Snapchat deletion is permanent and takes 30 days
When you delete your Snapchat account, the app gives you 30 days to change your mind. During those 30 days, your account is deactivated — you cannot log in, but Snapchat keeps your data. After 30 days pass, Snapchat permanently removes your account, messages, photos, and all other data from their servers. You cannot recover the account after that point.
If you want to keep your account but just stop using the app, you can log out instead. Logging out leaves your account active so you can return later. But if you want the account gone entirely, deletion is the only option.
Key Takeaways
- Deleting your account takes 30 days to complete, and you can cancel the deletion anytime during that window by logging back in.
- You must delete through the Snapchat website or the account settings in the app — there is no other way to start the process.
- After 30 days, Snapchat permanently removes all your data, including saved messages, photos, and your username.
- If you only want to stop using Snapchat temporarily, logging out is faster and keeps your account available to reactivate.
How to delete your account through the Snapchat website
The easiest way to delete your account is through Snapchat's website on a computer. Go to accounts.snapchat.com and log in with your username and password. Click your profile icon in the top right corner, then select Username to go to your account page.
Scroll down to find Delete Account near the bottom of the page. Click it. Snapchat will ask you to enter your password again to confirm. Type it in and click Delete Account a second time. You will see a message saying your account is scheduled for deletion in 30 days. That is the entire process — you do not need to do anything else.
How to delete your account through the Snapchat app
You can also delete your account directly from the app on your phone. Open Snapchat and tap your profile icon in the top left corner. Tap the settings icon (the gear) in the top right. Scroll down and tap Delete Account.
Snapchat will ask for your password. Enter it and tap Delete Account again. You will see the same confirmation message — your account is now scheduled for deletion in 30 days. The app will log you out when ready after you confirm.
What happens during the 30-day waiting period
For 30 days after you request deletion, your account is deactivated. You cannot log in, send messages, or use any Snapchat features. Your friends cannot see your profile or contact you through Snapchat. However, Snapchat still has all your data on their servers during this time.
If you change your mind, you can cancel the deletion by logging back into your account anytime during the 30 days. straightforward go to accounts.snapchat.com or open the app and enter your username and password. Your account will reactivate when ready, and the deletion request will be cancelled. Your messages, photos, and friends list will all be restored.
What gets deleted when your account is permanently removed
After 30 days, Snapchat removes your username, profile information, friends list, chat history, saved photos and videos, and any other data tied to your account. Your username becomes available for someone else to use. Any photos or videos you sent to friends are also deleted from Snapchat's servers, though friends who saved those messages to their phones will still have their own copies.
Stories you posted are deleted. Memories you saved in the app are deleted. Snapchat Streaks (the counter showing consecutive days you and a friend exchanged messages) end for everyone involved. There is no way to recover any of this information after the 30 days are up.
Difference between deleting and deactivating your account
Snapchat uses the word "deactivate" during the 30-day waiting period, but this is not the same as a permanent deactivation option. Some apps let you deactivate an account (pause it temporarily) separately from deleting it (remove it forever). Snapchat only has one option: request deletion, wait 30 days, and then it is gone.
If you want to stop using Snapchat but keep the option to return, do not request deletion. Instead, straightforward log out of the app. Your account will remain active and you can log back in anytime. Your username, friends, and messages will all still be there.
What to do if you cannot access your account
If you forgot your password or cannot log in, you can still request account deletion. Go to accounts.snapchat.com and click Forgot password? Enter your email address or username. Snapchat will send a password reset link to your email. Click the link, create a new password, and log in. Then follow the deletion steps above.
If you no longer have access to the email address linked to your account, contact Snapchat support through the app or website. Open the app, go to settings, and tap Help. Select Contact Us and describe your situation. Snapchat support can help you regain access or delete the account without logging in, though this process may take longer than the standard deletion route.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I delete my account if I have an active Snapchat Streak?
Yes, you can delete your account at any time, even if you have active Streaks with friends. When your account is deleted, all Streaks end for everyone involved. Your friends will see that the Streak is broken, but they will not be told that you deleted your account.
Will my friends know I deleted my account?
Your friends will not receive a notification that you deleted your account. They will straightforward see that you are no longer in their friends list and cannot message you. If they try to view your profile, they will see an error or find that your profile no longer exists.
Can I use the same username after I delete my account?
No. Once your account is permanently deleted after 30 days, your username is released and can be claimed by someone else. You cannot create a new account with the same username. You would need to choose a different username if you wanted to return to Snapchat.
What if I delete my account but want to come back later?
You have 30 days to log back in and cancel the deletion. After 30 days, the account is gone permanently and cannot be recovered. If you think you might return to Snapchat in the future, consider logging out instead of deleting, so your account stays active and ready to use.
Does deleting my account remove me from group chats?
During the 30-day deactivation period, you are removed from all group chats and your friends cannot message you. After the account is permanently deleted, you stay removed. Any messages you sent to group chats before deletion remain visible to other members, but they will not be able to contact you or see your profile.