The world of social media is ever-changing and ever-changing and trendy. While last month you might have been happy sending Snaps, posting Stories, and keeping Snapstreaks, this month, the multimedia messaging service might be looking a little dated.
Merely deleting the Snapchat app from your smartphone will not close your account. If you want to deactivate, delete or deactivate Snapchat, we’ll tell you how.
Snapchat will now add a watermark to users’ AI-generated images
(Editor’s note: If you’re feeling cyberbullied and want to delete Snapchat, you can find a place to get advice and support online through the Cybersmile Foundation.)
Tips to deactivate Snapchat
Unlike other social media platforms, Snapchat does not allow you to temporarily deactivate your account. The only way to deactivate your Snapchat account is to go through the deletion process, which will give you 30 days to reactivate your Snapchat account.
If you want to go down this route and see if you can live without the social media service, then follow our advice on how to delete Snapchat below. You can then set a reminder a few days before the 30-day deadline so you can make a final decision on whether to deactivate or reactivate your account.
Before you decide to delete Snapchat…
Before deleting your Snapchat account, you may want to download your Snapchat data. This is well within your rights and relatively simple. In fact, you can choose to do this at any time, not just because you want to delete your account.
Please note that for security reasons you will need a verified email address to download materials.
Mix and match speed of light
How to download Snapchat data
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iPhone
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Snapshot
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Verified email address
Step 1: Sign in to Snapchat at accounts.snapchat.com
You cannot download Snapchat data through the app. If you don’t log in to the website often, you may get a “suspicious login” page.
Credit: Snapshot
Step 2: Enter the code that the website will send to you via SMS or your registered email address.
Step 3: Click “My Information” on the account homepage.
Credit: Snapshot
Step 4: Scroll to the bottom of the page and select “Submit Request.”
This screen explains the types of data that Snapchat has on file for you. You should receive a copy of your Snapchat profile (ZIP archive) to your verified email address within 24 hours. Please note that you will need to wait until you receive this information before deleting your account, otherwise the ZIP file will not be sent.
Credit: Snapshot
Permanently deactivate and delete your Snapchat account
As we have already explained, the Snapchat deletion process gives you a 30-day cooling-off period, which means you can change your mind during this time.
How to delete your Snapchat
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iPhone
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Snapshot
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Verified email address
Step 1: Sign in to Snapchat at accounts.snapchat.com.
Step 2: Enter the Snapchat account management screen.
Step 3: Scroll down the page and select “Delete My Account.”
Credit:Snapchat
Step 4: Enter your username and password. Select Continue.
The Delete Account page gives you an in-depth look at the process.
Credit: Snapshot
That’s it! To the wider world, your Snapchat account no longer exists. Your Snapchat account is now officially deactivated, which means friends will no longer be able to connect with you on Snapchat. After 30 days, your account will be permanently deleted.
If you have verified your email address using Snapchat, you will receive a confirmation email after final verification.
You’ll see this message when you successfully deactivate your account.
Credit:Snapchat
Exercise your right to change your mind and reactivate your Snapchat account
If you change your mind within the 30-day deactivation period, you can reactivate your Snapchat account. To do this, just log into Snapchat using your username (not email) and password.
It can sometimes take up to 24 hours to reactivate a deactivated account. If you try to do this within 24 hours, you may see a “User not found” error message. Wait and try again.
Can I reactivate my Snapchat account after 30 days?
We’re sorry if you would like to access your old account again, but this is not possible. According to a Snapchat spokesperson, permanently deleting an account means all account settings, friends, Snaps, chats, stories, device data and location data will be deleted from the main user database.
Generally speaking, if you want to use Snapchat again, you can create a brand new account – but you won’t be able to use your old username, even if it hasn’t been snatched away. A spokesperson for Snapchat said new users cannot claim any previously owned usernames. Since all data has been deleted, you must manually add back all friends and recreate any content you may have. so please make sure you real Get out before you unplug!
Related video: How to permanently delete your social media
This article was originally published in January 2021 and updated in June 2024.
