How to Delete Snapchat

Difference between deleting and deactivating Snapchat

Deleting Snapchat removes all your data for good after a 30-day recovery window. Deactivating Snapchat suspends your account and data, leaving you on a 30-day reactivation period.

When you delete your Snapchat account, it means:

• you permanently delete your account (if you stay logged out for 30 days)
• your account will appear deactivated for other Snapchat users
• once the 30-day restore window passes, your snaps, chats, and settings will become irretrievable

When you deactivate Snapchat, it means:

• you temporarily disable Snapchat, rendering your profile invisible
• your data stays put in case you change your mind and log in within 30 days
• if you stay logged out for 30 days, your account and related data will be removed for good

Impact on your data after deleting or deactivating Snapchat

Deciding between deleting and deactivating Snapchat? Before making the decision, you should understand what will happen to your memories, snaps, and chats.

Here’s what happens to your data and content if you delete or deactivate Snapchat:

• Your unsaved Snaps and Stories disappear as per Snapchat’s ephemeral messaging design.
• Profile friends and contact list will be lost upon deletion. You can retrieve it if you decide to reactivate the account.
• Your data is permanently removed from Snapchat's servers when you delete your account for good. It's archived for 30 days before being permanently deleted.
• In case of permanent deletion, you forfeit any perks tied to your Snapchat+ subscription.
• Some info, (e.g., your purchase records) might be retained by the platform for legal or business purposes.

Be mindful of what information you share on Snapchat and other social media. With cyberstalking on the rise, it might be good to limit data sharing. Wonder how to prevent cyberstalking? Arm yourself with these safety tips:

• Don't publish private info online
• Never click on links in an email
• Use strong passwords everywhere
• Use a VPN when on public Wi-Fi
• Do not accept “friend requests” from strangers

How to protect your privacy before deleting Snapchat

Online safety should be your top priority. While Snapchat didn’t make our list of apps that spy on you, it doesn’t mean you’re completely protected. So, take care of your digital footprint before bidding Snapchat goodbye.

Here’s how you can protect your privacy before you remove your Snapchat account:

1. Download Snapchat data. Go to Settings > My Data, and request your information for backup before terminating your profile.
2. Revoke third-party app access to your Snapchat account (if you linked any).
3. Remove the saved Memories, like photos, videos, or Stories.
4. Change your password or, better yet, unlink your phone number to avoid its misuse in case your account shows Snapchat hacked signs (screenshot notifications, suspicious logouts, unfamiliar account activity, etc.).

All of your digital activities, whether on Snapchat or elsewhere, leave a residual digital footprint. When you sign up for a new platform, share photos, and chat, all data remains in the online space, often attacked by hackers. So, it’s important to secure your device with anti-spy protection software to guard against lingering security risks.

With Clario's Anti-spy setup, you can alter your device's security. By simply following its recommendations, you'll strengthen your defenses and bring peace of mind to your digital life.

Here’s how to use Clario's Anti-spy setup:

1. Install Clario Anti Spy on your mobile phone and set up an account.
2. Tap on the Anti-spy setup feature.
3. Tap what you want to protect, then simply follow the guide.

How to remove Snapchat account

To remove your Snapchat account on iOS, log into your account via the app, tap your profile icon, then the Settings cog, and select Delete Account. To remove Snapchat on Android and desktop, log in via accounts.snapchat.com, select Delete my account, then click Continue.

Follow more detailed instructions below.  

1. Remove Snapchat on iOS

Here’s how to remove your Snapchat account on the iOS app:

1. Open the Snapchat app and tap on your profile icon.
2. Tap the gear icon.
3. Scroll down to see Delete Account. Tap on it.
4. Log in (with your username or email and password) and tap Continue.

2. Delete Snapchat on Android

Unfortunately, for Android users, deleting Snapchat isn’t possible directly from the app. You will have to do it via the web browser.

Here’s how to delete your Snapchat account on Android:

1. Go to the Snapchat account portal and log in.
2. Select Delete my account.
3. Enter your username and password, then hit Continue.

Once you confirm deletion, you will have 30 days to recover it in case you change your mind. If you stay logged out during that period, the account will be removed for good.

3. Delete Snapchat via the web browser

To delete Snapchat via the web browser, follow the instructions for the web browser I listed above.

How to recover deleted Snapchat account

You can easily recover a deleted Snapchat account within the 30-day deactivation period your account entered when you confirmed its deletion. You can reactivate it by logging back in.

Here’s how to recover a deleted Snapchat account:

1. Enter your login credentials into the app or on the web browser.
2. A message will pop out asking you to confirm reactivation. Tap Confirm.
3. Wait till Snapchat recovers all your account-related data. This may take up to 24 hours.

How to deactivate Snapchat

Perhaps you’re not ready to delete your Snapchat account for good, but you need some detox time. In this case, deactivation may be exactly what you need. Remember: it only lasts as long as 30 days. This is because Snapchat doesn’t allow users to temporarily disable accounts.

So you will have to go through the deletion process (see our instructions above) to disable Snapchat temporarily. Remember to log in before the deactivation period ends or else you risk losing your account-related data for good.

Conclusion

Decided to delete Snapchat? It can be a good way to enjoy a digital detox or limit data sharing across platforms. However, before you delete your account, remember to take care of your privacy. Download your info, unlink third-party apps, disconnect your phone number, etc. Most importantly, keep your accounts and devices protected as you free up your digital space. Use Clario's Anti-spy setup to protect your device and social media accounts from potential cybersecurity threats.