Snapchat is a popular social media app that allows users to send photo and video messages that disappear after being viewed. One of Snapchat’s key features is that content shared on the platform is meant to be ephemeral. However, many users still have questions around how deleting a Snapchat account works and how long it takes for all of their data to be removed from Snapchat’s servers. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of the Snapchat account deletion process and timeline.
How to Delete a Snapchat Account
If you have decided you want to delete your Snapchat account, the process is relatively straightforward:
- Open the Snapchat app and go to your profile page
- Tap the settings icon in the top right corner
- Scroll down and tap “Support”
- Tap “My Account”
- Tap “Delete My Account” at the bottom
- On the “Delete My Account” page, tap “Continue”
- Enter your username and password when prompted
- Select “Delete My Account” to confirm
You will then see a confirmation screen notifying you that your account has been queued for deletion.
How Long Does it Take for Snapchat to Delete an Account?
Once you have submitted a request to delete your Snapchat account, there is a 30-day window before your account will be permanently deleted. During this 30-day timeframe, your account is deactivated but still exists on Snapchat’s servers.
Here is an overview of what happens during the 30-day deletion waiting period:
- Your profile is removed from view for other users
- You will not show up as a suggested or searchable friend
- You cannot log back into your account
- Snapchat states they begin deleting some data from their servers
However, some user data likely still remains on Snapchat’s servers during these 30 days in case you change your mind and decide to reactivate your account.
Once the full 30 days have elapsed, Snapchat will permanently erase your account and all associated personal information. This includes:
- Your username
- Phone number
- Snap history
- Chat logs
- Groups
- Memories
- Contacts
- Location data
- Online behavior and usage data
So in summary, the timeframe for Snapchat to fully delete your account after you submit the request is approximately 30 days. There may still be some data remaining for part of that window, but after the 30 days Snapchat claims the deletion is complete.
Why Does It Take 30 Days to Delete a Snapchat Account?
You may be wondering, if Snapchat’s whole premise is impermanence, why does it take a whole month to delete an account?
There are a few reasons Snapchat provides this 30-day waiting period:
- Account recovery: Snapchat provides a window for users to log back into their account in case they changed their mind or deleted it by accident.
- Legal obligations: Snapchat may be required to keep some records for a certain time period to comply with legal requests.
- Backend processes: Full deletion requires backing up data, deleting across multiple servers and databases, and other backend procedures.
- User experience: Immediate and irreversible deletion could degrade experiences if important connections are lost.
Essentially, the 30-day timeframe gives Snapchat time to fully deactivate your account across all their systems while providing you with a window to reverse the deletion if desired.
Can You Recover a Deleted Snapchat Account?
Since Snapchat initiates a 30-day waiting period before permanently deleting an account, it is possible to recover your account during that time frame.
Here are the steps to recover a deleted Snapchat account within 30 days:
- Download the Snapchat app and go through the signup flow
- When prompted to create a new username, instead enter your old/deleted username
- Go to your email inbox and look for an email from Snapchat
- The email will contain a link to revert your account deactivation
- Click the link in the email and follow the instructions to reactivate your old account
This process will restore your previously deleted Snapchat account and all its associated data.
However, if it has been over 30 days since you initiated the account deletion, then unfortunately the account and its data is likely gone forever. The window to recover and restore the account has closed.
Does Snapchat Delete Old Snap Data?
In addition to fully deleting accounts, Snapchat also automatically deletes older snaps and chats from their servers after a set timeframe.
Here is an overview of how long different Snapchat data is stored before being deleted:
| Snapchat Data Type | Storage Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Snaps | When opened by recipient and sender |
| Stories | 24 hours |
| Chat History | Varies – can restore within 30 days |
| Memories | Until manually deleted by user |
| Location Data | Varies based on privacy settings |
As you can see, Snapchat automatically deletes most data shared on the platform within 24 hours to several weeks, with the exception of Memories which are saved until manually removed.
Does Deactivating Your Snapchat Account Delete it?
No, deactivating your Snapchat account is different from fully deleting it. Deactivation simply hides your profile and prevents you from logging in temporarily.
When you deactivate your account:
- Your data is still stored on Snapchat’s servers
- Your username is still taken and can’t be used by others
- You can easily reactivate your account at any time
Deactivation is essentially putting your account on pause. Full deletion requires submitting an account removal request through Snapchat’s support options.
Should You Notify Friends Before Deleting Snapchat?
Since deleting your Snapchat account erases your connections and shared history, it can be courteous to notify close friends first before deleting your account.
Here are some tips on how to notify your Snapchat network:
- Post a story saying you are taking a break from Snapchat or deleting it
- Change your username to include “deleting soon”
- Send important chats/memories you want to save with friends
- Export your data for your records
- Send a mass Snap informing contacts you are leaving
Notifying friends gives them a chance to save any memories or contacts they want before you delete your account and erase the shared history. However, you don’t have to alert anyone if you would prefer a lower-profile exit.
Can You Tell if Someone Deleted Their Snapchat?
When someone deletes their Snapchat account entirely, there are a few clear indicators:
- Their username will become available to claim
- They will disappear from your Friends list
- Your shared Snap history will be erased
- Sending them Snaps will fail or say “pending”
- Old group chats with them will disappear
- Their public Snapchat score will be reset to zero
Essentially, it will appear as if they had never had a Snapchat account. All traces of their profile and activity history are removed once the account is permanently deleted after 30 days.
Conclusion
Deleting your Snapchat account completely removes your presence from the platform, but the process takes about 30 days to fully complete after initiating the deletion request. Within the 30 day window, your account is deactivated but can still be recovered if desired. After 30 days, Snapchat permanently erases your account and data from their servers. Understanding the account deletion timeline allows you to plan your exit accordingly and notify friends if desired. Overall, deleting your Snapchat account completely can take 30 days but ultimately removes your profile and all personal data from Snapchat’s systems.