Snapchat is a popular messaging app that allows users to send photo, video, text and audio messages that disappear after being viewed. One of Snapchat’s key features is that by default, messages are not saved on Snapchat’s servers after they are viewed, providing a sense of privacy and ephemerality.
However, there are a few ways that users can save or access previous Snapchat messages and chat history if they want to retrieve conversations or snaps from the past.
Saving Chat History
There are a couple of methods Snapchat users can utilize to save their chat history within the app:
Using Chat Recover
Snapchat has a feature called “Chat Recover” that allows users to restore deleted chats within the past 30 days. Here’s how to use Chat Recover:
- Open the chat you want to restore
- Tap and hold on the message thread
- Select “More” from the menu that appears
- Tap “Chat Recover”
- Select “Recover” to restore the deleted messages
This will retrieve and display messages from the last 30 days that were deleted from that conversation. Keep in mind the Chat Recover feature only restores messages that were specifically deleted, not ones that disappeared due to Snapchat’s automatic deletion timing.
Saving Individual Chats
Users can also save individual Snapchat chats before they disappear by tapping and holding on a specific chat, selecting “More”, and choosing “Save Chat.” This will save the chat to your Memories so you can access the messages in the future.
Enabling Chat History
Snapchat does have a way to enable keeping your chat history permanently. Here’s how:
- Go to your Profile by tapping the ghost/bitmoji icon in the top left
- Tap the gear icon to access Settings
- Go to Manage Preferences > Chat History
- Toggle on “Save Chat History”
With this setting enabled, your messages will no longer automatically delete and will be saved in the app. You can then scroll back through previous messages in any chat.
Accessing Chat History Outside of Snapchat
If you didn’t save messages within Snapchat before they disappeared, there are still a couple ways you may be able to retrieve old Snapchat conversations:
Using Third-Party Apps
Some third-party apps claim to allow Snapchat message recovery. These work by syncing with your Snapchat account and saving copies of your messages and stories externally. Some examples include:
- SnapBack
- Snapbox
- SnapX
- Snapkeep
However, be aware that giving third-party apps access to your Snapchat account can compromise your privacy and security. Snapchat does not endorse or support using third-party apps in this way.
Restoring Data from Backup
If you previously backed up your iPhone or Android phone data to iCloud or Google Drive, you may be able to restore archived Snapchat messages by overwriting your current Snapchat app data with the backup. Here’s how:
For iOS:
- Go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud > Manage Storage > Backups
- Select the backup containing the Snapchat data you want to restore
- Tap Restore to overwrite your device data with the backup
For Android:
- Open the Google Drive app
- Tap Backups
- Tap the backup containing Snapchat data to restore
- Tap the 3-dot menu and select Restore to device
This will restore the saved Snapchat data as it existed at the time of the backup.
Using Snapchat Data Download
Snapchat also allows you to download your personal data archive from their servers, which contains your Snapchat memories, messages, photos and more. Here’s how to use Snapchat Data Download:
- Go to your Snapchat Profile and tap the gear icon
- Select “My Data” > “Submit Request”
- Enter your password to submit the request
- Snapchat will compile your account data and email you a link to download it within 24-48 hours
- Check your email from Snapchat and click the link to download your data files
- Locate the JSON file containing your chat history and search for the messages you need
This method provides you with a complete record of your Snapchat account data that you can access even after deleting conversations or if your account is deactivated. However, the chat history is stored in difficult-to-read JSON format rather than the normal messaging interface.
Using Forensic Data Recovery Tools (Advanced)
If you need to recover deleted Snapchat messages from an old or inaccessible device, it may be possible to extract Snapchat data using advanced forensic recovery software or professional data recovery services.
Here are some things they can do:
- Recover data from the phone’s raw storage even if Snapchat is deleted
- Extract chat databases, media files, and other residuals related to Snapchat
- Decompile the Snapchat app to access encrypted chat logs and files
- Bypass or restore locked devices to access Snapchat data
However, this requires advanced expertise and tools not available to regular users. Professional Snapchat data recovery can be expensive and is not guaranteed. But it can be an option if you have no other way to get lost Snapchat messages back.
Preventing Snapchat Message Loss
To avoid losing your Snapchat messages again, be proactive about saving important chats:
- Enable Chat History in Snapchat’s settings
- Use the Save Chat feature on conversations you want to keep
- Consider a third-party app to auto-save messages (but be wary of privacy risks)
- Regularly back up your smartphone data in case you ever need to restore
With a bit of planning, you can make sure important Snapchat memories are available when you need them.
Conclusion
Retrieving deleted Snapchat messages can be difficult, but is possible in a few different ways:
- Using Snapchat’s own Chat Recover if available for that chat
- Restoring from a backup of your device data
- Downloading your full Snapchat data archive
- Using a forensic data recovery service (expensive and not guaranteed)
To prevent losing chats in the future, enable Chat History and/or utilize a third-party app. With Snapchat’s automatic deletion, it takes some extra effort to preserve your conversations – but it can be done with the right tools and know-how.