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How I delete my Snapchat account?

How I delete my Snapchat account?

Why Delete Snapchat?

Snapchat is a popular social media app that allows users to share photos, videos, and messages that disappear after being viewed. While Snapchat can be fun, some users may eventually want to delete their Snapchat account for various reasons, such as:

  • Wanting more privacy and less screen time
  • Feeling distracted or addicted to the app
  • Having a bad experience with other users
  • Needing to focus on work or studies
  • Graduating from school and wanting to move on
  • Preparing for a job search or other professional goals

Deleting your Snapchat account can help reduce distractions, free up more time, and give you more control over your online presence. It’s a personal choice that many users make at some point.

Can You Reactivate a Deleted Snapchat Account?

If you change your mind after deleting your Snapchat account, you can reactivate it within 30 days by simply logging back into Snapchat with your username and password. Your friends, photos, videos, and settings will be restored.

However, after 30 days, deleted Snapchat accounts cannot be reactivated. The username is released and all data is erased from Snapchat’s servers. You would have to create an entirely new account.

So be sure before permanently deleting your account! If you think you may want to use Snapchat again in the future, you could alternatively just take a break or restrict your usage first. But once that 30-day reactivation period passes, there is no going back.

How to Delete Snapchat

Ready to delete your Snapchat account for good? Here is a step-by-step guide:

On iPhone/iPad

  1. Open the Snapchat app and tap your Bitmoji or profile icon in the top left corner
  2. Tap the settings gear icon in the top right corner
  3. Scroll down and tap “Support”
  4. Tap “My Account”
  5. Tap “Delete My Account”
  6. Tap “Delete My Account” again to confirm

On Android

  1. Open the Snapchat app and tap your Bitmoji or profile icon in the top left corner
  2. Tap the settings gear icon in the top right corner
  3. Scroll down and tap “Support”
  4. Tap “Account Actions”
  5. Tap “Delete Account”
  6. Tap “Delete Account” again to confirm

On Desktop

  1. Go to accounts.snapchat.com and log in
  2. Click your Bitmoji or profile icon in the top right corner
  3. Click the settings gear icon in the top right corner
  4. Click “My Account” in the left sidebar
  5. Click “Delete Account”
  6. Click “Delete Account” again to confirm

Once you hit confirm, your Snapchat account will be scheduled for deletion. Snapchat notes it can take up to 30 days for all of your data to be erased from their systems, but your account will essentially be deactivated immediately.

You’ll no longer be able to log in or recover anything on the account after hitting that final confirmation. Make sure you don’t have any important memories or contacts only found on Snapchat before you delete it for good!

What Happens When You Delete Snapchat?

Here’s an overview of what happens when you delete your Snapchat account:

  • You immediately get logged out and cannot log back in.
  • Your friends will no longer see your account or Bitmoji in their friend lists.
  • Your Snapchat username gets removed and becomes available for anyone else to claim.
  • All of your Snapchat data (photos, videos, messages, etc.) gets erased from Snapchat’s servers over the next 30 days.
  • You can no longer recover or restore anything that was saved on your Snapchat account.
  • Your account will be permanently deleted after 30 days pass.
  • You cannot reactivate your old account. You would have to create a brand new account.

In summary, deleting Snapchat is quick but irreversible past 30 days. So be 100% sure you want to delete your account before pulling the trigger!

What About Memories You Want to Keep?

If you have important photos, videos, or conversations on Snapchat that you want to save forever, make sure to export those out before deleting your account:

Save Chat Conversations

  • Open the chat you want to save
  • Tap and hold on the message you want to save
  • Tap “more” at the top of the screen
  • Tap “Save to Memories”
  • You can find it in your Snapchat Memories and export it

Save and Export Photos/Videos

  • Open the photo/video you want to save
  • Tap the download icon in the bottom left
  • Tap “Save Photo” or “Save Video”
  • Go to your device’s photo gallery to find it

Once you have the photos, videos, and conversations saved externally, you can safely delete Snapchat knowing you have copies of your important memories and interactions.

What About Your Snapchat Friends?

When you delete your Snapchat account, your friends will no longer see you in their friend lists. You essentially “ghost” your connections.

If there are close friends you want to give a heads up to before deleting Snapchat forever, you could:

  • Let them know through another social media platform or messaging app that you’ll be leaving Snapchat.
  • Ask your best friends for their number so you can stay in touch outside of Snapchat.
  • Send your closest Snapchat friends a farewell photo or goodbye message before deleting your account.

