Snapchat has become one of the most popular social media apps, especially among younger users. A key feature of Snapchat is that pictures, videos, and chats are meant to disappear after being viewed. This gives users a sense of privacy and allows them to share fun, silly, or embarrassing moments without worrying about it living on the internet forever.
However, there are ways to view Snapchat messages without the sender being notified. While this goes against the intended use of Snapchat, it can be tempting to want to check in on conversations or see old Snapchats again. Here’s what you need to know about viewing Snapchat chats on the sly.
Save Chat Notifications
One of the easiest ways to view Snapchat messages without the sender knowing is to turn off chat notifications. Here’s how:
- Open Snapchat and go to your Profile page
- Tap the Settings icon in the top-right corner
- Go to Manage notifications
- Turn off Chat
Now when you receive a chat, it won’t send a notification to the sender when you view it. You can open chats and view previous messages without the person knowing. Just keep in mind messages still expire after 24 hours, so you only have a short window to stealthily read conversations.
Retrieve Data from Snapchat
Snapchat stores chat data for a limited time. You can request a copy of your Snapchat data, which includes chat logs, snaps, stories, and more. Here’s how:
- Go to Snapchat’s Accounts page and log in
- Click on My Data
- Enter your username and password again
- Select the data you want to download
- Enter your email and click Submit Request
Snapchat will compile your data and email you a download link when it’s ready, usually within 24-48 hours. The download will contain JSON files that you can search through to find chat logs and see old messages.
Use a Third-Party App
There are some third-party apps that can help you save or view Snapchat messages without detection. Here are some options:
Snapchat Save Apps
- SnapSave – Allows auto-saving of photos/videos, stores content anonymously
- SnapBox – Saves Snapchat messages, viewable from Memories section
- SnapCrack – Saves Snaps, view Stories anonymously
Viewing Snapchat Apps
- MSpy – View Snapchat messages remotely on Android devices
- mSpy – Track Snapchat messages on iOS devices
- Spyzie – Download and view Snapchats sent and received
While these apps can work, be aware that they violate Snapchat’s terms of service. Snapchat bans accounts caught using third-party apps, so use with care.
Use Airplane Mode
This simple trick works to view Snapchats already received on your device privately:
- Open the Snapchat message you want to view
- As soon as you open it, turn on Airplane mode on your phone
- Screenshot or record the Snap
- Close Snapchat completely
- Turn Airplane mode off
Because opening a message triggers the view receipt, Airplane mode prevents that notification from sending while you view the Snap. You can then save the message without the sender knowing.
View Snapchat on a Jailbroken Phone
For iOS devices, jailbreaking opens up ways to view Snapchat secretly. Some methods include:
- SaveChat – Allows saving chats, photos, videos
- Snaphack – Saves sent and received Snaps
- iFile – Browse Snapchat data files
However, jailbreaking comes with security risks and voids the device’s warranty. Most users are better off avoiding it.
Use the Notification Log
Your phone keeps a log of notifications that can give you another way to check Snapchat messages.
On Android:
- Go to Settings > Notifications
- Tap Notification Log
- View list of notifications
On iPhone:
- Install the Mac app Notification Center Store
- Sync iPhone notifications to the app
- View notifications from Notification Center on Mac
This allows you to look back and read the content of Snapchat notifications.
Use Snapchat Web
Snapchat’s web version at snapchat.com allows you to view snaps and chats from a computer. You can secretly view conversations by:
- Logging into Snapchat on a computer
- Enabling stealth mode in settings
- Chatting via the web without triggering read receipts
However, this only works if the user you’re spying on also uses Snapchat web and has stealth mode enabled. So it’s not a foolproof method.
Use a Snapchat Viewer
There are some sketchy sites that claim to let you view someone’s Snapchats anonymously. They work by asking for the target’s username and then accessing Snapchat’s servers to show their messages. However, these sites likely steal personal information or spread malware. Avoid them to keep your devices safe.
Hack a Snapchat Account
On the shadier side, some hackers break into Snapchat accounts to view private messages. This requires tricks like:
- Guessing weak passwords
- Phishing for login details
- Exploiting security vulnerabilities
- Using keylogger malware
Hacking into someone’s account without consent is illegal. And hacking Snapchat is very challenging due to their security protections. For both moral and legal reasons, avoid attempting it.
Conclusion
While Snapchat is designed to be ephemeral, there are ways to view messages after they are opened. Turning off chat notifications, using third-party apps, and retrieving your Snapchat data can all let you read conversations after the fact.
However, bear in mind you are violating Snapchat’s Terms of Service if you use these tactics. And the sender intended the message to disappear. Respecting privacy is usually the wisest move, even on a platform known for impermanence.
The best way to keep Snapchat messages is to save them before sending. Take screenshots or use compatible apps to save important chats or images you want to view again. This avoids the ethical issues of viewing conversations secretly.
Overall, Snapchat’s temporary nature is part of what makes it fun and intimate for sharing moments with friends. While you can find workarounds, they come with risks. Enjoy Snapchat as it was designed – like a private, fleeting way to connect.