a deleted snap for up to 30 days.
- Android Notification Log – On Android, your notifications are stored in the Notification Log and may include snippets of Snapchat messages.
- iCloud Backup – If you have iCloud backup enabled, you may be able to restore and extract Snapchat messages from your iCloud backup.
- Snapchat Data Download – You can request Snapchat to package all of your Snapchat data for you to download, which may contain deleted messages.
However, there is no guarantee you will be able to recover deleted Snapchat messages through these methods. The app does not have a built-in feature to restore deleted Snaps.
Using Third Party Apps to Recover Snapchats
If the above methods do not work, you can also try using third party apps to attempt to recover deleted Snapchats.
Here are some third party apps that claim to be able to restore Snapchat messages:
| App | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Snapback | – Extracts deleted Snaps from backups on iOS devices |
| SnapCrack | – Claims to decrypt Snapchat database to find deleted Snaps |
| iMyFone D-Back | – Can scan iPhone to recover deleted Snapchat photos |
| dr.fone | – Android data recovery software that can restore Snapchats |
However, it is important to note that Snapchat does not authorize these third party apps or provide access to their data. The effectiveness of these apps is questionable and they should be used with caution.
Notifying Snapchat Support
If you are unable to recover a critical Snapchat message through any method, you can also try reaching out to Snapchat Support. While Snapchat does not have a feature to restore messages, in special cases their Support team may be able to help you recover deleted Snaps.
Here are some tips for contacting Snapchat Support:
- Go to the Support section in Snapchat and select your issue category and follow prompts.
- Clearly explain your situation and what Snap you are trying to recover.
- Provide the username/date/time related to the Snap if possible.
- Politely ask if there is any way they can restore the deleted Snapchat message.
- Follow up via email if you do not hear back in a timely manner.
While Snapchat Support makes no guarantees about restoring deleted messages, it is still worth contacting them to see if they might be able to recover your important Snap if there are no other options available.
Using a Lawyer to Request Snapchat Data
In extreme cases where you need to recover a deleted Snapchat message for legal reasons, you may be able to request Snapchat to provide the data by using a lawyer.
Law enforcement or lawyers can formally request user data from Snapchat through valid legal process like a subpoena, court order, or search warrant. Snapchat discloses data like messages, photos, etc. when compelled by law.
However, you need a justified legal basis to take this action. Snapchat will scrutinize any data request that does not follow proper legal procedure.
This is an expensive process and should only be used for serious cases where the Snapchat information is critical evidence that cannot be recovered elsewhere.
Preventing Deleted Messages in the Future
To avoid having to recover deleted Snapchat messages again in the future, here are some tips:
- Turn on Chat Saving – This will let you save your full conversation history before messages disappear.
- Screenshot Important Snaps – Take screenshots to save important images and conversations.
- Use Replay – Remember you can use your one Replay to view Snaps again.
- Save to Memories – You can save some Snaps and stories to Memories to prevent deletion.
- Back Up Messages – Frequently back up your iOS or Android device to preserve Snapchat messages.
Following these best practices will help ensure you don’t lose any more important Snapchats that you want to keep around permanently!
Conclusion
Recovering deleted Snapchat messages is difficult since they are designed to automatically disappear. However, with the right technique such as using backups or third party apps, it may be possible to restore Snaps in some circumstances. Contacting Snapchat Support or using legal data request methods are other potential options as a last resort.
The best way to keep Snapchats is to proactively use the save features within Snapchat. But if you do need to retrieve a deleted Snap, there are still some paths you can try to potentially recover lost Snapchat messages.