Giving advance notice can make your transition off Snapchat a little smoother. But you don’t have to alert everyone – it’s your personal choice!

Should You Delete Snapchat from Your Phone Too?

Once your Snapchat account is deleted, you may also want to delete the Snapchat app from your mobile device. Here’s how:

On iPhone/iPad

  1. Find the Snapchat app icon on your home screen
  2. Press and hold the Snapchat app icon until they all start shaking
  3. Tap the “X” that appears on the Snapchat app icon
  4. Tap “Delete” to confirm

On Android

  1. Open your app drawer and press and hold the Snapchat app icon
  2. Drag the icon up to “Uninstall”
  3. Tap “OK” to confirm the uninstall

Removing Snapchat from your phone or tablet ensures you won’t be tempted to reinstall it or check in out of habit. An extra step that helps cement your commitment to moving on!

Pros of Deleting Snapchat

Deleting your Snapchat account can offer many benefits. Here are some of the major pros:

  • More privacy – Without Snapchat, you have more control over your photos, videos, and data. You don’t have to worry about accidental oversharing or your information being accessed.
  • Increased focus – Leaving Snapchat means one less distraction pulling your attention. You can better concentrate on work, school, family, hobbies, or whatever matters most.
  • Less peer pressure – FOMO and pressure to always share photos or check on what friends are posting can disappear when you leave Snapchat.
  • More free time – The average user spends 40 minutes per day on Snapchat! You’ll gain a significant amount of time back in your day without it.
  • Confidence boost – Quitting any addictive app can make you feel proud and give you a sense of control over your digital life.

Many people report feeling happier and more intentional with their time after quitting Snapchat for good. It can be a liberating move.

Cons of Deleting Snapchat

However, there are also a few downsides to be aware of with deleting your Snapchat account:

  • Losing memories – Once your account is gone, all saved photos, videos, conversations, and Stories will be erased unless you exported them.
  • Disconnecting from friends – You lose your Snapchat connections and have to stay in touch other ways or risk losing contact.
  • Missing out on news – From local events to global news, you may feel out of the loop without checking Snapchat Stories.
  • Decreased digital skills – Using Snachat requires learning new tech skills, which can be lost if you quit entirely.
  • FOMO – You may fear missing out on social events, jokes, trends, and connections happening on Snapchat.

Evaluate both the pros and cons of deleting Snapchat to decide what’s right for you. You can also take a break first before making it permanent.

Snapchat Alternatives

If you enjoy certain features of Snapchat but are ready to move on from the app, there are alternatives out there:

  • Instagram – Post stories and images that disappear after 24 hours.
  • WhatsApp – Encrypted messaging and video calls.
  • Telegram – Secure messaging with self-destructing messages.
  • Signal – Encrypted video calling and chat features.
  • Bumble BFF – Match with friends instead of dates.

The best Snapchat replacement depends on the features you used most. But exploring alternative apps can give you the benefits without the downsides.

How to Take a Break from Snapchat First

If you’re unsure about deleting your Snapchat account forever, you could take a temporary break first:

  • Delete the app – Remove Snapchat from your phone to resist the urge to check it constantly.
  • Turn off notifications – Mute all Snapchat alerts so they don’t distract you during your break.
  • Log out of your account – Sign out so you can’t access Snapchat, even through a browser.
  • Let friends know – Share that you’re taking a Snapchat hiatus so people understand if you’re less responsive.

A detox period can give you clarity. Set a timeline, like one month without Snapchat, and reevaluate how you feel after. Then decide if you’re ready to delete your account for good.

Conclusion

Snapchat can be fun but also distracting or addictive for many users. If you want to delete your Snapchat account permanently, just go into your Snapchat settings and select the “Delete Account” option. Confirm again that you want it deleted.

Your account will immediately deactivate. Snapchat notes it can take up to 30 days for all your data to be erased from their servers, but you will no longer be able to access anything. Make sure you export any important memories or contacts before deleting.

While there are pros like increased privacy and productivity, also weigh the cons like losing touch with friends. Taking a break from Snapchat first can give you some trial separation. But once your account is gone after 30 days, it’s gone for good! Deleting Snapchat is ultimately a personal choice that many users make when they feel ready to move on.