Quick Answer
It is not actually possible to have a Snapchat memory from 1970, as Snapchat was not created until 2011. Snapchat memories are based on the timestamps of the photos and videos you take in the app. So if you have a memory dated from decades ago, it means the timestamp or date setting on your phone was incorrect when you took that Snap. Here are some common reasons you may see very old memories on Snapchat:
- Your phone’s date was set incorrectly in the past when you took the Snap.
- The Snap was taken on an old device and then uploaded to your current device, carrying the old timestamp.
- It’s a glitch in the app pulling the wrong metadata.
To fix it, you can delete the memory or update your phone’s time/date settings. The memory itself does not mean your account is compromised or anything was posted from 1970.
Looking at How Snapchat Memories Work
Snapchat Memories are generated automatically based on the timestamps of your Snaps and Stories. Here are some key points about how it works:
- The Memories feature scans the timestamp metadata of all your Snaps and Stories.
- Any Snaps or Stories from today or on a past anniversary of their posting will show up as a Memory.
- Memories are typically from 1 year ago, but can be older.
- The metadata comes from when the Snap was originally taken in the app.
So for a Memory to show up from 1970, the Snap would have had to been taken with your phone set to that year. Let’s explore why that date mix-up can happen.
Reasons You May See Very Old Memories
There are a few reasons your Snapchat Memories could show a date from many decades ago, even if that’s not when you actually took the Snap. Potential reasons include:
Your Phone’s Date Was Incorrect
The most common reason for extremely old Snapchat Memories is that your phone’s date setting was incorrect when you originally took the Snap. For example:
- You manually set your phone’s date to the wrong year in the past.
- Your phone’s date reset to a random past date due to a software bug or glitch.
- The date didn’t properly update on your phone due to connectivity issues.
So if your phone thought it was 1970 when you took the Snap, that incorrect timestamp gets saved to the metadata and later shown as a Memory.
Uploading From an Old Device
Another possibility is that you took the Snap on an older device, like an old smartphone from years ago. When you eventually uploaded that old Snap to your current device, the original timestamp came with it.
So even though you uploaded it recently, the old metadata made it look like it came from decades ago!
A Glitch in Snapchat
Less likely, but still possible – the Memory could be showing the wrong date due to a glitch or bug within the Snapchat app. The app may have pulled incorrect metadata from your Snap and displayed the wrong date.
These types of glitches are usually intermittent and random. So if you delete the Memory, it likely won’t show up again with the same problem date.
How to Fix Snapchat Memories With the Wrong Date
Here are some tips to resolve Snapchat Memories that show a very old, incorrect date:
Delete the Memory
The easiest solution is just deleting the Memory with the wrong date. To do this:
- Go to your Snapchat Memories tab.
- Find the Memory with the incorrect date.
- Tap and hold on the Memory thumbnail.
- Tap “Delete” to remove it.
Deleting it will stop the Memory from reappearing on that wrong anniversary again.
Adjust Your Camera and Phone Date Settings
To avoid taking any new Snaps with the incorrect date, also check your camera and phone date settings:
- Make sure your smartphone’s date and time are set correctly.
- Check that your camera app date settings match your phone’s date.
- In your phone Settings, turn “Set Automatically” on for the date and time.
This will sync your date and time accurately going forward.
Contact Snapchat Support
If you think the issue is due to a deeper glitch or bug in the app, you can also contact Snapchat Support. They may be able to investigate and fix any issues on the back-end causing the Memory to show the wrong date.
Why You Shouldn’t Worry About Very Old Memories
While very old Snapchat Memories are confusing, they are not something to be concerned about for your account’s security or privacy:
- It doesn’t mean your account was compromised or hacked.
- No Snaps were actually posted from the past date shown.
- Your personal information wasn’t at risk.
- Other users didn’t see Snaps with the old timestamp.
So you can rest assured it’s just a case of incorrect metadata. With a few fixes, the Memories issue should be resolved!
The Bottom Line
Seeing a Snapchat Memory apparently from 1970 or other decades ago is always due to the date being incorrect when you first took the Snap. Whether it’s a glitch, old device, or incorrect settings, the Memories feature simply pulls the erroneous timestamp. It’s not actually possible to post on Snapchat before the app existed! By deleting the Memory or adjusting your date settings, you can get rid of the confusion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone hack my Snapchat and post old photos?
No, it is not possible for someone to hack your account and post old photos with artificial timestamps. The very old Memories are caused by incorrect dates associated with your own Snaps.
Could the old Memories be Snaps I saved from elsewhere and uploaded to Snapchat?
Yes, saving an old photo from your camera roll or another app can carry the original incorrect timestamp over when uploading it to Snapchat. This makes it look like an old Snapchat Memory.
Will other Snapchat users see my Memories with the wrong date?
No, the Memories date issues only affect what you see in your own Memories tab. Other users only see the Snaps according to when you actually sent them.
What if my phone is showing the right date, but Snapchat Memories are still wrong?
This likely means the Snap was taken at a time in the past when your phone’s date was temporarily incorrect. The timestamp didn’t update retroactively. But new Snaps should have the proper date.
Why don’t my Memories go back more than 1-2 years if I’ve had Snapchat longer?
Snapchat’s algorithm for Memories mainly surfaces Snaps from the past 1-2 years. Even if you have older Snaps, they don’t get featured as much in the Memories feed. You have to search to find older Memories.
Conclusion
In summary, Snapchat Memories with extremely old dates are harmless but confusing glitches. With smartphone dates not always being perfect, it’s reasonably common to end up with the occasional Memory showing decades ago. But a quick settings check and deleting the Memory will resolve the issue. The core Snapchat user experience remains secure and fun!