Deactivating Snapchat is not permanent – you can easily reactivate your account if you change your mind. Here’s an overview of what deactivating your Snapchat account means and how to do it.
What happens when you deactivate Snapchat?
When you deactivate your Snapchat account, here’s what happens:
- Your profile is removed from view, and you stop showing up as a friend or contact.
- You stop receiving Snaps, Chats, Calls, etc. You also can’t send Snaps or Chat with friends.
- Your Snapchat Memories are deleted.
- Your Snapchat score is reset to 0.
- Your Bitmoji will disappear from your friends’ friend lists and maps.
- Your Snapchat display name becomes “Ghost” until you reactivate.
Essentially, deactivating makes it appear like you don’t have a Snapchat account anymore. However, your data is stored for 30 days in case you want to reactivate your account within that timeframe.
How to deactivate your Snapchat account
Deactivating your Snapchat account is easy to do:
- Open the Snapchat app and go to your profile page.
- Tap the Settings (gear) icon in the top-right corner.
- Scroll down and select “Account Actions.”
- Tap “Deactivate Account.”
- On the “Deactivate Account” page, select a reason for deactivating or tap “Other.”
- Type in your Snapchat password to confirm.
- Tap “Continue” to deactivate the account.
And that’s it! Your Snapchat will immediately be deactivated. You’ll be logged out and won’t be able to log back in unless you reactivate your account.
How long does Snapchat account deactivation last?
Snapchat keeps your account information for 30 days after deactivating. During this time, you can still log back into Snapchat normally to reactivate your account. All your data and friends will be restored.
After 30 days, your account will be permanently deleted by Snapchat. Once it’s permanently deleted, there is no way to retrieve the account or data.
Can you reactivate a deactivated Snapchat account?
Yes, you can easily reactivate a deactivated Snapchat account:
- Log into Snapchat with your username and password like normal.
- Tap “Reactivate” on the prompts after logging in.
- Snapchat will restore your account with all your data.
As long as you reactivate within 30 days of deactivating, you’ll get back your account just as it was before. Reactivating brings back your profile, friends, memories, score, etc.
I changed my mind – how do I restore my deactivated Snapchat?
Don’t worry if you regret deactivating your Snapchat – you have 30 days to undo it and get your account back:
- Simply log into Snapchat with your username and password.
- Tap “Reactivate” when prompted after logging in.
- Snapchat will restore everything on your account.
As long as it’s still within 30 days of deactivating, you can bring back your deactivated Snapchat like normal. Just be sure to reactivate before the 30 days is up.
Can someone else claim your Snapchat username after deactivating?
No, someone else cannot take your Snapchat username after you deactivate your account. Here’s why:
- Your username is still associated with your account for 30 days after deactivating.
- No one else can register that exact username during the 30 day period.
- If you reactivate within 30 days, you get your original username back.
- After 30 days, your account is deleted and your username is permanently removed.
So you don’t have to worry about someone else claiming your Snapchat username. It stays associated with your account in case you change your mind and reactivate.
What happens to your Snapchat Memories when your account is deactivated?
Unfortunately, your Snapchat Memories are deleted immediately when you deactivate your account. Here’s what happens:
- All your saved Snapchat photos, videos, stories, etc. are erased.
- There is no way to access or recover deleted Memories after deactivating.
- If you reactivate within 30 days, your empty Memories folder will be restored.
- After 30 days, your Memories are permanently deleted with your account.
So make sure to screenshot or save any important Memories you want to keep before deactivating your Snapchat account.
Can you deactivate a child’s Snapchat account that you manage?
Yes, as a parent managing your child’s Snapchat account with Family Center, you can deactivate their Snapchat:
- Go to Family Center and select your child’s account.
- Tap “Account Actions.”
- Select “Deactivate [Child’s] Account.”
- Confirm by tapping “Deactivate Account.”
Your child’s Snapchat account will be immediately deactivated. You can reactivate it for them at any point within 30 days if you change your mind.
Conclusion
Deactivating your Snapchat account is a reversible action – you can restore your account within 30 days by simply logging back in and tapping “Reactivate.” After 30 days, however, deactivation becomes permanent deletion. So don’t deactivate your account if you may want it back in the future.
When deactivated, your profile, friends list, Memories, and other data are hidden but stored for 30 days. Nothing is public and you can’t send or receive Snaps. Reactivating brings back your account exactly as it was.
Overall, deactivating Snapchat provides a temporary break from the app while keeping your username reserved. Just remember to reactivate within 30 days if you want your account back!