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 still holds your data. After 30 days pass, Snapchat permanently removes your account, messages, photos, and all other data from their servers. There is no way to recover the account after that point.
If you only want to stop using Snapchat temporarily, you can log out instead of deleting. Logging out keeps your account intact so you can return later. But if you want the account gone for good, deletion is the only option.
Key Takeaways
- You delete Snapchat through the app's settings, not through your phone's app store, and the deletion takes effect when ready even though you have 30 days to cancel.
- Your account is deactivated for 30 days, during which you cannot log in but Snapchat keeps your data in case you change your mind.
- After 30 days, Snapchat permanently removes your account and all associated data, and this cannot be reversed.
- If you only want to take a break, logging out is faster and keeps your account available to return to later.
- Snapchat will not delete your account if you straightforward delete the app from your phone — you must go through the account settings to start the deletion process.
How to delete your account from the Snapchat app
Open Snapchat and tap your profile icon in the top left corner. This takes you to your profile page. Tap the gear icon in the top right to open Settings.
Scroll down and tap "Account." You will see several account options here. Tap "Delete Account" at the bottom of this menu. Snapchat will ask you to enter your password to confirm. Type your password and tap "Delete Account" again. The app will show a message saying your account is scheduled for deletion and will be permanently removed in 30 days.
At this point, you are logged out of the app. If you change your mind within the 30-day window, you can log back in with your username and password, and the deletion will be cancelled. Once you log in, your account returns to normal and the deletion timer stops.
What happens during the 30-day waiting period
During these 30 days, your account is deactivated. You cannot log in, send messages, post stories, or use any Snapchat features. Your friends cannot see your profile or contact you through Snapchat. However, Snapchat keeps all your data — your messages, photos, account information, and friend list — on their servers in case you decide to cancel the deletion.
You do not need to do anything during this period. The deletion happens automatically after 30 days pass. You will not receive a reminder from Snapchat when the 30 days are almost up, so if you think you might want to keep your account, mark the deletion date on your calendar.
How to cancel the deletion before 30 days are up
If you decide you want to keep your account, open Snapchat and log in with your username and password. Use the same password you used before you requested deletion. Once you log in successfully, your account is reactivated when ready and the deletion is cancelled. Your friends, messages, photos, and all other data return to normal.
You can cancel the deletion as many times as you want during the 30-day period. There is no limit to how many times you can log back in and cancel. However, once the 30 days have passed and you have not logged in, the account and all its data are permanently deleted and cannot be recovered.
The difference between deleting and deactivating
Snapchat uses the term "deactivation" for the 30-day waiting period and "deletion" for the permanent removal after 30 days. Some people use these words to mean the same thing, but technically they are different stages of the same process. When you request deletion through settings, you are starting the deactivation phase. Deletion is what happens automatically at the end.
Other apps sometimes offer a separate "deactivate" option that is different from deletion — deactivation might be temporary and reversible forever, while deletion is permanent. Snapchat does not work this way. There is only one option: delete, which deactivates for 30 days and then permanently deletes.
Why straightforward deleting the app does not delete your account
If you delete the Snapchat app from your phone, your account stays active on Snapchat's servers. Your friends can still see your profile, send you messages, and contact you. You can reinstall the app and log back in without any trouble. Deleting the app is just removing the software from your device — it does not touch your account.
This is why going through the account settings is necessary. The settings option tells Snapchat's servers to deactivate your account, not just your phone. If you want your account gone, you must use the "Delete Account" option in Settings, not the app store.
What to do if you cannot access your account
If you forgot your password or cannot log in for another reason, you cannot delete your account through the app. Instead, go to the Snapchat website at accounts.snapchat.com and click "Forgot password?" to reset it. Follow the steps to create a new password, then open the app and log in with the new password. Once you are logged in, you can follow the deletion steps above.
If you cannot reset your password because you no longer have access to the email or phone number linked to your account, you will need to contact Snapchat support. Go to support.snapchat.com and describe your situation. Snapchat support can help you regain access to your account so you can delete it, though this process may take several days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone else delete my Snapchat account?
No. Snapchat requires your password to delete the account, so only you can start the deletion process. If someone else has your password, they could delete your account, but Snapchat cannot delete it on your behalf without your direct request through your account.
Will my friends know I deleted my account?
Your friends will notice you are gone from their friend list, but Snapchat does not send a notification saying you deleted your account. They will straightforward see that you are no longer there. If you want to tell them, you would need to contact them separately through another app or method.
Can I delete my account and create a new one with the same username?
Not when ready. Once you delete your account, Snapchat holds that username for a period of time to prevent someone else from taking it. You can create a new account with a different username right away, but you cannot reuse the old username for several months. Snapchat does not publish the exact waiting period.
What happens to my Snapchat memories after deletion?
Snapchat Memories are stored on Snapchat's servers, not just on your phone. When your account is permanently deleted after 30 days, all your Memories are deleted along with it. If you want to keep any photos or videos, read them to your phone before you request account deletion.
Does deleting Snapchat remove my data from Snapchat's backup systems?
After 30 days, Snapchat removes your data from their active servers. However, Snapchat may keep backup copies of deleted data for a limited time for technical and legal reasons. For details on how long Snapchat retains backup data, check their privacy policy at snap.com/privacy.